IWC Schaffhausen has long been at the forefront of ceramic innovation, a material prized for its incredible hardness, scratch resistance, and lightweight properties. First introduced by IWC in 1986, the world’s first wristwatch with a black zirconium oxide ceramic case marked the beginning of the brand's ceramic expertise. Over the years, IWC has continued to push boundaries, introducing cutting-edge materials like silicon nitride, boron carbide, coloured ceramics, and most recently, Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC).

Now, in 2025, IWC takes it a step further with the Ingenieur Automatic 42 (Ref. IW338903), the reimagined update of Gérald Genta’s iconic integrated bracelet design—crafted entirely from ceramic for the first time. The case, bezel, and case back ring are all made from black zirconium oxide ceramic, known for its extreme hardness and scratch resistance. Even the crown and crown protection are fashioned from this innovative material, ensuring both durability and style.

The integrated black ceramic bracelet, connecting seamlessly to the case through its middle links, offers perfect ergonomics and is exceptionally lightweight, making it incredibly comfortable to wear. The striking black dial is embossed with the signature "Grid" pattern—tiny lines and squares that are a signature of the IWC Ingenieur design. For optimal readability, the black hands and metal markers are filled with Super-LumiNova®, ensuring the time is always visible, no matter the light.

This is a timepiece that balances avant-garde technology with timeless design.