SOTC # 6 of 16: IWC INGENIEUR "LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD FOUNDATION" 3239-09
/IWC INGENIEUR "LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD FOUNDATION" 3239-09
I admit - I’m a sucker for sport watches from the 1970’s with integrated bracelets. When most think of these watches, Gerald Genta and his work around the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus immediately come to mind. Genta also designed the original IWC Ingenieur SL that was launched in 1976. The Ingenieur is often the most forgotten Genta design, highly underrated and why I love it so much.
The modern and purest version is the time/date only 3239 model. Compared to the SL, the modern Ingenieur is a bit more angular, with sharper lines. Fit and finish is surprisingly good and something that one has to see in person to appreciate. Of course, the biggest criticism is the use of an outsourced movement, a Sellita SW200. While I’m usually not obsessed with in-house only movements, I admit that for this watch, an IWC in-house movement would have been preferred, although it would be likely increased the thickness and price.
Mine is the “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” limited edition, in blue, 1 of 1500 made. I purchased it in the spring of 2017, when I dropped by the IWC Boutique and was immediately enamored by it. At the time, it was the last 3239-09 that IWC had in all of North America and it’s mine.
/ TOMMY