In vintage times Rolex had the Milgauss, Omega their Railmaster, and IWC their Ingenieur, though the IWC possesses the most timeless, elegant design of the three. Deliberately going against the designs of many of the mass-marketed watches of the day, IWC crafted the watch and case to be more subtly styled, yet certainly not boring, useful for men who were confident in knowing they were wearing one of the best timepieces in the world and didn't need to parade it.
IWC drew upon their considerable experience with military watches when they designed the Ingenieur, the company's flagship model. Able to repel magnetic fields up to 1000 gauss due to shielding from soft iron parts, namely the dial, movement retaining ring and inner case book, and unusually water-resistant for its time - up to 10 ATM - the Ingenieur possessed truly impressive capabilities. So much so that Sir Edmund Hillary reportedly wore an Ingenieur on some of his expeditions.
As capable inside as out, the recipient of the protection, is the exceptional, Albert Pellaton designed Caliber 8531 movement. Extremely well-constructed, this mechanism's ingenious automatic winding system is a technical marvel, earning it high praise - Gisbert Brunner and Christian Pfeiffer-Belli in their work, Wristwatches Armbanduhren Montres-bracelets, proclaimed it "one of the best automatic movements ever built in Switzerland."
Our original ref. 666 AD Ingenieur not only has a date function, found on a minority of the classic Ingenieurs, it also has a wonderful pie pan style dial. The dial is slightly less toned in color than the photos suggest.
We were fortunate to acquire it in very pleasing original condition. Its case is better than near mint and scratch-free, with light signs to the back of having been polishing.
The original untouched dial shows only fairly light signs of aging.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is very clean and winds extremely smoothly.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Like always, included with the purchase is a full one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Note: To learn more about the IWC Ingenieur we recommend reading Michael Friedberg's "IWC's Ingenieur: An Incomplete History" which can be :
And to view the original instruction brochure for this model, follow :
- Manufacturer: IWC
- City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Serial no.: 1,466,213
- Year made: 1961
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Date, Amagnetic, Sweep Seconds
- Model: Caliber 8531
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case markings (inside): International Watch Co., Swiss, IWC Probus Scafusia hallmark
- Case no.: 1,469,333
- Case condition: Better than near mint with lights signs to the back of having been polished. One very light remnant of a case wrench mark on the back. Presents beautifully on the wrist.
- Dimensions: 36mm wide (without crown) by 44mm long lug tip to tip
- Hands: Original, steel dauphines
- Movement markings: International Watch Co., Swiss, 8531, 1,466,213, Pat. Appl., 21 Jewels
- Jewels: 21 rubies
- Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded brand new and unused
- Crystal type: Acrylic, new-old-stock
- Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
