The concept was launched last year by IWC… The Colours of TOP GUN, a collection of bold and monochromatic watches in coloured ceramic, with matching dials and straps. Last year, the collection started with the Lake Tahoe, a white ceramic watch, and the Woodland Green, entirely green watches – there was also a Big Pilot 43 edition. And of course, we have to remember the very cool TOP GUN Mojave watches, with their sand-coloured ceramic cases, straps and dials. This year, for Watches & Wonders, IWC expands the collection, with more compact and monochromatic models again, in new colours. We’re looking at the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Black ceramic and Oceana ceramic. Full-black or full-blue, the choice is yours.
It’s a bold concept that was developed by IWC… Monochromatic ceramic watches in an array of different colours, ranging from classic black to much more daring versions in beige or green. This year, it’s time for a black ceramic watch to join the TOP GUN collection – and one that should not be confused with the existing Ceratanium version – and a blue ceramic model too.
Both models are based on the classic IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41. Classic in style, classic in specifications. This means the signature no-nonsense case, with uncoated steel pushers and crown, a relatively reasonable diameter of 41.9mm, a height of 15.5mm and a comfortable 100m water-resistance, thanks to a screwed crown and caseback. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal secured against displacement by drops in air pressure, and both feature a soft-iron inner case to protect their movements from the effects of magnetic fields.
Regarding the movement, which is hidden under a solid titanium back engraved with TOP GUN logo, it’s again a classic for the brand, the manufacture calibre 69380. This engine is a strong update of the 7750 architecture, modified with a column wheel and a 46h power reserve. It displays all essential indications, including 30-minute and 12-hour counters, and the day and date in a double window at 3 o’clock. It’s a solid movement altogether.
What truly matters today are the colours and the use of ceramic. IWC was a pioneer in the use of this material, as it made the first ceramic wristwatch back in 1986. Now, with the new IWC Pilot Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Jet Black and TOP GUN Oceana, the brand expands the collection with new colours, but also smaller watches. Indeed, last year’s Lake Tahoe and Woodland chronograph models were 44.5mm watches.
This first version features a jet-black case, a signature colour of the TOP GUN collection since the line was established in 2007. Not to be confused with the cutting-edge Ceratanium model, it is here combined with steel pushers and crown, giving a rather cool instrumental look. The dial and the rubber strap are using the same jet-black colour too. On this model, all markers and tracks are pure white for strong contrast in daylight, and generously coated with Super-LumiNova for solid night-time legibility. A classic for the collection, the small seconds hand is coloured in red.
The second edition is even more striking. Named TOP GUN Oceana, this full-blue watch introduces a brand new colour for IWC (again developed in collaboration with Pantone) and inspired by the uniforms of Navy Pilots. The blue colour continues on the dial and the rubber strap with a denim textile inlay. It is otherwise technically identical to the black watch above. Known as the reference IW389401 in black and reference IW389404 in blue, these new TOP GUN chronographs are now available and equipped with an EasX-CHANGE system for the strap.
