IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Now In Titanium

Surprising changes occurred when IWC decided to revamp its iconic Ingenieur collection in 2016. For one, the robust “Genta-esque” case was abandoned and replaced with the original design of the 1960s models. Among the inaugural models were some 3-hand watches and chronographs. And on top of the range was the complex Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month, combining a QP and a flyback chronograph. This watch, available until now only in gold with a white dial, now comes in a new, lighter, more casual version with a grey dial and titanium case under ref. IW381802.

The new version that IWC is introducing today is nothing more than an update of colours and materials, as all the specifications and mechanical parts are identical. For this 100-piece limited run of the Titanium ref. IW381802, IWC has opted for a new colour combination, with a sunray brushed slate grey dial echoing the greyish tint of the titanium case. The apertures for the digital QP are white for greater contrast. The overall effect is a more discreet, lighter and sportier take on this watch.

For the rest, we have the same large case as the gold IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month, meaning a watch measuring 45mm in diameter and 17.4mm in height – not small, obviously, but this model is the flagship watch of the collection. The display is quite bold and technical, with the chronograph indications located in a co-axial counter at 12 o’clock and the small seconds at 6 o’clock. The perpetual calendar relies on two large, double-digit windows at 3 and 9 o’clock, displaying the date and the month. To give a coherent look with the rest of the round sub-dials, these windows are located in faux-counters. The leap year indication sits at 6 o’clock.

Powering the titanium IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month IW381802 is the same, complex, in-house calibre 89801. This movement is based on the 89XXX family, the high-end automatic chronograph of IWC, with column-wheel, vertical clutch and flyback function. On top is an in-house perpetual calendar module. This movement runs at 4Hz and boasts 65 hours of power reserve. The sapphire caseback reveals a solid red gold rotor and is nicely decorated.

The IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Titanium IW381802 is worn on a 22mm black calfskin strap. It will be limited to 100 pieces and will only be available at IWC official boutiques. Its price will be EUR 41,500. More details at iwc.com.