Introducing the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35: Smaller But Still Genta
When IWC dropped the Ingenieur Automatic 40 back in 2023, a lot of people asked a very reasonable question: why was it called the 40? I mean, sure, it was 40 millimeters, but calling it that almost felt like a wink from IWC. Like they were telling us, “Don’t worry, we’re just getting started.” Well, two years later, they’ve made good on that unspoken promise. The Ingenieur Automatic 35 is here, and it's every bit the spiritual sibling to its larger predecessor—just slimmer, more refined, and unapologetically compact.
This release expands the Ingenieur line with three new references, and while the case diameter shrinks, nothing else about this watch feels like a compromise. If anything, it feels like IWC has doubled down on the craftsmanship and detailing that made the 40 such a standout. This isn’t a scaled-down version meant to fill out the catalog. It’s a full-throated expression of the Ingenieur DNA, just in a 35mm case.
The Basics
Case: 35 mm diameter, 9.4 mm thickness, available in 18-carat 5N gold or stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire, convex, with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Movement: Calibre 47110, automatic winding, 28,800 vph, 42-hour power reserve
Water Resistance: 10 bar
Strap Options: Integrated bracelet in matching gold or stainless steel with butterfly folding clasp
Price: Upon request for gold model, approx. CHF 6,900 for stainless steel
The Juice
Let’s get into what makes this one special. First off, the proportions. At 35mm across and 9.4mm thick, the Ingenieur Automatic 35 lands right in that sweet spot of vintage-feeling wearability with modern presence. It’s not a dainty watch by any means, but it does offer a very different wrist feel from the 40 (read our review of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 here). This is a genuinely compact luxury sports watch, and that’s something we don’t get nearly enough of these days.
The design cues are all still here: the five functional screws on the bezel, the integrated bracelet with those beefy H-links, and the now-signature “Grid” dial pattern that gives the face depth and texture. IWC says the bracelet and case finishing is just as detailed as on the 40, and after checking them out in person, I’d agree. The interplay of satin and polished surfaces is sharp, thoughtful, and feels deliberate rather than flashy.
There are three variations at launch. The star of the show, at least in terms of wrist presence, is the 18k 5N gold model (Ref. IW324903). It’s full gold, bracelet and all, with a matching gold-toned dial and hands. It’s hard not to love this one if you’re into unapologetic precious metal watches, though the stainless steel options are no slouch either. Ref. IW324901 comes with a silver-plated dial, while Ref. IW324906 sports a deep black dial. Both have rhodium-plated hands and appliques, and they wear beautifully.
Flip the watch over and you’ll see the calibre 47110 through a sapphire caseback. It’s finished with Geneva stripes and circular graining, and it even has a gold-plated rotor. Power reserve is a modest 42 hours, which isn’t mind-blowing, but it gets the job done. Honestly, with a case this slim, I’m happy they went with a movement that allows the watch to sit low on the wrist and stay elegant.
Final Thoughts
The Ingenieur Automatic 35 isn’t just a size update. It’s a statement from IWC that the integrated bracelet sports watch isn’t reserved for people with 7-inch wrists and above. This is a serious watch with serious specs and serious finishing, just in a size that more people can wear comfortably. And more importantly, want to wear.
It also adds some variety to the modern Ingenieur lineup. With the 40 covering the classic midsize territory, the 35 gives IWC a compelling option for anyone looking for something more discreet, or simply with a preference for sub-36mm watches. And let’s be honest, this case size feels a lot closer to the original 1970s Ingenieur SL than anything else in the current catalog.
This release is going to make a lot of collectors very happy. Whether you’re looking for a modern Genta-inspired sports watch that doesn’t dominate your wrist, or you’ve been waiting for something this clean in a true compact size, the Ingenieur Automatic 35 absolutely delivers. Learn more at IWC’s website.
