This new Big Ingenieur Chronograph is something quite special. So, it's on my wrist now and it's mine. Just over a week since handling this 2009 novelty for the first time - I had to have it. I walked into my AD last evening and there it was - "Wrap it up"!!
I mentioned in some previous posts that the Ingenieur Line never really got me excited. There was always something plain, and ordinary about it. I love my 2005 Collector's Forum Ingenieur - but for reasons far beyond the surface of the watch. The CFI is more about what it represents. Recently, my tastes had turned "complicated" and I wanted many subdials, guilloche, gold, moonphases, 4-digit year displays, 64 jewels and 7-day power reserves - call me "insecure". I thought I graduated, and felt "just a chronograph" would never be on my wish list again.
This watch is special. I think IWC has begun to unlock much potential in the Ingenieur Line - and these models we're seeing this year are a step in a BLOCKBUSTER direction. I am so glad to see the 89360 manifest itself into this line.
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](homepage.mac.com/rsheridan/.Public/Inge_BC1.jpg)
I really do like the sapphire display back on this watch. I think the cal. 89360 and the shock absorbing Pellaton Auto winding system is beautiful. I don't prescribe to the notion that the back MUST be solid to carry the name "Ingenieur" on the dial. The Tachymetre on the outside of the bezel is a new feature. The numerals are etched (CNC?) deep into the top surface of the bezel, so carefully, with a wonderful typeset/font.
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](homepage.mac.com/rsheridan/.Public/Inge_BC7.jpg)
The chronograph pushers are extend the dimensions of the case, and flow very well toward the crown and the crown protection. The pivot points of the chrono pushers are all the way at the very ends - and so comfortable and easy to operate. Compared to my DaVinci Perpetual - this is no contest to the ease and comfort of operating the chronograph.
On the reverse of the watch, you can see the single screws at each of the chrono pushers. These appear to be the the pivot points - which perhaps provide access for lubrication and other external service points. With push buttons this large, and the pivot point at the far end - you can sense the ease and comfort of operating the chronograph. It is so smooth.
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](homepage.mac.com/rsheridan/.Public/Inge_BC3.jpg)
The dial is very sporty - and has so many interesting features. The layout of the seconds hand and date at 6 O'Clock is awesome - and the flyback chrono with combined minute and hour is just too cool.
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](homepage.mac.com/rsheridan/.Public/Inge_BC6.jpg)
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The strap is lined with water resistant rubber - against your wrist. I think this is a first in 2009, and a great enhancement to the straps. This watch has so many possibilities with strap options. The IWC catalog offers the kevlar strap, rubber straps, steel bracelet and other options that all fit these Ingenieurs.
My Authorized dealer is fantastic. He knew I was coming in - he must be a lurker here and saw my posts over the last week. He knew just what to say. He is throwing in a chocolate brown IWC strap that should be in within days. I think this will look great. The point of sale experience my AD offers is very professional. Although they carry many other special, coveted brands - A large corner of their shop is devoted to IWC and they have several cases of IWC inventory and a large IWC wall display with elements you'd find in a Boutique, large flatscreen playing the Gallapagos video, photos of Kurt Klaus, Schaffhausen and glass cases on the walls.
A very fulfilling experience.
