Description
For watch enthusiasts, Gerald Genta is a bonafide legend. Having designed or re-invented some of the watch world’s most iconic timepieces, a “Genta” piece is a must-have for most collectors. Today’s piece, the IWC Ingenieur IW386501 is a fine example of the Swiss watchmaker’s attention to detail and forward thinking ideas about watch design.
When it was introduced in 1978, the redesigned Ingeniuer was nearly unidentifiable from its forebears. Gone was the dressy gold of previous versions, replaced by a highly technical, racing-inspired timepiece that was as bold as it was big (for the time). At 40mm, the new Ingenieur was called the “Jumbo” and its striking design took nothing away from its presence. The version on hand today is a descendent of that revolutionary piece. Released in 2013, the IW386501 is even bolder than the “Jumbo”. With study rubber pushers and guards around the 45mm case, this watch stands out from others; few timepieces look anything like this one. This reference is also unique not only because it was the first IWC to feature a titanium case but also was the first double chronograph thanks to the caliber 79420 movement.
