Manufacturer: IWC Year: Circa 2009 Reference No: IW378402 Movement No: 3’004’297 Case No: 3’390’538 Model Name: Big Ingenieur Chronograph Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 89360, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold IWC pin buckle Dimensions: 45.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by IWC guarantee stamped Swiss Fine Timing, Chicago, dated August 2009, instruction manual, service booklet, cloth, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
- To don the IWC Ingenieur is to experience the mastery of Gérald Genta, whose genius birthed a triumvirate of integrated bracelet sport watches in stainless steel during the 1970s. Though overshadowed by its more renowned predecessors, the Royal Oak and Nautilus, the Ingenieur bears Genta's sophistication no less.
- Beyond Genta’s coveted contributions, IWC's Ingenieur lineage goes back to 1955, when the inaugural Ingenieur ref. 666 debuted as a tool watch engineered to withstand magnetic fields, crafted for professionals in the dawn of an atomic age. Also offered in this auction is the Vintage Ingenieur Automatic (Lot 8089), a modern reinterpretation of the iconic "666".
- The present IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph ref. IW378402 dates to circa 2009. Preserved in excellent overall condition, the 45.5mm statement piece in pink gold provides a lavish update to the technical Ingenieur heritage. For the collector, it offers a prime opportunity to acquire an ephemeral work of mechanical art.
With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world's leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining high precision with masculine design. Vintage wristwatches such as the oversized Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur and the B-UHR pilots watch are especially desirable for collectors.