In 1976, IWC Schaffhausen launched the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, which was designed by Gérald Genta at the height of his creative powers. With his celebrated stainless-steel luxury sports watches featuring integrated bracelets, the Geneva-based watch designer and artist created an entirely new product category within the Swiss watchmaking industry.
The visionary design of the Ingenieur SL has also had a major influence on IWC’s new Ingenieur model. IWC Schaffhausen is now celebrating the design icon’s 50th anniversary with the IWC Ingenieur Residency, a pop-up bringing together the Ingenieur’s distinctive, timeless aesthetic with culinary artistry and perfection.
“With the Ingenieur SL, Gérald Genta created a design 50 years ago that is ingenious in how it combines design and technology, while continuing to shape the aesthetic of our Ingenieur collection to this day. The Ingenieur Residency offers a surprising new way to experience the interplay of sculptural design and precision engineering, bringing together the world of watchmaking and the culinary arts to engage all the senses,” states Franziska Gsell Etterlin, Chief Marketing Officer of IWC Schaffhausen.
Fine dining meets the art of watchmaking
From August 25 to 29, 2026, the V-Zug Studio in Zurich will serve as the setting for the IWC Ingenieur Residency.
For this pop-up dining experience, IWC Schaffhausen is bringing in one of Switzerland’s most acclaimed chefs – Dominik Hartmann (34) of Restaurant Magdalena in Rickenbach (Canton of Schwyz). Awarded two Michelin stars and 18 GaultMillau points, the restaurant is one of Switzerland’s leading establishments for modern vegetarian fine dining. For the IWC Ingenieur Residency, Hartmann and his team have created a vegetarian menu that puts a culinary spin on the Ingenieur’s design language. Places for this exclusive fine-dining experience are limited.
Form und Technik - An exhibition to experience
While the dinner takes place in the evening, the venue will also be open to visitors during the day: In collaboration with The Matcha Club, IWC will offer a selection of exclusive matcha creations. Guests can also visit the accompanying FORM UND TECHNIK exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Ingenieur SL. It explores the value and relevance of “good design”. At its heart is the interplay between technology and aesthetics, paying tribute to the visionary design of the Ingenieur SL Ref. 1832 from the 1970s, its enduring significance in the world of watchmaking, and its role as an inspiration for IWC Schaffhausen’s new Ingenieur collection.
The Ingenieur Collection at a glance
Since its launch in 2023, the new Ingenieur collection has been continuously expanded and now offers a diverse range of models. The 40-millimeter version has been joined by the Ingenieur Automatic 35, a more compact model that is ergonomically optimized for smaller wrists. Alongside the classic stainless-steel models, the collection now also includes versions in black or colored ceramic, 18-carat red gold, and titanium. Another highlight is the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41, featuring the undisputed “queen of complications”.
The collection combines balanced proportions with the signature integrated bracelet. Its design heritage remains unmistakable: inspired by Gérald Genta’s legendary Ingenieur SL Ref. 1832, it is as visionary as it is timeless.
IWC Ingenieur Residency
The IWC Ingenieur Residency is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Tuesday, August 25 and Saturday August 29. The fine dining experience in the evening can be booked via magdalena.ch.
