Vintage
HSTE delves into the intriguing history of the IWC Ingenieur pocket watch ref. 5215, a timepiece launched in 1981 with the ambitious goal of revitalizing the pocket watch genre for a younger generation. This post examines why this innovative attempt ultimately failed, despite the watch's robust technical specifications and unique positioning in IWC's history.
In 1981 - two years after the launch of the Sony Soundabout (later called Sony "Walkman") - IWC presented the IWC Ingenieur pocket watch ref. 5215.
IWC was still quite heavily relying on its broad range of pocket watches and this was an/the attempt to save this genre over to the then younger generation. The mission failed completely. The 5215 was produced from 1982 to 1996 and there are production numbers available for the time from February 1991 to July 1996: a staggering 135 pieces. In four dial variations that is. The one pictured below was produced 12 times.
Characteristics of the watch: Lépine / movement 9520 / manual winding / water resistant to 30 meters (!!!!! Yip, next time you jump into the pool and need a pocket watch, it is going to be this one) / shockproof / antimagnetic to 40'000 A/m.
Cheers, HSTE
PS: more on the Sony Soundabout here: www.watchprosite.com
Honestly, if I managed to get one of these it would likely be the end game!
Such a simple, tasteful and classic design. That piece has the "it" factor big time. M4
I will find one, some day. If only it could be as nice as this one!
When IWC was still making watches. I barely recognize the current IWC, although they have thousands of customers. Pocket watches will never get back in popularity, unless Apple decides to invest on it 🤑🤑🤑
This is definitely NOT an Ingenieur, at least not as designed by Genta. The big fat Inge is a milestone, this one is just another watch...
I’m hoping one day I feel contented. However I see this as difficult at best
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