What are your thoughts or experiences with the Laureus itself or Ingeniuers in general?

I don't know about the Laureus but I have the Ingenieur in Titanium and I love it.

 

I don't know about the Laureus but I have the Ingenieur in Titanium and I love it.

View attachment 19332583

I've been on a titanium kick lately and did really enjoy this one on the wrist, especially getting to immediately compare with steel and ceramic. Very nice.

Not sure why I initially felt it wore large. Yours looks great!

 

I'm going to post a couple of pictures of the Ingenieur that OP wants.

Blue Laureus 3239

You can also order an OEM rubber strap for it too, which I think looks really great. Can't find a picture with the blue dial so this has to do.

I just checked C24, and it looks like the 3239 Laureus is being offered at just a tad cheaper than the new Ingenieur (for regular colors). For such a small price difference, I would have to like the older style much more than the newer style for me to get the 3239.

I also see how crazy the asking prices are for the LE green edition!

 

I'm going to post a couple of pictures of the Ingenieur that OP wants.

Blue Laureus 3239
View attachment 19332718

You can also order an OEM rubber strap for it too, which I think looks really great. Can't find a picture with the blue dial so this has to do.


I just checked C24, and it looks like the 3239 Laureus is being offered at just a tad cheaper than the new Ingenieur (for regular colors). For such a small price difference, I would have to like the older style much more than the newer style for me to get the 3239.

I also see how crazy the asking prices are for the LE green edition!

Thank you. Meant to include a picture.

I think your point about going with the new is valid. That's usually my MO.

Two things though. I like the almost-matte blue of the Laureus vs the textured dial on the new. I also prefer the sub ~7k price point. If I buy one, I'd likely move 3 of my watches and avoid coming out of pocket. Also, I've spent more than I care to admit on watches this year. I may just pause and see what happens in the new year...

Is it the movement upgrade that causes you to say you'd prefer the neeer Ingeniuer? The bracelet?

 

IMO it is a mistake to market the Ingenieur as a high end piece in the IWC stable. To this end, there are numerous other models that are more suitable. The Ingenieur should be a GADA watch. My MK VIII has a decorated SW300 and it runs as well as any watch I have ever owned in that tier, i.e., Rolex, Breitling, Tudor. It truly is a tank disguised as a ballerina. That would bring the price down to 7K USD with a solid profit per watch for IWC and they would sell 10 times more. For a Portugieser or a Portofino, the sky can be the limit. For approximately 13K USD, one can buy a Big Pilot "Le Petit Price", which is eons more of a watch than an entry level Ingenieur.

 

The Ingenieur should be a GADA watch.

I don't disagree and find it very attractive especially considering the ETA in the Laureus. I guess it being a LE has driven the price up. I don't necessarily want it to compete with my Rolex, BP, etc. The new prices turn me off from the Ingeniuer.

 

My Ingenieur is based on the original 50s design rather than the Genta designs of the 70s and it is more of a GADA watch for me as I can change straps as my style on a particular day dictates. Since I am more of a leather strap guy rather than bracelet guy, integrated bracelets get limited wear in my collection and I already scratched that itch a long time ago with a Gen 1 (37mm) VC Overseas.

The current Ingenieurs that I tried on seem to wear much bigger than their case diameter as is true of all integrated bracelet watches and so I would definitely recommend trying it on before purchase. Integrated bracelet watches are certainly in fashion right now mainly due to the increased hype about the Nautilus and Royal Oak being worn by many celebrities, but at the end of the day, buy the watch that appeals to your heart and makes you smile.

 

My Ingenieur is based on the original 50s design rather than the Genta designs of the 70s and it is more of a GADA watch for me as I can change straps as my style on a particular day dictates. Since I am more of a leather strap guy rather than bracelet guy, integrated bracelets get limited wear in my collection and I already scratched that itch a long time ago with a Gen 1 (37mm) VC Overseas.

The current Ingenieurs that I tried on seem to wear much bigger than their case diameter as is true of all integrated bracelet watches and so I would definitely recommend trying it on before purchase. Integrated bracelet watches are certainly in fashion right now mainly due to the increased hype about the Nautilus and Royal Oak being worn by many celebrities, but at the end of the day, buy the watch that appeals to your heart and makes you smile.

What reference do you own? The pictures are mine from yesterday FYI. The hype about integrated watches has no bearing on my interest here.

I felt the same about the size initially but after having tried them on yesterday, it doesn't bother me at all. Especially since lately I've been purchasing (and been very comfortable with) a few 42mm and a 43mm watch. My watch handles a 40mm Ingeniuer very well.

Rest assured, my wrist, my tastes, my decisions.

 

You should go for it. You’ve hit on all the right reasons. Maybe ten years ago I was in NY and had a chance to compare that generation of Ingenieur to a Royal Oak Jumbo. I honestly preferred the solidity of the Ingenieur. The proportions are excellent; it’s thin and comfortable to wear without feeling delicate. It’s a great watch.

 

I honestly preferred the solidity of the Ingenieur. The proportions are excellent; it’s thin and comfortable to wear without feeling delicate. It’s a great watch.

Exactly what I'm seeking. Solid and comfortable. Don't want complicated, flashy or sexy.

 

Had an Ingeniuer in white.

Most think of this brand for pilots, but this one is VERY nice, IMHO.

On my 6.75/17.1cm wrist you knew it was there, but it felt good, and was proportional/balanced on my wrist. Always stayed in place.

If you are a bracelet guy and don't mind a solid watch that is excellent overall quality, most certainly with considering.

They also look sweet on other straps, no matter the dial color.

IWC makes some really comfortable and quality bracelets as well as their watches.

Good luck and pictures please. 👍

 

If you are a bracelet guy and don't mind a solid watch that is excellent overall quality, most certainly with considering.

I'm not really a bracelet guy but that's part of what makes this one attractive. I really like the look and feel of this one after trying it on again. Good to know it has solid strap options.

 

One of the few integrated bracelet watches I like. I’ll never buy one, but I like them.

 

One of the few integrated bracelet watches I like.

I concur!

 

The 3239 with a white dial and white indices was one of my first nice watches. I ended up selling it to my cofounder but for ~$3k or whatever, it was a really really fun watch.

Just like with all IWC, best to go preowned.

 

I ended up selling it to my cofounder but for ~$3k or whatever, it was a really really fun watch.

Why'd you get rid of it? I know you've moved on to a whole different kind of watch...

Just like with all IWC, best to go preowned.

Absolutely. Part of the reason I never considered the new generation. Too many other watches I like in that range. Fortunately the Laureus is unlikely to be found brand new. That'd be nice though

 

Why'd you get rid of it? I know you've moved on to a whole different kind of watch...

Absolutely. Part of the reason I never considered the new generation. Too many other watches I like in that range. Fortunately the Laureus is unlikely to be found brand new. That'd be nice though

I think I just got bored and wanted to try something else, but in hindsight it looked amazing, easy to service due to the ETA movement etc. I personally love easily serviced movements in that price range. You don't worry as much and can wear them all the time no problem.

 

Personally I prefer the dial and hands on the newer model. The partial skeleton hands on the laureus edition is not for me.

 

👍

 

usccopeland,

I have read so many of your posts and always appreciated your sensibilities and tastes. You obviously love this hobby. Thank you.

My assessment, and I could be very wrong, is that you 1) want a new watch to scratch that itch (don’t we all!) and 2) you kinda like the Ingenieur but aren’t really sold on it.

If you were truly in love with it, you’d forgo our opinions and buy it. You’re not in love. You want to be, but you’re not.

For me, I’m trying to cut back on “yet-another-watch” purchases. I’m really trying to buy those that once I fixate on them, “nothing-can- hold-me-back-from-buying-it”.

So that’s my recommendation for you. Until nothing can hold you back from buying it, don’t.

Requisite Eye candy- I love mine!

 

usccopeland,

I have read so many of your posts and always appreciated your sensibilities and tastes. You obviously love this hobby. Thank you.

My assessment, and I could be very wrong, is that you 1) want a new watch to scratch that itch (don’t we all!) and 2) you kinda like the Ingenieur but aren’t really sold on it.

If you were truly in love with it, you’d forgo our opinions and buy it. You’re not in love. You want to be, but you’re not.

For me, I’m trying to cut back on “yet-another-watch” purchases. I’m really trying to buy those that once I fixate on them, “nothing-can- hold-me-back-from-buying-it”.

So that’s my recommendation for you. Until nothing can hold you back from buying it, don’t.

Requisite Eye candy- I love mine!

I appreciate the kind words! I'm just another guy with an opinion but, yes, I do enjoy the watches.

I also appreciate the frank assessment but you're half wrong. I recently scratched the new watch itch twice. I am thoughtful with my purchases and try not to buy just because of a fixation. Happy to take my time...

Yes, I kinda like the newer Ingeniuer but I am focused only on the 323909. I've never seen one I person so, no I'm not totally sold. Most importantly, I am trying to figure out if I want to move a couple of watches to make a purchase happen. Nobody's opinion can help me figure out that part.

Anyhow, you've chosen well! If I were going to go after the new Ingeniuer, the blue would probably be the one I'd pick. It looks great on your wrist!

 

Prefer the vintage ingenieur 1832. That’s pure class.

 

Mine is from an earlier version - around 2014 IIRC