This Ingenieur model was very advanced, and still has the original Gay Freres beads of rice bracelet. Model reference 866D
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1968.
CONDITION
The Ingenieur range was IWC’s answer to the Rolex Milgauss. Magnetic forces play havoc with watches, and both the Milgauss and the Ingenieur solved this by problem. They were never either companies best sellers – that would be the DateJust and Yacht Club, so there are fewer of the anti magnetic watches on the market – they were mainly targeted at scientists rather than the public, as they dealt with bigger magnetic forces. Both models have the advantage of being a few millimetres larger than the more common models too, and when you add rarity, size and solid horology together it is all very desirable. The movement is the Pellaton designed calibre 8541B, and you can read more about the clever winding mechanism on IWC’s website here. The movement is working well but the original fish signed crown is bent – this doesn’t affect how the watch operates, so we have kept the originality in tact. The important anti magnetic shield is still fitted, and the semi quick set date is working correctly. The dial is a mix of blacks and dark grey, and looks different in different lights. There is some striping on the dial as well as a little paint loss near the centre, but it too is original. This watch has the significant advantage of having the IWC Gay Freres bracelet, which is a good length. Gay Freres bracelets are considered to the very cream of the crop, as this interesting article explains. The bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 40.5 mm
Width without crown 37.2 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 43.8 mm
Case Thickness 12.5 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 206 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
