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.
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'.
News: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, New IWC Ambassadors.
This past weekend at the Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco, IWC announced the appointment of two new prominent brand ambassadors: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The Swiss watch manufacturer became the Official Engineering Partner to the Mercedes AMG Petronas team earlier this year.
IWC and Mercedes-Benz AMG entered into a special agreement almost ten years ago, in 2004. It was a venture between two companies with a long and successful history in precision engineering, founded on a shared commitment to pushing back the boundaries of mechanics and high technology. IWC’s appointment as Official Engineering Partner to the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team this year, was confirmation of the close ties between the two companies.
Now, in a move that will further cement the partnership between the luxury watch manufacturer and the racing team, the two drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have become 'Friends of the Brand'. Both of them watch enthusiasts, were presented with IWC Big Pilots watches by Goris Verburg, Director Marketing & Communications at IWC.
Nico Rosberg —winner of the last edition of the Grand Prix of Monaco— said of his new role: “Becoming a Friend of the Brand is like being reunited with an old acquaintance. My first watch was an IWC, a gift from my father.”
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Experience: IWC Boutique. Bahnhofstrasse 61, Zurich.
Located right on Bahnhofstrasse 61 not far from Credit Suisse, the IWC Boutique is a must see if you live in Zurich or if you are just visiting. This boutique just opened back in September of 2012 and follows the same interior design concept of all other boutiques. Just a few blocks away from the main train station, this boutique blends in nicely with Zürich's architecture and look of most store fronts. Regardless, you just can't miss it. When closed for business, all windows are protected by metallic curtains in white with a black IWC logo at the bottom. The window displays are eye catching and very well done.
Once inside, you will find a nice assortment of pieces from every line in their collection. From Pilot's watches, to the Portuguese line, the Ingenieur novelties and everything else in between.
This time, one of the Ingenieur novelties caught our wandering eyes. While we explored every display inside the store, we just couldn't resist trying on the new Ingenieur Chronograph Racer ref. IW378508 fitted with a stainless steel bracelet.
This new watch with an enticing slate-coloured dial, black registers —chrono register at 12 and running seconds/date aperture at 6 o'clock— and a red '60' on the chapter ring at 12 o'clock, is just gorgeous. The red accent was inspired by the digital display on the steering wheel of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One racing car. We will be dedicating a full post to review the watch in full.
Next time you are riding the tram on your way to the train station, make a pit stop at the boutique. Now, make sure you don't miss your train, because once you walk inside, you won't be able to leave promptly.
Captivating displays, beautiful watches, comfy sofas and great service are awaiting.
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