The IWC Ingenieur was first introduced in 1954 as a tool watch specifically designed for engineers and technicians who needed a timepiece that could withstand magnetic fields and harsh environments. The original model featured a soft iron inner case to protect the movement from magnetic interference. Over the years, while the design has evolved, the Ingenieur has always remained true to its original purpose: a rugged, reliable timepiece built for professionals. In the mid-1970s, IWC enlisted the renowned designer Gerald Genta to update the Ingenieur’s design, resulting in a more modern, fashionable aesthetic. The “Genta” Ingenieur debuted in 1976 and hit stores in 1977, featuring a large case with an integrated bracelet and powered by the automatic c.8541ES movement. Due to its substantial size, the mechanical Ingenieur ref. 1832 quickly earned the affectionate nickname “Fat” Ingenieur. However, despite its innovative design, it struggled to gain market traction, mainly due to its high price and the onset of the "quartz crisis." To adapt, IWC released two quartz versions: the first with the quartz calibre 2405, followed by a slimmer model with the quartz calibre 2250, a more comfortable bracelet, and a refined case design. In 1980, the ref. 3303 replaced the ref. 3003, offering a flatter case and the same quartz calibre 2250. The present watch is a rare and highly sought-after IWC “Genta” Ingenieur reference 3303, featuring a quartz movement. With only 149 examples ever produced, and even fewer appearing on the market, this timepiece is truly a collector's gem! We’re especially fond of the stunning black "waffle dial," a signature design element from IWC that almost resembles carbon fiber. The iconic Genta-designed three-row bracelet is in excellent condition, fitting wrists up to 18.5 cm, and the signature “fish crown” remains intact. The watch has been fully checked by our watchmaker and is fitted with a fresh battery. Reach out to us to learn more about this cool, iconic IWC designed by Genta! Specifications: - IWC Ingenieur SL Reference 3303- 40mm steel case- Serial 226xxx dating to the early 1980s- Black ‘waffle’ dial- Pencil hands- Integrated three-row steel bracelet- IWC calibre 2250 quartz movement- Fully checked by our watchmaker- One-year mechanical warranty- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping