IWC Schaffhausen

Limited to 1,000 pieces, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar is the first watch from IWC Schaffhausen to feature a ceramic case in a light blue color called IWC TOP GUN Miramar. The color’s name is a reference to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, the home of the Navy’s TOPGUN program before it was relocated to Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada. A similar light blue shade can also be found on the t-shirts worn by TOPGUN instructors.

The ceramic case is complemented by a dial and a rubber strap in the same color. The blue hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® to enhance legibility in low-light conditions. The process of manufacturing colored ceramic represents a remarkable feat of material engineering. Zirconium oxide is mixed with different metallic oxides in a precisely defined ratio. As the color changes during the sintering process, numerous trials are needed to achieve exactly the desired result. One specific challenge was transferring the new ceramic color to other components of the watch, such as the dial and the rubber strap. Each part is made of materials with unique properties and requires specific manufacturing processes.

The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre movement, a robust and precise chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design. Its bidirectional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. The titanium case back is engraved with the iconic “TOP GUN” logo. An additional functional feature is the soft-iron inner case, which protects the movement from magnetic fields.