IWC Ingenieur Automatic 42 IW338902 introduces coloured ceramic to the line

IWC debuts the Ingenieur Automatic 42 (IW338902) in dark olive green ceramic. at Watches and Wonders 2026. Full specs and price: €23,900.

Drawing on decades of expertise in ceramic, IWC introduces the Ingenieur Automatic 42 IW338902, marking the first coloured ceramic execution of the Gérald Genta-derived design.

Unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, this new reference in dark olive green zirconium oxide highlights the brand’s continued refinement of one of the most technically demanding materials in watchmaking.

IWC’s work with ceramic dates back to 1986, when it introduced its first wristwatch featuring a case in black zirconium oxide. Since then, the brand has steadily developed its expertise, both in terms of engineering and finishing.

Following last year’s introduction of the Ingenieur in black ceramic, this new execution extends the concept into coloured ceramic, with the case ring, bezel, case back ring and crown protection all crafted in dark olive green ceramic.

Produced by mixing zirconium oxide with metallic oxides in precisely defined ratios, coloured ceramic remains challenging to control, as the final shade evolves during the sintering process, making uniformity across components particularly complex.

The integrated ceramic bracelet is attached to the case ring via its middle links, ensuring an ergonomic fit on the wrist. Lighter than steel, it also contributes to overall wearing comfort.

The “Grid”-patterned dial matches the green hue of the ceramic elements, while golden accents provide contrast: the crown is crafted from 18-carat 5N gold, the bezel screws from 18-carat Armor Gold, and the hands and appliqués are gold-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova.

The Ingenieur Automatic 42 IW338902 features a 42 mm case with a height of 11.5 mm, executed in ceramic using a multi-part construction. 

As ceramic components shrink by around one-third during sintering, this must be anticipated at the design stage.

To preserve the proportions of the original design, IWC uses a construction that eliminates the need for a conventional movement container. Instead, a thin titanium ring secures the movement, holds the functional screws from both sides and contributes to a water resistance of 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet).

The sapphire crystals, antireflective on both sides, and the gaskets are fitted directly into the case and case back ring.

With a hardness of around 1300 Vickers, ceramic can only be machined after sintering using diamond tools. On this model, IWC combines satin-finishing, sandblasting and polishing: the case and bracelet are satin-finished, their edges are polished, and a fine sandblasted surface completes the overall appearance.

The transparent caseback reveals the IWC-manufactured 82110 calibre, a 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) automatic movement equipped with a Pellaton winding system. 

This mechanism converts the oscillating mass’s movements in both directions into energy for the mainspring, delivering a power reserve of 60 hours. 

Components of the winding system subject to high stress are made from virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic.

The new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 42 in dark olive green ceramic, ref. IW338902, is priced at €23,900 (incl. VAT) / US$23,800 (excl. sales taxes). iwc.com

Suggested reading:

• IWC unveils the Ingenieur Automatic 40

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