IWC: Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar

With the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar, IWC adds a new ceramic color to its Colors of TOP GUN collection. The watch features a ceramic case in a new color named TOP GUN Miramar, a light blue shade developed by IWC and Pantone, inspired by the light blue T-shirts worn under their flight suits by TOP GUN instructors. The case is paired with a matching dial and rubber strap in the same hue. The brand also presents a new version of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in stainless steel with a TOP GUN Miramar-colored dial and rubber strap.

Limited to 1,000 pieces, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar (Ref. IW389409) features a light blue ceramic case, complemented by a dial and a water- repellent rubber strap in the same color. The blue hands are coated with Super-LumiNova to enhance legibility in low-light conditions. The process of manufacturing a colored ceramic watch is a remarkable feat of material engineering. Zirconium oxide is mixed with different metallic oxides in a precisely defined ratio. As the color changes during the sintering process, numerous trials are needed to achieve exactly the desired result. One specific challenge was transferring the new ceramic color to other components of the watch, such as the dial and the rubber strap. Each part is made of materials with unique properties and requires specific manufacturing processes. (Price €. 14,200)

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW3888117) marks the first time IWC Schaffhausen introduces a Pantone color in a stainless steel watch. The chronograph features a 41-millimeter stainless steel case, combined with a TOP GUN Miramar blue dial and rubber strap. The rhodium-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova enhance legibility. (Price €. 7,700)

Both chronographs are powered by movements from the IWC-manufactured 69000 caliber family. These chronograph movements have been engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability and precision. The column-wheel design ensures that the switching sequences are clearly defined, providing a distinct tactile feedback when the buttons are pushed. The efficient double-pawl winding system generates a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring.

A signature feature is the IWC-typical vertical dial layout, which places the stopped minutes at 12 o’clock for easy and intuitive reading. The stainless steel version includes an open case back, offering a view of the movement, while the ceramic variant has a titanium case back engraved with the iconic “TOP GUN” logo. Additionally, it is equipped with a soft-iron inner case that protects the movement from magnetic fields. 

Both models feature the IWC-developed EasX-CHANGE system. This innovative feature allows the wearer to easily remove the strap from the spring bar and replace it with another one by simply pressing a button integrated into the strap. As this system requires no tools, exchanging the strap or bracelet is quick and easy.