1980s IWC Ingenieur SL Quartz Steel & Gold on Bracelet 34mm
Ref: IW3305
Specification
Lugs : 23mm (Integrated)
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Service Box & Service Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel & 18ct Yellow Gold
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with an IWC Service box and paperwork for two IWC Services, the most recent being from June 2024. The watch comes paired with its original 23mm integrated IWC steel and raised 18ct Yellow Gold centre link bracelet secured by a signed concealed clasp and will fit up to a 7.1-inch wrist. The watch is from Circa. 1980s and is sold in worn condition, but overall very fair condition, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months Non-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11dvuSLFFed96nycZRpzPkvGpD6x_JmRG?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 1:23 - https://youtu.be/TJeDD9BlfTA
The Watch
Here we have an incredible 1980s IWC Ingenieur SL Quartz Steel & 18ct Yellow Gold on an integrated Bracelet. The 34mm tonneau stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold case is a Gerald Genta design that flies under the radar of many collectors. Genta designed the 40mm IWC Ingenieur four years after he created the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 1972, and it was in 1976, that he convinced Patek Philippe to launch the Nautilus. The SL stood for Steel Line, and this Quartz variant was in production from 1981 until 1987. The brushed surfaces and a slim profile lead to a lug-to-lug length of 39mm and a thickness of 8mm, which gives the watch an impressive wrist presence. The case gently curves comfortably over your wrist thanks to the integrated bracelet, and on the right side a signed screw-down crown. The fixed 18ct yellow gold bezel has five rivet holes and is brushed with polished edges. A flat sapphire crystal protects a crisp white dial, and an outer minute track with Roman numeral indices marks the hours. At 3 o’clock, a framed colour-matched date window. Elegant black hands are complemented by a tapered 18ct yellow gold second hand. The text is precisely printed in black with a 12 “IWC” motif in its original swirling script and 6 “Ingenieur SL Quartz,” respectively. On the reverse, a screw-down case back. Inside a quality Quartz movement. The watch comes paired with its original 23mm integrated IWC steel and raised 18ct Yellow Gold centre link bracelet secured by a signed concealed clasp and will fit up to a 7.1-inch wrist. This watch is sold with an IWC Service box and paperwork for two IWC Services, the most recent being from June 2024.
Personal Note
This IWC Ingenieur SL Quartz in stainless steel and brushed 18ct yellow gold is incredible on the wrist, this is thanks to the well-proportioned size of 34mm which is surprisingly larger than you would initially think on the wrist. The dial feels like a complete contrast to the initial sporty design, with delicate elongated Roman numbers, a fine and subtle texture throughout the dial and thin hands, yet it works well and grows on you the more you wear it. I would not hesitate to add this gem to your collection today, benefiting from recent work with IWC it is ready to be worn and enjoyed!
The Brand
Florentine Aristo Jones founded IWC in 1868. In 1867, he applied for a European passport with the ambition to create watches using the American system of Watchmaking. This system was derived from the Federal Armories at Springfield and Harpers Ferry. High-precision interchangeable parts were needed for armaments, and this was perfect for use in watchmaking. Florentine was a pioneer in introducing it to the Swiss. In 1868, Florentine and Charles Kidder ended up in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Originally called the company F. A Jones & Co was later changed to IWC International Watch Company. Florentine returned to the USA in 1876, where he retired and sadly passed away in 1916. His spirit carries on today in the modern IWC watches.