Adding a new ceramic color to its Colors of TOP GUN collection, IWC Schaffhausen introduces the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar. The watch features a ceramic case in a new color named TOP GUN Miramar, a light blue shade developed by IWC and Pantone®.
The case is paired with a matching dial and rubber strap in the same hue. In addition, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer launches a new version of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in stainless steel featuring a TOP GUN Miramar dial and rubber strap. Both chronographs are powered by the movements from the IWC-manufactured 69000 caliber family, offering a 46-hour power reserve.
Building on IWC’s extensive ceramic expertise, the Colors of TOP GUN collection comprises ceramic watches in different shades. Inspired by the world of naval aviation and developed in collaboration with Pantone®, these colors include Mojave Desert, Lake Tahoe, Woodland, Oceana and Jet Black. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now presents a new color called TOP GUN Miramar.
It is inspired by the light blue t-shirts that TOP GUN instructors wear under their flight suits. Having gone through a rigorous selection and intensive training process, they are considered some of the most skilled pilots and instructors.
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.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388117) 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.
A HIGH-PRECISION CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT INSIDE
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.
