A short film reveals how the Ingenieur SL became IWC’s “most brilliant failure”

The IWC Ingenieur SL Reference 1832, launched in 1976, was a model that was originally marketed exclusively to engineers. Imbued with striking features and the utmost functionality, the stainless steel watch with an integrated bracelet was created by none other than renowned Genevan watch designer Gerald Genta.

While it wasn’t a commercial success initially, it has interestingly become a cult classic over the decade, remaining highly collectible until today. Following the launch of the new Ingenieur collection at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025, IWC Schaffhausen has released a short film bringing to light the legend of this design.

Set during the era of its birth and titled Our Most Brilliant Failure, the docu-drama tells a cinematic story of the Ingenieur SL, in a narrative that intertwines real-life events with a fictional plot about one specific model with a green dial.

That particular Ingenieur SL was essentially handed to a racing driver for a practical shock-resistance test on the race track. Then, moving on to the Basel Watch Exhibition in 1976, it follows sales director Hannes Pantli in his attempts to sell the watch to the envisioned audience of “engineers”.

Despite the lukewarm reception, the Ingenieur SL was serendipitously rediscovered around the turn of the millennium by discerning collectors and enthusiasts. From then on, the most remarkable change in fortunes happened: The watch achieved top prices at auctions, and began to appear on the wrists of actors, musicians, and sport stars..

A heart-warming note: The film is endorsed and supported by the Genta family, including Evelyne Genta, the founder of the Gerald Genta Heritage Association. Portraying the genius is actor Anthony Watterson, while Hannes Pantli is played by Matt Schaal, and IWC’s former marketing manager Alexandre Ott by Brett Williams.

The director is Rune Milton, who previously directed the cinematic tribute to IWC’s founding story, Born of A Dream (2020), and the director of photography is Daniel Voldheim, known for Harrison Ford thriller Presumed Innocent (1990).

And this little tale is just an example of the various experiences linked to the 598 Ingenieur SL watches ever produced. While the film premiere took place recently during the 82nd Members’ Meeting in Goodwood in West Sussex, England, it can immediately be viewed here. 

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