New Release
India Whiskey Charlie's original post introduces IWC Schaffhausen's latest additions to its 'Colors of TOP GUN' collection, highlighting the brand's continued innovation in colored ceramic watchmaking. This release underscores IWC's commitment to pushing material science boundaries while drawing inspiration from naval aviation aesthetics. Readers will gain insight into the technical advancements and design philosophy behind these striking monochromatic timepieces.
Schaffhausen, 17th October 2023: With two new models in its “Colors of TOP GUN” collection, IWC Schaffhausen underscores its comprehensive expertise in manufacturing colored ceramic watches with striking monochromatic designs. The Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Woodland is the first Timezoner® in colored ceramic, featuring a dark green ceramic case and a Ceratanium® case ring and crown. The patented Timezoner® function allows the wearer to effortlessly change between different time zones by simply pressing down and turning the rotating bezel. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert marks IWC’s first 41-millimeter Pilot’s Chronograph with a sand-colored ceramic case.
In 2022, IWC
Schaffhausen introduced its “Colors of TOP GUN” collection, comprising
various Pilot’s Watches in ceramic colors such as Woodland and Lake
Tahoe. These ceramic shades were inspired by color codes found in the
world of naval aviation and developed in collaboration with Pantone®. Now, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer is adding two new models to the collection.
The Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Woodland (Ref.
IW395601) features a case made of Woodland green ceramic. The dark
green hue is inspired by the flight suits and uniforms worn by pilots in
the TOPGUN flight school and the vast forest landscapes they fly over.
The timepiece impresses with its monochromatic design. From the dial and
hands to the rubber strap and luminescent material, each component was
carefully matched to the ceramic case color through an elaborate
engineering process. The case ring and the crown are made of matte black
Ceratanium®, an IWC-developed material which combines the structural
integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to
that of ceramic.
With the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert
(Ref. IW389402), IWC adds its third 41-millimeter ceramic chronograph
to the portfolio. The case is made of sand-colored ceramic. Known as
Mojave Desert, this earth tone with notes of beige and khaki is inspired
by the flight suits of naval aviators and the desert landscape around
China Lake, home to the U.S. Navy’s famous TOPGUN flight school. The
dark brown dial and the hands, the printing and luminescent material,
and the rubber strap with a textile inlay harmonize perfectly with the
case. The crown, the chronograph pushers, and the case back are made of
matte grey titanium. Ticking away inside the case is the
IWC-manufactured 69380 caliber. This highly robust chronograph movement
in a classic column-wheel design comprises 242 individual parts. The
IWC-typical vertical dial layout places the stopped minutes directly at
the 12 o’clock position, significantly enhancing readability. An
efficient double pawl winding system uses movements of the rotor in both
directions to build up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring.
The movement is protected from the effects of magnetic fields by a soft
iron inner case, and the front glass is specially secured to withstand
sudden drops in air pressure.
IWC PIONEERED CERAMIC IN THE WATCH INDUSTRY
IWC
is a pioneer in the use of ceramic for watch cases. In 1986, the
company introduced the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref.
3755). It was the world’s first wristwatch with a case made of black
zirconium oxide ceramic. IWC was also one of the first watch brands to
push forward the development of different ceramic colors, such as white,
blue, and green. To manufacture a watch case in colored ceramic,
zirconium oxide is combined with other metallic oxides. The final color
results from the exact mixing ratio of these raw materials. What is
more, the manufacturing process and its parameters – such as the exact
temperature or the duration of the sintering process – must be adapted
to each color.
The Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Woodland and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert are available through selected IWC boutiques. In addition, the timepieces are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
looking forward to seeing one in person, I tried to but a boutique only orange sandstorm chrono a while back but it never happened, this is a more than adequate alternative.
... not even a hairline scratch on it.
Figured we would have seen one by now.🤷‍♂️
not chipped or cracked? Every other ceramic item that we use whether they be floor tiles or pottery, breaks or cracks if enough force is involved vs. Titanium or steel which might pit, have a dent but does not break if the same force is employed. S
Would have been an instant decision had I not got the F1 version. A shame they dont provide the easyX straps for these TGs.
This thread is active on the IWC forum with 7 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
