{"id":8936,"date":"2022-07-08T00:00:44","date_gmt":"2022-07-08T00:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swisswatchexpo.com\/TheWatchClub\/?p=8936"},"modified":"2025-08-04T11:12:51","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T11:12:51","slug":"iwc-pilots-top-gun-in-colorful-ceramics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swisswatchexpo.com\/thewatchclub\/2022\/06\/30\/iwc-pilots-top-gun-in-colorful-ceramics\/","title":{"rendered":"IWC Pilot\u2019s TOP GUN in Colorful Ceramics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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IWC is no stranger to using ceramics. In fact, they were one of the pioneers of using the scratch-resistant material for watches. The brand started utilizing it as early as 1986 with the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar 3755. In the same decade, IWC showcased its technical know-how in using ceramics with colorful prototypes in blue, white, green, and even pink.<\/p>\n

In 2019, IWC brought back this trend with the Pilot’s\u00a0TOP GUN Mojave in a sand-colored case. This year, they’re indulging fans\u00a0with the release two new models in colored ceramic – the\u00a0TOP GUN\u00a0Lake Tahoe and Woodland.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a closer look into the new members of the IWC Pilot<\/a>\u2019s TOP GUN series:<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Big Pilot TOP GUN Black Ceramic IW502001 \/
\nPilot’s Watch TOP GUN Chronograph Mojave Desert IW389103<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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The IWC Top Gun Edition<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

A popular offering of IWC, the TOP GUN collection consists of timepieces with a stealth treatment and technically advanced features.<\/p>\n

First launched in 2007, it takes its name from the famous United States\u00a0Navy Fighter Weapons School.\u00a0Popularly known as TOP GUN, this program is where fighter and strike tactics are taught to select naval officers, who then return to their squads as instructors.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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IWC Pilot Top Gun Chronograph Green \u201cWoodland\u201d Ceramic Dial Men’s Watch IW389106<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Meant to be the more contemporary, performance-oriented model in the Pilot’s Watches collection, the TOP GUN has always been engineered with high-quality materials \u2013 mostly in ceramic, but some in Ceratanium or a combination of ceramic and titanium.<\/p>\n

Additionally, it was made available in various finishes, sizes, and complications ranging from chronographs and perpetual calendars. The TOP GUN series had been predominantly black throughout the years until IWC began releasing military-inspired colors in 2019 with the Mojave Desert edition.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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IWC Pilot Perpetual Calendar Mojave Desert Ceramic Mens Watch IW503004<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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IWC Top Gun Mojave Desert (2019)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The TOP GUN Mojave Desert is a subtle\u00a0take on the classic pilot\u2019s watch. Launched\u00a0in 2019, it takes inspiration from the camouflage suits worn by pilots and the American desert landscape surrounding China Lake, where one of the US Navy\u2019s stations is located.<\/p>\n

Unlike the other watches in this list, it measures about 44.5mm only and features a unique, monochromatic look. A non-chronograph edition was later launched (Ref. IW506003), this time in a Big Pilot edition measuring 46mm across.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Big Pilot TOP GUN Chronograph Mojave Desert IW389103<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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The Mojave Desert remains true to the Pilot\u2019s watch design DNA with its large dark brown\u00a0dial, printed hour markers, and luminescent hands. Its case is in a pleasing sand color, which was achieved by combining zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides.<\/p>\n

A soft-iron inner cage makes it highly resistant to magnetic fields, while its sand-colored rubber strap\u00a0offers a harmonious look and a convenient fit on the wrist.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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IWC Top Gun Woodland (2022)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Next, we have the TOP GUN Woodland, which steals attention with its green-colored exterior.\u00a0Much like the previous model, the Woodland is inspired by naval aviator flight suits of TOP GUN pilots\u00a0and boasts a large 44.5mm case.<\/p>\n

Its crown, pushers, and caseback are made of\u00a0black Ceratanium \u2013 IWC\u2019s proprietary material that combines the lightness of titanium with the incomparable hardness\u00a0of ceramics.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Chronograph Woodland IW389106<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Moreover, the Woodland features an earthy green dial with luminous hands and white Arabic numerals that complement the case perfectly. Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber 69380, which offers a 48-hour power reserve. A green rubber strap ties the look together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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IWC Top Gun Lake Tahoe (2022)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Released alongside the Woodland, the TOP GUN Lake Tahoe is one of IWC\u2019s refreshing\u00a0novelties. It\u00a0is also made of ceramic but in a crisp white color that is reminiscent of Lake Tahoe, where elite TOP GUN pilots often fly,\u00a0and of the service white\u00a0uniforms worn by the US Navy.\u00a0Just like the Woodland version, the\u00a0brand partnered with Pantone to develop this striking\u00a0hue.<\/p>\n

Boasting a high-contrast look, its dial is in black,\u00a0and features white elements that provide incredible legibility throughout the day. It also features a 44.5mm case and the Caliber 69830 with a day and date display and\u00a0a chronograph feature.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Unlike the Woodland model, its crown, pushers, and caseback are made of stainless steel instead of ceramic. A white rubber strap and 60-meter depth rating make this timepiece splash-proof.<\/p>\n

Both the TOP GUN Woodland and Lake Tahoe will have an annual production of 1,000 pieces.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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With their utilitarian styling, unconventional but durable construction, and robust performance, these watches will definitely stand the test of time. Explore our selection of IWC Pilot\u2019s TOP GUN watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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SEE MORE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO:<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\t\t\t

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