The IWC Ingenieur was originally launched in 1944 and since then, it has experienced several changes and major redesigns. Today, even though the IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Racer ref. IW378508 has been discontinued, it remains our favorite Ingenieur ever. Released in 2013 as the result of the collaboration between IWC and the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, the IWC Ingenieur Chrono Racer ref. IW378508 maintains the essence of the original iconic Ingenieur design with a much more robust construction.
Posts tagged #Formula One
Insider: IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Racer ref. IW378509. Hands-on with an Underrated In-House Flyback Chronograph.
The IWC Ingenieur was originally launched in 1944 and since then, it has experienced several changes and major redesigns. Perhaps the most noticeable changes, took place in 1976, 2005 and in 2008. Trying to emulate the concept of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus, IWC hired Gerald Genta to give a facelift to the iconic Ingenieur giving birth to the Ingenieur SL 'Steel Line'.
Experience: A Vintage Racing Weekend with Zenith at the Circuit of the Americas. Simply an Unforgettable Experience. Part One of Two.
This past weekend, we were part of a select group of invitees —mainly collectors— invited by Zenith watches to be part of an amazing vintage racing experience at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The Circuit of the Americas —COTA— is a FIA Formula One grade track with 20 turns, a length of 3.427 miles —5.515 km— and home to the Formula One United States Grand Prix since 2012. Additionally, the circuit also hosts the MOTO GP of the Americas, the Road Racing World Championship, the FIA Endurance Championship and the SVRA U.S. Vintage Racing Championship amongst others. This weekend's experience courtesy of Zenith, was far from average and one that we will hardly ever forget. Being the crazy Formula One fans that we are, setting foot in the actual track, was a long life dream that was about to come true.
Insider: Omega Speedmaster Legend Limited Edition. Our Favorite Moonwatch Honoring Michael Schumacher.
In preparation to the Grand Prix of Canada taking place at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal this Sunday, we will be talking about a watch that is perfectly suited for Formula One fans.
The Omega Speedmaster Legend ref. 321.30.44.50.01.001 is another limited edition moonwatch honoring Michael Schumacher —there are between ten to eleven Schumacher Limited Edition timepieces that have been launched since 1995 when Michael became an Omega brand ambassador.
This gorgeous reference is a must have for watchlifestylers that are fans of one of the biggest racing legends of all-time. The Speedmaster Legend is fitted with a carbon fiber dial and a very unique bezel insert that commemorates all of Schumacher's racing achievements: 7 world titles, 154 podiums, 91 victories, 250 Formula One races and 68 pole positions. Additionally, it also includes the years when Schumacher won the seven world titles.
While the Speedmaster Legend Limited Edition has the same case size as other Moonwatches, measuring 44.25 mm in width, it wears relatively smaller and quite comfortably.
In our opinion, the best part of this watch is the carbon fiber dial. The dial includes Arabic numerals from 1 thru 7 highlighting Schumacher's seven world titles. The numerals are white with a red outline and the word 'Speedmaster' is imprinted in red. The dial features running seconds at 9, 12-hour chrono register at 6 and 30-minute chrono register at 3 o'clock. The date aperture at 6 o'clock is discreet and maintains an adequate balance keeping the dial design simple and uncluttered.
The watch is powered by the automatic calibre Omega 3313 with co-axial escapement and a power-reserve of 52 hours —the movement can be admired via the sapphire crystal display case back. If you can still find one, get it. Last known Sticker Price $6,650.
For more info on Omega click here.
