IWC Ingenieur | A Week On The Wrist

When IWC released their latest iteration of the Gerald Genta-designed Ingenieur back in March at Watches & Wonders, I was legitimately excited. Finally, a modern take on a watch from a legendary designer that created such icons as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus that's somehow within my budget. I no longer needed to drool over the nearly impossible to get, let alone afford, Royal Oak Jumbo - and while I don't have the same level of admiration for the Nautilus, I still quite enjoy the look and would gladly get one if I could.
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#iwc #ingenieur

[@rip93ford]

I think iwc would have had an undeniable hit if they sold this for $8-9k, I’m totally okay with them charging a premium for this over the mark xx due to the Genta name. But there’s only so much of a premium I would personally pay for a “name”.

[@wsrobert32]

Do you have the same feelings about the premium charged for a Submariner vs an OP? Same movement in both.

[@Unknown-fl7dj]

​​@@wsrobert32Good point! Although, with the Sub, you get a glide lock clasp, triple lock screw down crown, rotating bezel, better lume, more water resistance, and a date if desired.

[@bobj8877]

​@@wsrobert32but besides the movement a sub functionally does more than an OP. Higher water resistance, ceramic bezel, arguably better clasp. Comparing the Ingenieur to the Mark XX (which I own and love), you have the same movement, same water resistance, same features/complications, and inferior clasp. I am truly interested in the Ingenieur and would gladly buy one exactly as is for a lower price. At its current price, it's hard to ignore the Zenith Defy, Bvlgari OF, Chopard AE, and GP Laureato. To get to the price that IWC wants from these with this movement I'd love to see a few minor tweaks: supreme anti-magnetism (make it the best in this regard), 1-2 mm quick adjust link on each side of the clasp, open caseback, gold/skeletonized rotor, and included rubber strap with EasXchange.

[@MeestroDavid]

And the name you're paying for is only the guy who inspired this new version, which was designed in-house by IWC. It's a bit like VW slapping a premium on the sticker of every Golf it sells because it's an update of a Giugiaro design from 1974.

[@wsrobert32]

No that's a horrible analogy.

[@brettkuroyama4613]

Great looking watch with an awesome history. Terrible price point.

[@bohouss3622]

Indeed sir

[@constantinmiron6980]

Horrible price point!

[@laimejannister5627]

Crown guards ruin the symmetry of the case though, not a good design choice if you ask me

[@abdulrahmanbolboshoot5841]

@@laimejannister5627not everything is about symmetry

[@The_Greg_5000]

Im really skeptical about that wait list. Any consumer item could be artificially wait listed.

[@danr6175]

They are just hyping it up, which this watch totally doesn’t deserve given the movement they put into it and its price-tag.

[@abhi5a]

Haha, they can restrict supply of this watch all they want. For that movement, I’m not paying retail. It’s worth half as much on a good day

[@deb2159]

And now in April of 2024 you can buy one on the grey market at a discount. Huge fail by IWC - they could have priced it appropriately and had a massive success.

[@jmbaug1229]

The old IWC logo is super cool !

[@billperkins4477]

Very much appreciate an at least somewhat honest review from Hodinkee acknowledging some harsh realities about this piece (price and no microadjust). Bravo sir.

[@pierr97430]

This can be a perfect one watch collection

[@jessepiro7075]

Brandon is the best man. I love his reviews so so much!

[@richardwarren2024]

Looks really good, but it feels like IWC is gouging it’s most enthusiastic customers. Given that, it’s not for me, and I’ll spend my dollars elsewhere. That said, I’m excited for everyone who loves this and buys one. Wear it in good health!

[@treznich]

I'll revisit this in a few years as it depreciates on the used market.

[@PreeyenMistry]

Can't believe I'm saying this but I prefer this design over the Royal Oak

[@walkerb1734]

100%. The Royal Oak is just not an attractive watch.

[@AcmeRocket]

I agree

[@Drpdiddy]

Have you handled any of these watches in person? RO is on another planet

[@PB78341]

100% agree

[@TheEzandy]

Yup agree. I just don't get the appeal of the RO.

[@DirtyOatmilk]

Hey you did a great job with this vid. You really broke it down for me. More like this pls!

[@vintko]

Brandon is always an instant click. Great videos.

[@austinzizzi1142]

The iwc logo at the 12 on the original was such a cool art deco design on a futuristic case and then with the printed logo in cursive made it perfect

[@gerardotelese5337]

Best guy on Hodinkee

[@sotiris_stoubos]

I tried the aqua in Dubai and it felt amazing totally worth the price, and that’s the reason I ordered it looking forward to get.

[@AFK-47x]

I know that crossing! Great watch... amazing update on a Genta classic.

[@NicholasCFranklin]

If IWC was in the Hodinkee shop this would be lauded as the greatest value in watchmaking.

[@stevenbird1431]

Great video! I think it’s a lovely watch but the price is SO high! Keep the videos coming👍

[@Sparkadian]

Great review👏

[@HydrateYoSelf]

Brandon makes the best presentations

[@JizzyNinja]

Eh price still is silly, but it’s what a lot of the industry is doing. It would be nice to hear a comparison to other pieces around that price point like the Chopard Alpine Eagle - like those old HODINKEE 3 on 3 videos!

[@bobj8877]

At its current price, it's hard to ignore the Zenith Defy, Bvlgari OF, Chopard AE, and GP Laureato.

[@danr6175]

I give this video a like cause Brendon is just great. As for the watch and the value proposition, well that’s a different story

[@bobj8877]

Comparing the Ingenieur to the Mark XX (which I own and love), you have the same movement, same water resistance, same features/complications, and inferior clasp. I am truly interested in the Ingenieur and would gladly buy one exactly as is for a lower price. At its current price, it's hard to ignore the Zenith Defy, Bvlgari OF, Chopard AE, and GP Laureato. To get to the price that IWC wants from these with this movement I'd love to see a few minor tweaks: supreme anti-magnetism (make it the best in this regard), 1-2 mm quick adjust link on each side of the clasp, open caseback, gold/skeletonized rotor, and included rubber strap with EasXchange.

[@bdegrds]

Compared to mark xx, Finishing on case and bracelet are superior on the ingenieur, dial superior. GP, Zenith, Chopard are all more expensive and not as appealing looking in my opinion. It's a hobby and hobbies are money pits, buy whatever makes you hear music

[@bernardhossmoto]

I love the dial and I am an IWC fan (although I haven't owned one yet). So far the green/bronze Spitfire was my favorite.

[@bigipalabom]

I like the way how you pronounced ingénieur and I used it to tease my French friends

[@kaiserphoenix01]

Stunning looking watch that is built super well. I would have been agreeable to the price had it used a better caliber....

[@edgarasjokubauskas629]

Just waiting for the GMT iteration. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻✨

[@RandySWang]

IWC without any doubt make some of the most outstanding timepieces. The only issue is that they don’t tends to retained a great resale value somehow 😢.

[@KK-od9ss]

Would have put my name in the wait-list immediately if it were 7-8k. At this price point, I'll wait for people dumping them on secondary

[@rampageashton]

The SL version was amazing. They should have done a reissue at 39/40mm. Nice review B.

[@ajmarion]

Beautiful watch, I really do love the looks, but this needs to be half the MSRP

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

If i had the money i would buy it, looks amazing

[@ProizvoL]

отличные часики !! прям понравились 😎

[@ams914]

This movement is also in the IWC Aquatimer and the Baume and Mercier Riviera

[@bdegrds]

No actual proof of the bm, just internet misinformation

[@user-cm3wd5hk1p]

The real star of this one is the fact that Brandon found an overpass in LA without tents

[@oneal14attnet]

Great job Brandon! I would definitely love to compare the Ingeniuer with the Chopard Eagle at €15,300, or the Piaget Polo Date at €13,400 and you’ll see that it comes out quite reasonably in terms of price. Heck the Czapek Antarctique is CHF 22,000 and the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm is €15,100. Folks should keep this all in perspective to the market.

[@Tomb3861]

Totally agree!

[@larzoneth]

great!❤

[@FelixRodriguez-vg9pp]

The Mark XX is pretty hard to beat for the price and design language. But Brandon is so good at this I now see the appeal and a place for this watch in the market! Well done man.

[@michaelh.glassman372]

I bought one today in black. Enjoy it greatly. The look of a Royal Oak or Nautilus for a fortune less

[@zhizian]

Seems like it’s worth the wait. Since the aftermarket price is like 15-18k? Paying a deposit does it means guaranteed?

[@Danielo197]

Nice watch

[@masterwatch]

Ooooh it is nice..

[@oleslaw22]

Did he speed a Week on that overpass? 😂

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Amazing b-roll 👏 and another great production my man! This watch is simply not for me, but I respect it’s design and furthermore designer 👍🏼

[@joshn.5625]

I get the issues people have with the pricing, given that it is an IWC and the movement. Having said this, the watch is beautiful. Aesthetically it is more handsome than the Nautilus in my opinion.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

im here for Brandon's style more than the Ingenieur itself lol

[@Nakkisampyla]

Is the watch for engineers?

[@KMartineauMuisc]

the lack of a micro adjust is a hard no for any 'luxury' brand. I bought the VC Overseas over the AP RO for this fact alone. screw hype if i cant get my $30k watch to fit comfortably.

[@bobj8877]

IWC does offer an adjustable clasp for it as an option. Same one from the Mark XX that is among the best clasps in the business. However, it should be standard instead of a small upcharge....and they need to make and throw in a rubber strap option.

[@brunocda]

I had the chance to try it in the AD. Great watch but it can’t justify the price. For less than half of its price it’s possible to get a B&M Riviera 10715 with the same movement, 39mm, sapphire dial and, in my opinion, better aesthetics solutions (more angular, different dial, etc.). Of course the finishing and execution is better on the IWC but I’m not sure if it’s 2 or 3 times better than the B&M. I would really like a screw down crown on the Riviera (available only for the diver, in 42mm), but I’m still think it’s a great watch for the price… and with a true original design..

[@rassf1]

At that price point, the main comparison for me is with the GP Laureato, which is head and shoulders better than this one, albeit slightly more expensive

[@divertiti]

Have you lived with both watches? Where does your "head and shoulders better" assessment come from

[@rassf1]

@@divertiti Allow me to enlighten you: The Laureato has a level of watchmaking that the Ingenieur doesn't even come close to, and a level of finishing that IWC doesn't achieve even in more expensive models. In addition, the movement (despite IWC claims) is Richemont's replacement for the 2982 (although technically not based on it) and we cannot of course see it (probably for the best). IWC may claim this is in order to enhance anti-magnetism, but there are open case back watches out there with pretty high magnetism tolerances. The GP01800 on the other hand is a bone fide in-house movement with a level of finishing that is definitely worthy of its price. The dial finishing on the Laureato is really great, while I find the Ingenieur to be less elaborate. As to the pattern of the dial, that can be up to personal taste. Not sure what you mean by "live" with both watches, but I have had the opportunity to handle both, including different iterations of the Laureato. I hope that answers your question.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Beautiful design. Price point seems a bit like no-man’s land to me. At 8-9k it’s a buy. At 13k folks will likely hold out for other, more exclusive brands.

[@LeonXOV]

For the price they’re asking you really be better spend on a GP Laureato. More prestigious brand (same league as JLC, Blancpain, Breguet) and overall a better looking watch.

[@tudorserban111]

If you're going to play in the same price bracket as Rolex, you'd better be prepared to compete with Rolex. And this thing doesn't.

[@ronnieholm8838]

What brand is the green shirt in the video?

[@mikeyfontana8426]

Found it! Type into google: Todd Snyder SUN-FADED MIDWEIGHT POCKET SWEATSHIRT IN ARMY GREEN

[@Thepp999]

Hi, what is the brand of sweatshirt?

[@marker20]

Lovely looking watch, no doubt, but this is worth $6-7k max and will be around there in the secondary market after a few years. Considering you can get the Baume & Mercier Riviera 39 or 42mm with the same Baumatic movement for under $4k with arguably more features (like a quick release bracelet system), it makes one really wonder where the extra $7k is going…

[@phillylawyer]

This is probably worth about 4K. Look at the offerings from zenith (defy classic and sky) in the 5-7k range. This IWC is certainly inferior, both aesthetically and mechanically.

[@the_whistling_jay]

How would you compare it to the Laureato?

[@algernonwolfwhistle6351]

Very nice watch with a price that will ensure that it doesn't sell as it should.

[@junkspam9513]

Last statement of the video makes sense, if comparable to the royal oak or nautilus then IWC should’ve made it a clear case back imo

[@gripeace]

Great review sir! The watch looks great and has a good history and has a giant behind the watch. One problem I have with this watch is very much related to the last part of the video. If I want a Royal Oak or Nautilus but cannot affort it at retail or market, then do I want this instead? Imgaine I buy this watch "because I cannot get RO or Nautilus", it's almost always guaranteed that I'll end up in a situation with dissatisfaction and $12K away from the watch I really want. That is far far far far worse than the situation I didn't buy this at all (and saved 12K toward RO or Nautilus). If anyone considers this watch AND wants RO or Nautilius, that person must ask this question before buying: "If I get a RO, can I stop wanting to buy an Ingenieur? If I get an Ingenieur, can I stop wanting to get a RO?" That's how I saved $4K when I was considering to buy a Tudor BB (obviously I wanated one of its big brother) and I'm glad that I asked that question every single day.

[@frankygamaliano7058]

Nah, if I can’t afford RO, I would get PRX instead and save tons of $$$ 😂 that’s my plan anyway. The ingenieur is slowly growing on me, didn’t like it at first. Might consider it but not at the current price.

[@gripeace]

@@frankygamaliano7058 That's actually what I did about a year ago. I liked it very much for about 6 months. Then I started feeling that "this is NOT RO". So I sold it and accepted about $100 loss. That was a good experience I do not regret. I'm so glad I didn't make the same mistake on Ingenieur, Laureato, or Alpine Eagle.

[@Studiowaw]

Brandon!!! I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again! You gave up your own channel WAY too soon!!! Forget Nico Leonard (I actually love Nico) but you’re the best! Actual fact! 👌

[@bobj8877]

He and James Stacey are Hodinkee's only chance to claw back to where they were. Too many big names lost, have to reel some in like this.

[@MatMunro]

I really like this watch but it’s at a GP Laureato price point and is blown away by that watch when it comes to finish and movement.

[@Super3xtr4]

Its an amazing 5k watch

[@danielgillrup9518]

Even that’s a stretch. Yema makes essentially the same watch with an in house caliber for $900…

[@TimelessVance]

Fantastic release! So good in person. I was lukewarm about it until I tried it on and held it. It's finished so well. It's definitely worth the msrp. I've got one on the way.

[@josephscosta88]

Brandon, what brand is your hat??

[@chriss2122]

It's double the price it should be. Also, IWC go to the trouble of making a really well finished movement and then cover it up with a solid case back.

[@ShogunTen]

I'm buying the ixdao version

[@n.d.l.s.]

I tried this one, and wanted it badddddd. Almost pre-ordered. But the price killed it for me. For less money, I picked up 3 sought Tudor FDX Chrono, Ming 17.09, and the new Seiko 093…and saved 5k. Think about that.

[@yatinkheti2427]

Great point. Ming is awesome

[@AnthonyCATan]

you forgot to mention the movement "fault" when you pull out the crown the minute hands will "jump" ! HATE IT 5:20 i have a Mark XX and i sold the watch because of this

[@Gii1234]

Absolutely love love this watch. It’s pretty much perfect. But way too expensive. Once these drop to $6k I will absolutely pick one up!

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

Same here but unfortunately they will not drop that low, can't see them dropping much if at all

[@Gii1234]

@@coffeeboyclips1973 actually, on eBay they are listing for mid $8k right now for some. And even those aren’t selling yet. I think they will come down! But we will see

[@williamrivera2104]

So brave of you to live a whole week on a pedestrian bridge.

[@yashnigam6]

Couldn’t afford rent because of the price of the ingeneur

[@petrnovak8143]

There are rumors, that they'll change the name in :"Reading a specs sheet with the watch on a wrist". It would definitely fit better to the latest reviews.

[@mkranahan]

since when are royal oaks $60-70k?

[@barryvercueil2346]

BRANDON!!!!! Excellent review. This is a killer watch. Personally I'd rather get the Christopher Ward Twelve. Keep up the awesome work. You are a Legend.

[@xu10j4rs1]

I think pricing inline with a sub would be better even if that meant they has to save some money somewhere.

[@PAUL2YU]

If the price tag is below USD$8,000 (average IWC price), it will be a BIGGER HIT.

[@davidsonviray1403]

May i know the size of the crown?

[@martinblanklikeswatches]

i must the only person around who prefers the round case Ingy's to the sportier incarnations..

[@Drpdiddy]

Imagine buying a Mark XX calibre watch after an artificial waitlist for 13k after taxes. Richemont will gladly take your money

[@Alex-Rainmaker]

I'll get the Citizen Caliber 0200 and keep the spare change. 😄

[@Pabloandresariza]

Honestly, I see what iwc is trying to accomplish.

[@imakesushinotsushit]

It's a piece of artwork. You have to put into account inflation too. It's a Gerald genta piece afterall

[@marks4555]

Brandon you must be hungry, you've been on the bridge for a week.

[@user-eq5ub5rs3g]

First pic’s didn’t do this thing justice, it is beautiful

[@j.burgess4459]

Not so much _"a week on the wrist"_ as _"5 minutes on a footbridge"_ 🤪

[@tomk8729]

Nice, but too small. The 42mm size was spot on. It's a sports watch.

[@AllecFN]

Cut the prize by 50% and produce alot of them, send them to all AD's. It would sell like PRX's.

[@skunkenz]

I like the aqua dial too and your ugly ducklings, good taste !

[@MrSaadmubarak]

I guess they haven't watched Mark Cuban on shark tank with his famous 10% of a watermelon is more than 100% of a grape. I think the majority of the watch world agrees that if they had priced it right, they could have sold so many of these. Other than the price, the watch has been very positively received.

[@ShizAudi]

This watch should be $5k - $6k max

[@jasperdiscovers]

nobody gonna mention that their first watch in this series had reference 666?

[@sergiogarcia9822]

I like my cartier santos green dial better to be honest, I do feel that the santos is worth it’s price for an integrated bracelet luxury watch.

[@JamieMcgee518]

Beware of the car fumes !

[@yaaxarr8977]

If I had the money I wouldn’t buy it I don’t wanna be ripped off !

[@BradyPuryear]

AP royal oak is $27,500 at retail not $60-70k 😂 6:53

[@sweetlemonade123]

Where chrono?

[@Anonymouslyknown773]

Call me a dummy but I think this is a great alternative to the AP if you’re looking for a Genta design I can care less how much it costs lol

[@Jelloc]

I just realised IWC stands for International Watch Company. Surely they could've come up with something more unique 😂

[@Robert-vw3od]

It’s a really great watch. The problem is it’s priced at $12,000 instead of its real price point. It’s not an awful lot better than the Baumé Riviera. Couple of thousand dollars at most. The movement is certainly no better.

[@marker20]

An argument can be made that this watch actually has less features than the Riviera (quick release bracelet for example) which has the identical movement.

[@Robert-vw3od]

@@marker20 it’s an absolute nonsense. There is no way the dial the case and the bracelet is worth $9000 more. If you said it was a couple of thousand dollars then maybe. it’s ridiculous.

[@jamesw5591]

Looks like a chopard alpine eagle.

[@knovelty79]

I'll just get a zenith defy

[@danielskirkpatrick]

Liked the video right up until the Nautilus, Royal Oak price comparison followed by “up to you.”

[@oes2546]

Cool watch. But no on-the-fly adjustment, not buy from me. If it had a good one, I'd probably consider it at a 30%-50% price reduction, but they've also out-priced me I think. There are just too many other watches that cost less I'd rather want to get for the money. But again, even if I could buy 10x of these without a bad conscience, I wouldn't go for it. Once I've gotten used to a quick adjust bracelet, I don't want to go away from that. It's great, and a must-have, at least as an option imo.