Top 5 IWC Racing Watches

If we talk about the history of the IWC, we need to go back to the 19th century. Florentine Aristo Jones is an American engineer that settled in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, in 1868. Johann Heinrich Moser was his business partner. After the invention of the hydropower system for watch production, their production capabilities increase essentially. In one year, they manufacture 10,000 watches for the American market.

At that time, IWC mainly produced wristwatches; they had a large number of models for pilots. This pilot watches warned over the flyer jackets.

Flying was an exciting adventure at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1927, IWC released the “special watch for airman.” It was targeted towards pilots. So, at that time, more and more people try out flying.

History Between IWC Watches and Motorsports

The first IWC racing watch was born in 1955. IWC successfully launched the first-ever Ingenieur. This watch was designed to withstand vibration, shock, and magnetic fields. So, this Ingenieur Reference 666 watch was perfect at that time. In French, Ingenieur means perfect. Here is some detail about the first-ever Ingenieur watch.

Specifications

• Model – 666
• Case Diameter – 36 mm
• Caliber – 8531
• Dial Color – Creamed colored dial
• Case – Stainless Steel Case
• Strap – Italian, Hand-crafted, Vintage Leather Strap
• Movement – Automatic movement

Features

• Splash water resistant
• Genuine IWC crown
• Center second with automatic movement

Afterward, IWC continues to make these Ingenieur racing watches. Here is the complete timeline.

• In 1967, IWC launch the Ingenieur model no.866.this strated the second generation of Ingenieur watches.
• Designer Gerald Genta came up with a new look for these Ingenieur watches in 1976.
• In 1982, IWC launched the INgenieur SL pocket watch.
• IWC Ingenieur 500,000 A/m watch was released in 1987. It was built to withstand a high magnetic field.
• In 2005, IWC successfully relaunched the Ingenieur watches. They released the Ingenieur model no.3227 to honor the partnership with Mercedes – AMG.
• Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon model no. 5900 was one of the best watches IWC has ever made. They released this masterpiece in 2013.
• In 2017, IWC launched the old 1950 – 60 Ingenieur watch collection. They upgraded those watches with a chronograph function, perpetual digital calendar, and 45mm case made from 18-carat 5N gold.

Celebrities that Wear IWC watches

In June 2021, IWC started the new Big Pilot’s Watch campaign. This campaign featured Lewis Hamilton. He is a seven-time FIA Formula One Champion and the official ambassador for IWC watches since 2013. He is a big fan of these IWC watches on the racing track and outside. He wears a Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert” Big Pilot’s Watch (Reference IW503004). When we talk about racing watch, we cannot leave out Lewis Hamilton’s watch.

Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert” Big Pilot’s Watch (Reference IW503004)

Specifications

• Model No – Reference IW503004
• Gender – Men’s
• Case Diameter – 46.5 mm
• Caliber – 52615 caliber
• Case – Sand color ceramic case
• Strap – Rubber and textile strap
• Movement – Automatic, self-winding

Features

• 07-day power reserve
• Scratch-resistant
• Equipped with sapphire crystals

Apart from that, here are some honorable mentioned regarding celebrities that wear IWC watches.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – IWC Spitfire IW503601

He is the world’s highest-paid movie actor. So, he can buy any watch without any concerns. But he chooses the IWC Spitfire IW503601. This breathtaking model comes with a unique bronze case, brown leather strap, and olive green dial. With Pellaton winding system and seven-day power reserve, the IWC Spitfire IW503601 watch is a perfect fit for Dwayne Johnson.

Ed Sheeran – IWC Big Pilot IW500901

Ed Sheeran was spotted wearing an IWC Big Pilot IW500901 watch in his London’s Wembley Stadium concert. This was not the first time that we have spotted him with IWC Big Pilot watches. However, this watch is the best one so far. With a 46mm case diameter and black colored dial, this watch is among the best-selling watches in the IWC.

Top 5 IWC Racing Watches

As we discussed earlier, IWC has a rich history with motorsports. Most recently, they released the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition for Hot Wheels. Their Ingenieur watch is the best racing watch in the market. Apart from that, here are some of the best racing watches that IWC has released.

5. Ingenieur Automatic IW357003

With a 40mm case diameter and 18-carat gold case, this Ingenieur Automatic watch is one of the best in the market. Besides, it is available in various variations.

Specifications

• Model No – Reference IW357003
• Gender – Men’s
• Case Diameter – 40mm
• Dial Color – State-colored dial
• Caliber – 35111 caliber
• Case – 18-caret 5N gold
• Strap – Black alligator leather
• Movement – Automatic, self-winding
• Water-resistance – 12 BARs

Features

• 42 power reserve
• Date display
• Equipped with sapphire glass

4. Ingenieur Chronograph IW380801

This model is viral among racing fans with up to 46 hours’ power reserve and 12 water resistance.

Specifications

• Model No – Reference IW380801
• Gender – Men’s
• Case Diameter – 42.3mm
• Dial Color – Silver-plated dial
• Caliber – 69375 caliber
• Case – Stainless Steel
• Bracelet – Stainless Steel
• Movement – Automatic, self-winding
• Water-resistance – 12 BARs

Features

• 46 power reserve
• Small hacking seconds
• Date display
• Equipped with sapphire glass

3. Ingenieur Automatic IW357001

This model is considered one of the best racing watches in the market. With 35111 caliber and automatic movement is more advance than the previous models. 

Specification

• Model No – Reference IW357001
• Gender – Men’s
• Case Diameter – 40mm
• Dial Color – Silver-plated dial
• Caliber – 35111 caliber
• Case – Stainless Steel
• Strap – Black alligator leather
• Movement – Automatic, self-winding
• Water-resistance – 12 BARs

Features

• 42 power reserve
• Date display
• Equipped with sapphire glass

2. Ingenieur Chronograph IW380803

This Ingenieur Chronograph model is equipped with an 18-caret gold case and a black alligator leather strap. If you are looking for good looking Ingenieur watch, this is the best choice for you.

Specifications

• Model No – Reference IW380803
• Gender – Men’s
• Case Diameter – 42.3mm
• Dial Color – Silver-plated dial
• Caliber – 69375 caliber
• Case – 18-caret 5N gold
• Strap – Black alligator leather
• Movement – Automatic, self-winding
• Water-resistance – 12 BARs

Features

• 46 power reserve
• IWC produced movement
• Small hacking seconds
• Date display
• Equipped with sapphire glass

1. Ingenieur Chronograph IW380802

With an anti-reflective coating and stainless steel case, this model is more durable than the other models. Besides, it has a case diameter of 42.3mm.

Specifications

• Model No – Reference IW380802
• Gender – Men’s
• Case Diameter – 42.3mm
• Dial Color – Blue dial with luminescence
• Caliber – 69375 caliber
• Case – Stainless Steel
• Bracelet – Stainless Steel
• Movement – Automatic, self-winding
• Water-resistance – 12 BARs

Features

• Anti-reflective coating
• 46 power reserve
• IWC produced movement
• Small hacking seconds
• Date display
• Equipped with sapphire glass

Wrap Up

IWC is one of the leading timekeeping partners for the current motorsports industry. In 2005, they started a cooperation with Mercedes – AMG. In 2013, they assigned Lewis Hamilton as the brand ambassador, and in 2021, they released the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition for Hot Wheels. So, if you are looking for aracing watch, IWC is one of the best choices.