Schaffhausen/Geneva, 27th March 2023: At the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva, IWC Schaffhausen introduced its first 41-millimetre Pilot’s Chronographs in ceramic. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN “Oceana” features a case made of blue ceramic, developed in collaboration with Pantone® and inspired by the color of the U.S. Navy’s working overalls. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN is IWC’s first 41-millimetre Pilot’s Chronograph with a “Jet Black” black zirconium oxide ceramic case. Both timepieces are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre, an extremely robust and reliable mechanical chronograph movement.
With “The Colors of TOP GUN,” IWC introduced a collection of Pilot’s Watches in colored ceramic in 2022. It consisted of chronographs in striking new shades, such as IWC Lake Tahoe white and IWC Woodland green, developed in collaboration with Pantone®. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds two chronographs in a compact and easy-to-wear case diameter of 41 millimetres to the line-up. This marks the first time IWC offers the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in a case made of ceramic – an extremely hard and scratch-resistant performance material.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN “Oceana” (Ref. 389404) features a case made of blue ceramic. The ceramic color “Oceana” was created with Pantone®, an IWC partner and a global authority on color. The color takes inspiration from the U.S. Navy’s blue overalls, a work uniform worn by their pilots when carrying out arduous tasks aboard aircraft carriers. In addition, the chronograph features a blue dial and a matching blue rubber strap with a denim finish textile inlay. Luminescence on the black hands and on the dial ensures excellent readability, even at night. The pushers and the case back are made of lightweight titanium.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN (Ref. 389401) is IWC’s first 41-millimetre Pilot’s Chronograph in black ceramic. Its “Jet Black” ceramic, inspired by the technical components of supersonic jets, has been the signature material of IWC TOP GUN since the line was established in 2007. A black dial and a black rubber strap complement the pitch-black ceramic case. Here, too, contrasting luminescent elements on the black hands and the dial enhance readability, even in the most challenging conditions. The titanium pushers and case back complement the sporty design. The integrated IWC EasX-CHANGE® system makes it possible to exchange the strap quickly and easily without needing additional tools.
UNCOMPROMISING PERFORMANCE AND READABILITY
Both chronographs are powered by the IWCmanufactured 69380 calibre. This calibre family has been engineered with a strict focus on robustness, reliability, and durability. The stopped minutes are placed directly at 12 o’clock to enhance readability. The vertical dial layout is the result of IWC’s functional design approach and has become a distinguishing feature of the company’s chronographs. Both new models also feature a soft-iron inner case to protect their movements from the effects of magnetic fields. The front glasses are specially secured to withstand sudden drops in air pressure in the cockpit. Moreover, both timepieces are water resistant to 10 bar.
A PIONEER IN THE USE OF CERAMIC
IWC Schaffhausen is a pioneer in the use of ceramic for watch cases. In 1986, the company introduced the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. 3755), 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, or green. Producing a watch case in colored ceramic is a feat of engineering. Zirconium oxide is combined with other metallic oxides to give the ceramic its color. As a result, each color requires different raw materials and a distinct mixing ratio. The manufacturing process and its specific parameters – such as the temperature and the exact duration of the sintering process – must be adapted to each particular ceramic color. What is more, colored ceramics also place incredibly high demands on the purity of their raw materials.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN “Oceana” is available through selected IWC boutiques. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN is available through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com. 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.
