THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: IWC
MODEL: 3505
YEAR: 1983
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 34mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

In 1982, six years on from the superb 1832 Jumbo Ingenieur designed by Gérald Genta, IWC designed a smaller and more affordable option which we think was a masterstroke.

Genta, being the driving force behind many iconic designs like the Royal Oak, Nautilus and Octo to name a few. Knowing this you can begin to understand the design language of the Ingenieur. This watch, with its well-considered 34mm size, strikes the perfect balance - it's noticeable, but not overbearing. The integrated bracelet, a nod to Genta’s previous Jumbo, connects with the case perfectly as does the five holed bezel - lending it a touch of utility.

The 3505 isn't a well-known watch amongst the midsized iterations, even though it was the first. The slender two-year production and subtle differences to the 3506 contribute to this enigmatic piece. These have garnered the name 'Skinny Ingy' due to their low-profile case and cal 375 movement, sitting at 9 and 4mm respectively.

For once, however - the standout feature of this reference isn't the case shape, or bracelet integration, it’s the dial. With a light grey hue featuring the line work of precision graph paper, it’s both subtle and captivating - but not at the cost of legibility - thanks to its gold markers and hands.

This unpolished example is utterly superb, with its 22 links, it will comfortably fit an 18cm wrist.