Jamie Weiss
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One of IWC’s standout Watches and Wonders 2025 releases, the Ingenieur Automatic gets a stealthy all-black ceramic look.It features a slightly larger 42mm case and an integrated bracelet both made from black ceramic.Unlike other current Ingenieur models, it’s powered by the calibre 82110, which has a 60-hour power reserve.Ceramic integrated bracelet watches are all the rage right now, which is why it’s been surprising that IWC – a firm that pioneered the use of zirconium oxide ceramics in watchmaking – has taken this long to join the party. Well, better late than never, because the Schaffhausen brand has just unveiled a stunning monochromatic, fully ceramic take on the Ingenieur that stands out as one of the most stylish watches they’ve produced in recent memory.This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a ceramic-cased Ingenieur: for instance, the Ingenieur AMG Black Series Ceramic ref. IW322503 also boasted a black ceramic case. However, previous ceramic Ingenieurs have only been paired with fabric or rubber straps, making this new Ingenieur Automatic 42 ref. IW338903 a first for the brand.As the name implies, it’s slightly larger than the extant steel and titanium Ingenieur Automatic 40s, measuring 42mm in diameter and 11.6mm thick (versus 40mm and 10.8mm). However, because its case and bracelet are totally made from ceramic, it’s appreciably lighter than even the titanium Ingenieur Automatic 40 ref. IW328904. Having had this on my wrist, it’s remarkable how effortless it is to wear: it’s very bangle-like and not too top-heavy.It’s impressive just how much of this IWC is ceramic, actually. Not only are the case and bracelet ceramic, but the caseback ring and crown are also made from ceramic. Rather than being held by a metal ring, the sapphire crystals both front and back are pressed directly into the ceramic parts, yet the watch retains a 100-metre water resistance rating. Of course, the movement isn’t made from ceramic (it has ceramic components, though!) and the butterfly clasp is titanium, but still – there’s a lot of ceramic going on here.IWC opted for full ceramic over Ceratanium for this release because the brand wanted to maintain the sophisticated level of mixed finishing seen on metal Ingenieurs. IWC have absolutely succeeded on that note, with the case and bracelet featuring a very finely brushed finish that almost appears matte at some angles, with subtle polished bevels creating brilliant light play. The black grid dial and black date window add to its murdered-out appeal.Another notable difference between this reference and the 40mm Ingenieurs is that it utilises a different movement. Rather than the Baumatic-based calibre 32111, it’s powered by the calibre 82110, a decision influenced by a need to fill up that 42mm case, I wager. You can catch a glimpse of it through a smoked sapphire exhibition caseback, which is very on-theme.It’s an interesting choice: the calibre 82110 has half the power reserve of the calibre 32111 (60 hours versus 120 hours, but 60 hours ain’t bad), which is a bit of a downgrade… But it’s a much prettier movement than the 32111, and also benefits from the double-pawl version of IWC’s Pellaton automatic winding technology, assisting better shock resistance and winding efficiency. In any case, it’s not a dealbreaker – it’s a more than competent movement, and the main draw here is this watch’s construction and devilish good looks.All in all, the Ingenieur Automatic 42 ref. IW338903 is an excellent addition to the Ingenieur range, standing out from the pack at the same time as IWC has also released its first complication in the modern Ingenieur collection among other headline-snatching novelties. I think a Ceratanium Ingenieur would be pretty close to a dream watch for me, but this black ceramic number is hardly a consolation prize. Sleek, dapper and extremely easy to wear, it’s a knock-out piece that reaffirms IWC’s excellence in material sciences.IWC Ingenieur Automatic 42 Black Ceramic pricing and availabilityThe IWC Ingenieur Automatic 42 in black ceramic (ref. IW338903) is available now from IWC retailers. Price: US$19,500BrandIWCModelIngenieur Automatic 42ReferenceIW338903Case Dimensions42mm (D) x 11.6mm (T)Case MaterialBlack ceramicWater Resistance100 metresCrystal(s)Sapphire front, smoked sapphire casebackDialBlack, grid motifStrapCase-matching H-link bracelet, butterfly folding claspMovementCalibre 82110, automaticPower Reserve60 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityNowPriceUS$19,500
01.04.25