Ingersoll The Michigan Automatic Open Heart Gold Dial Stainless Steel Watch (I01108)
- Sale price
- R 7,899
- List price
- R 9,999
The Ingersoll Michigan I01108 is a striking embodiment of American watchmaking heritage, combining automatic mechanical sophistication with vintage-inspired design. This 45mm timepiece features a distinctive champagne gold dial with an open heart aperture at six o'clock, revealing the intricate automatic movement within. The dial showcases dual sub-dials and oversized Arabic numerals at 12, 3, and 6 o'clock, creating a harmonious balance between legibility and decorative complexity. The stainless steel case, finished with a polished cushion-shaped profile and exposed screw detailing, houses a reliable automatic movement that winds with the natural motion of your wrist.
At Cassims & Co., we are proud to be an authorised retailer for INGERSOLL watches, bringing you authentic timepieces backed by full manufacturer warranties and our dedicated after-sales support. The Michigan collection represents Ingersoll's commitment to accessible mechanical watchmaking, offering genuine automatic movements and exhibition casebacks at exceptional value. The 15.8mm case depth accommodates the self-winding calibre, while the mineral crystal glass protects the intricate dial work beneath.
This gentleman's automatic watch is presented on a rich brown genuine leather strap with traditional alligator-grain embossing and contrasting stitching, secured by a classic pin buckle. The 24mm lug width ensures comfortable proportions on the wrist despite the generous 45mm case diameter. Water resistance to 50 metres provides protection against everyday splashes and brief immersion, though this is not a dive watch. The exhibition caseback allows you to admire the decorated rotor and movement architecture, a feature cherished by mechanical watch enthusiasts.
Whether you're building your first automatic watch collection or seeking a distinctive dress watch with vintage character, the Michigan I01108 delivers horological substance at an accessible price point. Visit us at our Mall of the South boutique to experience the quality and presence of this timepiece in person, and our watch servicing and repairs team is always on hand to ensure your Ingersoll continues performing flawlessly for years to come.
Specifications
- Reference Number: I01108
- Brand: Ingersoll 1892
- Collection: The Michigan
- Movement: Automatic (self-winding mechanical)
- Display Type: Analogue with open heart
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Case Finish: Polished
- Case Diameter: 45mm (without crown)
- Case Thickness: 15.8mm
- Case Shape: Cushion
- Case Back: Exhibition crystal (transparent)
- Crystal: Mineral glass (toughened)
- Dial Colour: Champagne gold
- Dial Features: Open heart aperture, dual sub-dials, applied numerals
- Hands: Skeletonised
- Water Resistance: 50 metres (5 ATM)
- Strap Material: Genuine leather
- Strap Colour: Brown with alligator grain
- Strap Width: 24mm (at lugs)
- Clasp Type: Pin buckle
- Gender: Men's
- Warranty: 2 years international manufacturer warranty
FAQ
Q: Is this watch fully automatic or does it require manual winding?
A: The Ingersoll Michigan I01108 features a self-winding automatic movement that winds itself through the natural motion of your wrist as you wear it. If the watch stops due to insufficient wear time, you can manually wind it using the crown to restart the movement. We recommend wearing it regularly to maintain optimal power reserve.
Q: What is the open heart complication and why is it desirable?
A: The open heart (or aperture) is a window in the dial at six o'clock that reveals the balance wheel and escapement of the automatic movement. This decorative feature allows you to observe the mechanical heartbeat of your watch and is highly prized by enthusiasts who appreciate visible craftsmanship. Combined with the exhibition caseback, the Michigan offers a complete view of its mechanical soul.
Q: Is the 45mm case size too large for smaller wrists?
A: The 45mm diameter represents a bold, vintage-inspired proportions characteristic of the Michigan collection. The cushion case shape and relatively short lug-to-lug measurement help it wear smaller than the diameter suggests. We invite you to visit our Mall of the South boutique for a personal fitting to ensure the watch suits your wrist size and comfort preferences.
Q: Can I wear this watch while swimming or showering?
A: With 50 metres water resistance, the Michigan I01108 is protected against splashes, rain, and brief immersion, but it is not designed for swimming, showering, or water sports. The leather strap is particularly sensitive to prolonged water exposure. We recommend removing the watch before any water activities to preserve both the movement seals and strap integrity.
Q: How long will the watch run on a full wind?
A: While Ingersoll does not publish specific power reserve data for this model, typical automatic movements of this calibre offer between 38 and 42 hours of running time when fully wound. Daily wear will keep the watch continuously powered, but if left unworn for two days, you may need to reset the time and manually wind it to restart.
Q: Does the brown leather strap need special care?
A: Yes, genuine leather requires regular care to maintain its appearance and longevity. Avoid prolonged water exposure, direct sunlight, and contact with perfumes or chemicals. We recommend treating the strap periodically with leather conditioner and replacing it when signs of wear appear. Our boutique can assist with genuine Ingersoll replacement straps or alternative options.
Q: Is this watch covered by a manufacturer warranty when purchased from Cassims & Co.?
A: Absolutely. As an authorised Ingersoll retailer, every Michigan I01108 purchased from Cassims & Co. includes the full 2-year international manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is only valid when purchased from authorised dealers like ourselves, and we provide full after-sales support throughout the warranty period and beyond.
Warranty
- Warranty Period: This Ingersoll Michigan I01108 is covered by a 2-year international manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase.
- Warranty Validity: The warranty is valid only when the watch is purchased from an authorised Ingersoll retailer such as Cassims & Co. Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims.
- Coverage: The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. This includes manufacturing faults in the movement, case, dial, hands, and factory-fitted components.
- Exclusions: The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, scratches, dents, or cosmetic damage to the case, crystal, or strap. Battery replacement (if applicable), strap wear, water damage resulting from misuse or failure to maintain water resistance, damage from impacts or accidents, and unauthorised modifications or repairs are excluded.
- Water Damage: Water resistance is not a permanent condition and gaskets naturally degrade over time. Water damage resulting from failure to ensure the crown is properly positioned, or from exceeding the stated water resistance rating, is not covered.
- Service Requirements: To maintain warranty validity, any servicing or repairs must be performed by authorised Ingersoll service centres. Unauthorised repairs void the warranty.
- Claim Process: For warranty service, return the watch to Cassims & Co. with your original proof of purchase. We will assess the claim and liaise with Ingersoll's authorised service network on your behalf.
- After Warranty Support: Beyond the warranty period, Cassims & Co. continues to offer full servicing, repairs, and maintenance for your Ingersoll timepiece through our experienced watch technicians and authorised service partners.
Care Guide
- Daily Wear: Avoid impacts, shocks, and magnetic fields which can affect the accuracy of the automatic movement. Remove the watch before engaging in sports or vigorous activities.
- Water Exposure: Although rated to 50 metres, avoid swimming, showering, or prolonged water contact. Always ensure the crown is pushed fully in (not pulled out) to maintain water resistance integrity.
- Leather Strap Care: Keep the leather strap dry and away from perfumes, lotions, and solvents. Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. Condition periodically with leather care products. Replace when cracking or excessive wear appears.
- Cleaning: Wipe the stainless steel case and crystal with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth. For deeper cleaning of the case, use a slightly damp cloth, ensuring no water contacts the crown or strap connection points.
- Winding: If the watch has stopped, gently wind the crown clockwise approximately 20-30 rotations to restart the movement. Avoid overwinding by stopping when you feel resistance. Daily wear will keep the automatic movement powered.
- Storage: When not wearing the watch, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and magnetic devices. A watch box or pouch is ideal for protecting the crystal and case finish.
- Servicing: Automatic movements require professional servicing every 3-5 years to maintain accuracy and longevity. This includes movement cleaning, lubrication, gasket replacement, and water resistance testing. Contact our watch servicing team at Cassims & Co. for authorised Ingersoll service.
- Crown Operation: Always handle the crown gently when setting the time or date. Do not force the crown, and ensure it is fully pushed in after adjustment to maintain water resistance.
- Magnetic Fields: Keep the watch away from strong magnetic sources such as speakers, mobile phones, magnetic clasps, and electronic devices, as magnetisation can affect timekeeping accuracy.