82 IWC Rare, Highly Special and Large, Ingenieur SL “jumbo”, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Black Dial, Reference 1832

Estimate: €16,000 –⁠ 32,000

Model: Ingenieur SL “Jumbo”
Reference: IW1832
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1970’s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2405
Case N°: 2 223 236
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

Famous for designing the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, Gérald Genta was tasked by IWC, at the height of the quartz crisis, to radically redesign the Ingénieur. In the early 1970s, a “scaphander” diving helmet inspired Gérald Genta to adopt a distinctly modernist, technical approach to architecture. In 1976 he helped IWC launch its 3rd generation of the Ingénieur aligning with the brand’s forward-thinking strategy for a complete “steel line” (SL) with a radically different design. The result was the ref. 1832 Ingénieur SL, such as the here offered lot, that initially got off to a slow start, recording only 598 pieces total automatic in steel, making it a true collectable piece also considering the incredible appealing that all Genta’s creations are having in recent years. The cushion-shaped case features 5 distinct recesses in the bezel which are used to apply the screwing tools and further serve as decoration for the watch. Since the bezel was screwed on to a random position, the recesses on the bezel are aligned slightly differently on every watch, giving each one a somewhat different appearance. The steel, three-piece antimagnetic case provides water resistance up to 120 m, further featuring its original crown. Unusually thick by the standards of the day, it creates a noticeable presence on the wrist. The black guilloché dial pattern is modeled after graph paper and is also known as “ardoise”. While not the first Ingénieur (from 1955), the ref. 1832 is perhaps the most beloved and modern given the big dimensions and contemporary design, making it the perfect collectable piece for any watch passionate.