IWC EXTENDS TOP GUN COLLECTION WITH NEW MODELS IN CERATANIUM® AND BLACK CERAMIC
Schaffhausen, 30th March – As the Watches and Wonders exhibition opens in Geneva, IWC Schaffhausen launches two new TOP GUN models in its Pilot’s Watches collection. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Ceratanium® is the first 41-millimetre chronograph in this collection in full Ceratanium®. This ground-breaking new material is light and robust like titanium, and at the same time similarly hard and scratch-resistant like ceramic. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 TOP GUN in black zirconium oxide ceramic is the first TOP GUN Big Pilot in a 43-millimetre case size. The novelties are powered by IWC-manufactured movements from the 69000 and 82000 calibre families.
2022 is the year of IWC TOP GUN. In addition to launching the new “Lake Tahoe” and “Woodland” editions in white and green ceramic, IWC completes the TOP GUN collection with two new models in Ceratanium® and black ceramic. These timepieces reflect the technical and performance-oriented design that has been the hallmark of IWC TOP GUN since the brand introduced the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN back in 2007.
Ceratanium® debuted in the IWC Pilot’s Watches collection with the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium® in 2019. Now, this innovative new material returns to the TOP GUN collection with the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Ceratanium® (Ref. IW388106), the first 41-millimetre Chronograph in this collection with a case, pushers and a crown made of Ceratanium®. In addition to offering outstanding material properties like reduced weight and high scratch resistance, the most striking feature of Ceratanium® is its matte-black color, which IWC and Pantone have specified as “IWC Ceratanium®”. The dark and slightly metallic shade results from a unique manufacturing process: it develops on the surface of the material when the case components are fired at high temperatures in a kiln. Subdued white print and luminescence on the black dial and black hands underscore the all-black, stealthy design. The IWC manufactured 69385 calibre chronograph movement is visible through the tinted sapphire glass case back. The timepiece is fitted on a black rubber strap with textile inlay.
The Big Pilot’s Watch in black ceramic has been a staple in IWC’s TOP GUN line since 2012. Today, it becomes available in an ergonomic 43-millimetre case size for the first time. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 TOP GUN (Ref. IW329801) features a case made of black zirconium oxide ceramic, a titanium case back, as well as black dial and hands. The engineering ceramic used for the case offers maximum protection against scratches. IWC and Pantone have specified the black ceramic color as “IWC Jet Black”. The timepiece is powered by the IWC manufactured 82100 calibre movement. The Pellaton winding system has been fitted with components made of virtually wear-free ceramic, and builds up a power reserve of 60 hours. The integrated EasX-CHANGE® allows to change the green textile strap effortlessly. A soft-iron inner case protects the movement from the effects of magnetic fields, while the front glass is secured to remain in its place even if there is a sudden drop of air pressure.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Ceratanium® and the Big Pilot’s Watch 4 3 TOP GUN will be available through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com. The timepieces are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefiting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
IWC Schaffhausen is the Engineer of Watchmaking. In 1868, the American watchmaker and engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones established the ‘International Watch Company’ in Schaffhausen in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. By combining the best of human craftsmanship and creativity with cutting-edge industrial technology and processes, he laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach to watchmaking.
IWC’s distinctive and pure design is brought to life through collections ranging from elegant dress watches to sports and luxury sports watches, notably the Portugieser, Portofino, Pilot’s Watches and Ingenieur. Over its more than 150-year history, IWC has earned a reputation for creating professional instrument watches and functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust and easy to use.
A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramic, IWC specializes in performance materials such as Ceratanium®. IWC’s advanced engineering division XPL develops technologies that enhance the durability of mechanical watches and extend their applications to environments with extreme conditions such as jet aviation and human spaceflight.
IWC is a leader in luxury watchmaking, crafting timepieces built to last for generations and continuously improving every aspect of how it manufactures, distributes and services its watches responsibly. Empowering the next generation of engineers, the brand also partners with organizations that work globally to support children and young people. IWC. EngineeredTM.