A Breakdown of the 2022 IWC Novelties

Background of the Brand

Swiss watch brand IWC Schaffhausen’s Top Gun family of pilot’s watches are undoubtedly iconic, becoming a symbol of modern flight since their introduction to the IWC collection back in 2007. Since then, they’ve been introduced in a variety of sizes, materials, and even complications, so it seemed only appropriate that IWC would use the biggest watch fair of the year to introduce new models that expand the lineup even further.

IWC’s Top Gun family is no stranger to the use of ceramic cases on their watches. The original IWC Pilots Top Gun family made use of black zirconium oxide ceramic and titanium, and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun “Mojave Desert” benefited from the brand’s pioneering work in the field of ceramic with a sand-colored ceramic case. This year’s IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun “Woodland” is one of the new ceramic offerings, with a matte green case that’s reminiscent of military colors of naval aviator flight suits. The incredibly light case measures 44.5mm in diameter in true Pilot’s Watch form, and features a ceramic case back, crown and pushers, and a green rubber strap. Its dial is of course, highly legible, with large markers and hands using a light hued superluminova coating. It’s powered by the IWC in-house caliber 69380 with a power reserve of 46 hours, and is limited to 1,000 pieces.

Another ceramic release that joins the “Woodland” is the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun “Lake Tahoe”. Similar in every way to its counterpart, the “Lake Tahoe” variant utilizes white ceramic. The white color is inspired by  Lake Tahoe, which is located near the Naval Air Station Fallon, home to the US Navy’s TOPGUN aviation school and training grounds, as well as their white uniforms. Contrasting the crisp white case and white rubber strap is its pitch-black dial accompanied by black hands with Superluminova, as well as its stainless-steel crown, pushers, and case back. It is similarly powered by the caliber 69380 movement, and also limited to 1,000 pieces.

First launched by IWC in 2019, Ceratanium is a proprietary blend that combines all the lightweight and rigid properties of titanium alongside the hard, wear-free and scratch resistant properties of ceramic. The material finds its way to the 41mm version of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun and is used in the case, bezel, crown, pushers, and even the buckle, to create an incredibly stealthy aesthetic. The case back features slightly tinted sapphire crystal, allowing a view to the in-house IWC caliber 69385 with its 46-hour power reserve. The dial is similarly stealthy, with grey hour makers, tracks, numerals, and smoke-grey Superluminova as well. At 41mm, this is the most versatile offering, and its slick stealth style is sure to look great on many a wrist.

Continuing the steel and gold two-tone theme is the Black Bay Chrono S&G, now featuring a sunburst champagne satin-finished dial and contrasting black subdials. This take on the Black Bay Chrono is definitely on the flashier side, but we’d be lying if we said it didn’t catch eyes easily. Besides the gold bezel, black and gold insert, gold hands, and gold dial, you’ll find gold in the pushers, as well as the center links of the bracelet option. Powering the Black Bay Chrono S&G is the same MT5813 movement found in the previous iteration, featuring a 70-hour power reserve, 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a silicon balance spring for magnetic resistance. It’s offered on a fabric NATO, a leather bund strap, or a riveted bracelet with the aforementioned 18k yellow gold center links.

Of course, IWC would never forget the icon itself, the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun, now in a new 43mm case. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Top Gun uses the same familiar black zirconium oxide ceramic case, with a titanium crown and screw down case back engraved with the Top Gun logo. As opposed to the previous 46mm and 48mm offerings, the new Big Pilot’s 43mm case is much more wearable, and will appeal to those who have always loved its look but wished it came in a smaller package. The deep black ceramic case is complimented by a black dial, but highly contrasted by stark white markers and numerals with white Superluminova coating. The small pop of color in the thin red ‘Top Gun’ also does a great job in breaking the monotony of the monochromatic watch. It comes with a fabric strap and is powered by the IWC caliber 82100 movement that offers 60 hours of power reserve.

What Do We Think?

IWC has always made it a point to highlight their unique ceramic cases, and they’ve made quite the showcase here. The new variants (and case sizes) are a great addition to the Top Gun line, now offering even more choices to fans of the classic Pilot’s Watch design. With its high legibility and the toughness and durability the brand’s ceramic cases bring, the Top Gun family is poised to remain incredibly popular.

Specifications

Our coverage of the various Watches and Wonders continues into the week of 30 March-5 April 2022. To keep yourself informed of the latest releases at the event on our website.

Find out more at the Vintage Grail website. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or contact us at (+63) 917 159 1211.