Comments:
An Unsung Hero from 2006 (378601)
IWC introduced their first Ceramic Doppelchrono in 2006 (limited edition of 1000). It was 44 mm and came with the original Doppel's calibre 79230. It was not well received because reviews of fragile ceramic cases were abound. Of course, a year later, IWC releases the same watch in 46 mm and associates it with Top Gun and sales start climbing. The popularity of the Top Gun series was a success with the manufacture and thus the reason why they continue the series in one way or another. Here is the original limited edition 378601 (not Top Gun):
The watch really looks it’s all business. No time to mess around. Thanks for sharing. [nt]
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I am a ceramic guy myself, had the DSOM but sold it,
Have Octo Ceramic now.
I do love that strap on that IWC, leather?
Ceramic is cool.
I found the extended date window annoying. But I have a BP Miramar and love the shiny ceramic. Completely unique.
I have never seen a live picture of a IW501902 Miramar
Would you mind sharing? The polished ceramic case intrigues me.
Both of these are super cool timepieces! Richard Habring...
Also important to mention that Richard Habring, watchmaker genius, was instrumental in designing the split seconds module for this timepiece! As we all know, this was one of the few "affordable" split seconds timepieces as many of the big brands that offered split seconds watches at the time were often priced in the 100,000 CHF or USD range!
Great Post India Wiskey Charlie!
Awesome watch! Really sad about those fragile cases and damaged lugs!
I remember hearing stories and seeing horrifying photos of damaged lugs of these IWC Ceramic cases. Seems like these watches absolutely couldn't be dropped and apparently one had to be careful when changing the strap. I'd probably recommend someone to just get a scalpel to cut the strap off the spring bar than to risk damaging the case with the "fork" tool. Still an awesome timepiece. Super awesome timepiece. I didn't know the first version was 44mm, I assumed it was 46mm like the Top Gun version!
Ceramic
I think the facility of ceramic has likely been overstated. Both my BP Miramar and GO ceramic perpetual get tons of writ time and I’ve played around with strap changes with no problem. My IWC in particular has been warn snowboarding when I have taken some tumbles with no issue. Just don’t drop your watch on a concrete or tile floor! I love how completely scratch resistant they are. Both look absolutely brand new excluding the strap wear.
Agreed and I stated the same in my original post
Unfortunately, the unfounded bad wrap has hit Carbon watches as well...🙄
I've worn my ceramic watches in crowded environs...
I've worn mine while racing cars, at rock & roll concerts (really mixed crowd if you leave your seat and join the frenzy in the center, I knew my colleagues would want to join the frenzy so I specifically wore this watch), and in other situations. They're definitely very scratch resistant and should be very robust as long as you don't wack it into something.
This watch was hard to get when it first came out.........
And sold for a premium above its retail price for a few years. It's a cool piece, thanks for sharing!
Tony
Tony
Badass watch
The original is just about perfection. I have the latest version, the new Ceratanium Double Chrono and it sure has its roots to the original. I of course love the Top Gun connection as I graduated the Top Gun Adversary course back in 2007 and now as an airline captain love this watch as my work watch. Thanks for posting.
WOW! Very cool!
Love to read that a real pilot wears one of these watches! Welcome aboard our site! Where is your home airport? My home is SFO/SJC/OAK.
Nope. Thought about getting a pilots license. But haven't done it. I do understand the serenity and peacefulness though. [nt]
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