The watch you wear says a lot about you. From classic pieces to more modern iterations, everyone knows that a timepiece on your wrist garners instant cool points.
Remember when Pharrell paired high-end watches with streetwear back in his skating days? Well, that caught people's attention when it came to discovering a new landscape of luxury statement pieces. There is no shortage of luxury watch brands around, but one of the big-time players that never disappoints when it comes to versatile timepieces made for suits, sweats, and sneaker fits is IWC.
Case in point: the Ingenieur Automatic 40 and Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41, shot here by Highsnobiety.
Originally introduced back in 1955, the Ingenieur was a significant timepiece for IWC; it featured their first automatic movement and a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields. In the 1970s, IWC Schaffhausen enlisted renowned watch designer Gérald Genta to give the Ingenieur a fresh new look.
Genta worked his magic, landing on the Ingenieur SL—a standout piece in IWC's SL collection of luxury steel watches. In short, the Ingenieur SL was a game-changing piece. Fast forward to today, and Genta's creation has become a cherished collector's item and one of the most sought-after models in IWC's history. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 featured in this shoot isn't just a nostalgic throwback; it's the best of both worlds, blending heritage with futuristic design, all in one sleek timepiece.
Aside from the Ingenieur Automatic 40, we've got our eyes on the Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41. IWC has been dabbling in pilot watches since the '40s, drawing inspiration from aviator shades, shearling jackets, and of course, being 40,000 feet up in the air.
It's practical pilot watches are hard to miss thanks to oversized crowns, eye-catching dials, and rugged cases. Wearable at any altitude, the Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 is a slick stainless steel piece sporting a compact 41-millimeter case. For a solid 85 years, IWC’s Pilot's range has brought precision, style, and rugged charm to horology. What began as an indispensable navigation tool has gracefully evolved into an icon, celebrated for its cockpit-inspired design and durability.
But here's where it gets interesting. These IWC models come with the EasX-CHANGE system, making strap changes a breeze. So, depending on your fit, you could switch up your strap to complement your look. There's a range of calfskin and rubber strap options to choose from, alongside a stainless steel bracelet boasting a fine adjustment system for true comfort.
With these two style-ready pieces, IWC shows that watches are never just an afterthought; they're the perfect way to finish off your look—whether you're flexing a 3-piece suit or matching sweats.
Shop IWC's Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 here and Ingenieur Automatic 40 here.
