The Popular IWC Colours Of Top Gun Collection Just Got A Whole Lot More Wearable

Known for its high-precision movements, technical features, functional design, and rugged aesthetics, IWC Schaffhausen is often the go-to manufacture for the military — be it on the water or several kilometres above sea level. However, the Swiss manufacture is slowly but surely shedding its purely technical reputation with timepieces that prove fun and function can coexist in harmony.

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Known for its black zirconium oxide ceramic case and titanium case back, the Top Gun line within the Pilot’s Watches family was born in 2007. Since then, the line has been defined by its innovative use of materials and technical aesthetics. First introduced in 2022, the ‘Colours of Top Gun’ collection marked the continuation of IWC Schaffhausen’s decades-long exploration into the world of colourful ceramics, with the release of two new Top Gun Pilot’s Chronographs in distinct shades.

Following on from the introduction of the limited-edition sand-hued ‘Mojave Desert’ version in 2019, IWC released ‘Woodland’ and ‘Lake Tahoe’ colourways last year. Developed in collaboration with Pantone, each shade draws from the colour codes found in the world of naval aviation.

Now, the manufacture is releasing the popular sand-toned Mojave Desert in a more wearable 41mm configuration. The earthy tone is defined by notes of beige and khaki, inspired by the flight suits of naval aviators and the desert landscape around China Lake, the home of the US Navy’s TOPGUN flight school.

The ceramic case and matching rubber strap are bathed in the soothing hue — as are the hour, minute, and seconds hands — which are complemented by a dark brown dial. On the dial, IWC’s signature tricompax vertical dial layout places the stopped minutes at 12 o’clock to increase readability. The pushers and crown and caseback are crafted from matte grey titanium. Under the skin beats the in-house calibre 69380, with the robust chronograph movement equipped with a 46-hour power reserve and utilising a classic column-wheel design. The new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Mojave Desert is essentially identical to its 44.5mm predecessor, however its revised proportions make it infinitely more wearable for those not in possession of gargantuan wrists.

Meanwhile, the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Top Gun Woodland sees IWC apply its coloured ceramic prowess to a world time complication. The dark green shade is inspired by the flight suits and uniforms worn by pilots in the TOPGUN flight school, as well as the vast forestial landscapes they fly over. Like the chronograph iteration of the watch, the Timezoner takes on a monochromatic design, with the dial, hands, rubber strap, and luminescent coating meticulously colour-matched to the ceramic case. The city ring is made of green ceramic while the outer bezel is composed of Ceratanium; an IWC-developed material which combines the structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to that of ceramic.

The 46mm newcomer boasts an integrated Timezoner function, which allows the watch to be set to a different timezone by pressing and rotating the bezel, triggering the hour hand, 24-hour display, and date to move forwards or backwards in one hour intervals. The Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Top Gun Woodland is powered by the in-house calibre 82760. Visible through the tinted sapphire crystal caseback, the automatic movement employs a Pellaton winding system reinforced with ceramic components to ensure a 60-hour power reserve.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Mojave Desert is priced at $17,300AUD while the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Top Gun Woodland will set you back $26,500AUD; both are available via the IWC webstore.


Words by T. Angel