Rare Genta-designed, yellow gold Ingenieur SL…est. $15,000 – $25,000…

Seeing that 2013 will be the “Year of the Ingenieur” for IWC Schaffhausen, I thought it appropriate to highlight a very special vintage IWC Ingenieur up for grabs at Antiquorum’s December 13, 2012 watch sale.   The piece you see here, an IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic, is entirely cased in 18k yellow gold and represents one of only 200 such pieces that were made (this one, circa 1978).  And don’t forget that it was the late Gerald Genta who designed the original IWC Ingenieur SL (Ref 1832), which further adds to the appeal of this timepiece.  In total, Genta’s IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic was produced in less than 600 examples between 1976-1984, according to experts at Antiquorum.  But it is the relative scarcity of the yellow gold cased Ingenieur SL’s that makes them amongst the most sought after watches from the Ingenieur family.  The present example is being offered with the original box and certificate, as well as 2 extra links — all in original condition.

IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic Ref 9503/9232, made circa 1978

40mm 18k yellow gold case (12mm thick), Cal. C. 8541 B

Pre-Auction Estimate: 15,000 USD – 25,000 USD

As you can see this piece is quite appealing, and would surely make a fantastic addition to any high-end collection.  You can browse this and other auction lots yourself here:  Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces NY Catalog.

Did You Know?

The launch of the first IWC Ingenieur in 1955 (Ref. 666) took place at a time of growing enthusiasm for technology and economic boom. Its automatic movement with bidirectional winding had been developed by the then Technical Director Albert Pellaton. The Pellaton winding system was particularly efficient and gave IWC a decisive competitive edge — it is still used by IWC today.

In the mid-1970s, freelance designer Gérald Genta revolutionized the appearance of modern timepieces with an uncomplicated, technology-inspired design language.  For IWC Schaffhausen, he designed the legendary Ingenieur SL (Ref. 1832).  Instead of concealing the bores for the screws that held the bezel in position, he made them a design feature and the hallmark of the watch family.  (via IWC)