The Ingenieur Double Chronograph —Doppelchronograph in German— in titanium is a state-of-the-art timepiece. With a very rugged sporty look, but a very comfortable lightweight titanium case, this 45mm watch offers the perfect balance between functionality and design. The watch on review, has now been replaced by the newly launched ref. IW386503 fitted with the new calibre 79420, a redesigned rubber strap and a black calendar wheel.
The rattrapante or split-seconds function in the Double Chronograph allows the user to record multiple time elapsed events. The word 'rattrapante' describes the split-seconds mechanism on a chronograph, which catches up with the primary chronograph hand. A watch featuring a double chronograph, always comes with two chrono seconds hands set at the center pinion. One hand is superimposed over the other, and while one hand moves continuously, the other one can be either stopped, started or reset to zero as necessary. Activating the chronograph with the start pusher at 2 o'clock, releases both seconds hands. While one is registering the elapsed time, the other —split-seconds hand— can be repeatedly stopped or reset with a pusher usually located either at the 10 or 8 o'clock position.
In the case of the IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph, the split-seconds hand pusher is located at 10 o'clock. This allows the user to record two separate times, exact to the second, within any given minute. All pushers and crown are protected with a rubber composite and the rubber strap comes with the traditional IWC pattern just like on the Ingenieur Mission Earth.
One peculiarity of this reference, is that in order to keep the lightness and thickness of the watch in check, the traditional anti-magnetic soft-iron inner case is not present as it is in all other IWC Ingenieurs. Fitted with calibre 79230 and a power-reserve of 44 hours, the Ingenieur Double Chronograph also provides the day and date at 3 o'clock. The brushed titanium case has a beautiful hue, it's very comfortable and is very nicely finished.
With regards to the dial, the blue accents are very discreet and blend nicely with the rest of the elements on it. Exposing the watch to natural light brings out the beauty in the blue numerals located on the flange, as well as on the hands of the chrono registers and seconds hand.
If you are looking for a watch that not everyone will be wearing, this Ingenieur is simply a great choice and you are definitely getting your money's worth.
Sticker Price $12,700 USD. For more info on IWC click here.
