When you think of IWC, chances are models like the sleek Portuguese chronos, the tough Aquatimers, or the unmistakable Big Pilot come to mind. Maybe even the 1970s-era Ingenieur SL—the one designed by the great Gérald Genta. With its integrated bracelet and bold, angular case, it’s become one of the brand’s most celebrated designs. But here’s the twist: the Ingenieur line actually started almost 20 years before Genta put his pen to paper.

IWC introduced its Ingenieur line as early as 1954 with the reference 666—coincidentally the same year Rolex launched their answer to the challenge of magnetic resistance: the reference 6541 Milgauss. In other words, IWC was already positioning itself as a pioneer in technical watchmaking, standing at the forefront of innovation during that era!

The Reference 666 Ingenieur marked IWC’s first foray into producing a purpose-built anti-magnetic tool watch designed for scientific and industrial use. Launched in 1955, the Ingenieur borrowed the soft iron inner case from the WWII-era Mark XI military watch, enhancing it with a new in-house automatic movement. Originally offered in both date and non-date versions, the Ref. 666 remains one of the most elusive—and arguably underrated—vintage IWC models on the market today.

At hand is a lovely example of the no-date model, housed in a 36.5mm case with the waterproof “Fish” crown, a screw-down case back, and an inner Faraday cage to provide anti-magnetic protection. The silver soleil dial features the elegant “International Watch Company” script and the word “Ingenieur” with a thunderbolt motif. Additionally, it features gold hour markers, a “dot-dot” minute track, and classic dauphine hands.

This fine IWC is fitted with a Bulang and Sons strap and has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

These timepieces are legendary, yet still manage to fly under the radar—and the 🧲!

Specifications:

- IWC Reference 666 Ingenieur no date
- Steel case in 36.5mm, with “Fish” crown and inner Faraday-style anti-magnetic case back
- Case No 652xxx / Movement serial no 167xxxx dating to 1963
- Silver dial with golden indexes and dauphine-style hands
- Automatic “Pellaton” winding system cal. 852
- Bulang and Sons leather strap
- Fully serviced by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping

IWC Ingenieur Silver Dial Ref. 666

IWC Ingenieur Silver Dial Ref. 666

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