VC Ingenieur - Laureus Edition

I have always admired the VC Ingenieur and am considering the Laureus (blue dial) edition. While I understand production of the Laureus models has now moved to the Portofino Chronograph, I have the opportunity to still pick up a Laureus 1000 LE Ingenieur.

Fellow Forumers, I ask again for your feedback and value your input. Please tell me what you think of this LE model. Those of you who have one, any pic's would be great. It comes with a blue croc strap but was wondering if any one wears it with other color straps ? Also, it has a solid engraved back vs. a display back on the non-Laureus. Is this a negative on a watch with a added premium ?

All thoughts and Pic's will be very helpful and much appreciated. This could be my first "blue dial" in the collection.

Thanks,

Andy

Beautiful piece - incredible dazzling blue.

I too like you Andy am on my search for my first IWC 'blue'. decisions, decisions ...:)

I do own the the V.C. Laureus Ing. and it's one of my favorites. The blue face is captivating as is the red tip second hand. Find one and buy it, you will never regret it!

Zyxtimer

The Laureus blue is spectacular and the VC Ingenieur is a really handsome watch. I have owned other Laureus pieces, though not the Ingenieur. However, I have

seen it and it is a great looking watch. I could see it looking great on a light brown/tan strap - perhaps like the strap from the SS Jones (on right)?

Andy - IWC's strategy is working to perfection: if they keep us waiting long enough for our VC ATs we'll buy other watches to help pass the time. :)

Personally, I prefer the standard issue VC Ingenieur but with the red-tipped second hand -- I've seen a photo of one modified in that way and it looked great. Of course, if your AD wants to give a great deal on a two-fer, let me know. Oh, and I'll be moving to SoCal to stay on your sofa until my wife calms down.

Andy, about my favorite blue dial watch out of 12 blues.

Regards,
Kevin

Andy, I love my 'original' VC Ingenieur, but think the Laureus Edition blue dial is spectacular. I don't think you can go wrong adding one to your collection...as evidenced by Kevin's wristshot!

@ Shing...is that a "grey" croc strap or a lighting distortion ? Your first blue dial? And thought you had a taste of everything in the book !

@ Kevin....Great wristshot. That one could cause pulling the trigger. You wear it well. One more blue and you have a bakers dozen. NICE !

@ David....bring a sleeping bag for the floor. I'm already on the sofa from the VC- AT and it hasn't even been delivered yet (how unfair). BTW, the dog now has taken my spot in the bedroom (and she snores, the dog ,not my wife).

@ everyone...so what do you think of my concern about the case back being solid vs. display on a model with a premium cost. Also, since it is solid, is it anti-magnetic ?

Andy

Hi Andy,

The lack of a blue-dial is killing me ! LOL. But that's ok - I have plenty of help from Kevin, Mark, Andrew, KS Low and KS all the time...:)

Given that the Laureus VC INgenieur uses the calibre 80111, I don't think it has an ant-magnetic cage. The strap is black, not grey -- for the recent models there is not yet an official OEM IWC strap that is grey I believe, but I would certainly like to be surprised -- the closest for the modern straps at the usual 22mm lug size (I think) is the patrouille suisse nylon ballistic 'charcoal-black-grey' one. My opinion only -- corrections greatly welcomed.

This Strap chart updated 2009 on Michael's website www.iwcforum.com/Straps/Straps_2009.pdf is very useful.

Andy,

When the VC AT is delivered your wife will be dazzled by its beauty and all will be forgiven. So there's still hope that I can have the sofa. :)

I share your concern about the lack of a display back. I know some people don't care but I'm a huge fan of display backs.

FYI, The blue strap for the V.C, ING. Laureus is available in reg. & short mode. The A.D. sent me both with my purchase along with an IWC hat in bag, & extra goodies. A great experience and I love watch!

Zyxtimer

Andy.

Here are some shots of my VC Ing Laureus -

I hope they are of some help !

Vishal.

Vishal,

Your pic's are outstanding. That last closeup wrist-shot......KILLER ! And to think that every IWC I've seen in a picture is by far even better in the metal. I will be heading to my AD in a few days to actually try it on.

As mentioned, the solid caseback vs. the display back on the other variations has me in deep thought. I totaly get that this is a LE model. The red arrow tip, the Laureus blue dial and engraving set this apart from the others.

Vishal, Kevin and all other owners, is it just me or did any of you have thoughts about this when you were considering this particular
Laureus ?. I'm weighing the pro's and con's of this trade-off. Your input will help me sort out my feelings on this matter.

I thank you in advance for your thoughts,

Andy

Andy,

When I first saw this watch there was no question of me not going for it. The blue dial and the red arrow tip was so stunning that I had no second thoughts ! As you are aware that this edition is for a cause and the engraving behind makes it unique. Go ahead and pick it up you can't go wrong with this one.

Vishal.

Thanks to all that replied with your thoughts and Pic's. They really help when contemplating the possibility of a new acquisition. My concern about the solid back vs. a display back has been resolved. It occurred to me that I have a VC-AT on order and that too has the same movement as the Laureus Inge. The AT will have a display back, so the Laureus would just be a duplication. Thank God that's off my mind. Now it's just a matter of trying it on for fit and how it looks overall ! I'm very excited.

One last request... Alan, you sir have such knowledge and feelings about Blue dials. You sing the "Blues" like no other. I would be grateful for your thoughts on the Laureus Blue dial in general and specifically in the VC Inge casing. Much appreciated.....

Andy

Andy,

I do indeed love a blue dial. However, despite my blue leanings I do not own a single Laureus watch. This has not been by design. It's just that every time I have begun an order for one of these beauties something else has diverted my attention.
Therefore, I would redirect your question to Kevin and/ or Andrew. I know Kevin has each and every Laureus blue dial model and Andrew is close behind.
My own opinion is that the blue VC Inge is one of the best iterations of the genre. you cannot go wrong with it.

Thanks Alan for the prompt reply and a bit of background/thoughts on Laureus. Kevin has already posted his positive comments and all I can say is WOW WEE...he has got to be the King of the Laureus collectors. I have followed Andrews postings and his involvement and passion with the Laureus Foundation so....Andrew if you're out there, would love to hear your thoughts on the
Laureus Inge.

Again, many thanks

Andy

I think the VC Ing Laureus is a wonderful and striking watch. I've enjoyed mine.

To be a little different, I put it on a dark brown Santoni strap with a deployment clasp.

Hi Andy,

My vote is for the Laureus! It's very nice just like Bobs 866 Inge.

I must say that I like the VC Laureus above all other Laureus watches.

Go for it!

At this point, I would find it very difficult to say "no go" on this Laureus Inge. Whether or not the trigger gets pulled, one thing I've definetly concluded from this posting. The Laureus Inge photographs beautifully. The different angles and lighting conditions give the "Laureus Blue" stunning highlights. Without yet seeing it in the metal, I'm not positive but it appears to be what I think is called a "Sunburst" dial. Even if that is incorrect, I'm still quite sure I won't be disappointed.

Martin, thanks for the "thumbs up". Frank_E, fantastic closeup's and what a great pairing with that Santoni. Looks suburb ! That's what I was hoping to see as another option. I like changing straps to freshen the look. Makes me feel like I have Lots & Lots of IWC's.

Andrew...if you catch this posting, chime in. Would enjoy hearing from the
Forum Laureus Foundation liaison.

Appreciation to you all,

Andy