As Watches & Wonders 2022 takes shape in Geneva, IWC Schaffhausen is releasing new models to expand their Pilot’s watch collection. The first of these models is the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe”.
The TOP GUN line which falls under the Pilot’s Watches family of IWC was first released back in 2007. The first model featured a double chronograph that had a black zirconium oxide ceramic case along with a titanium case back. Upon the first model’s release, the TOP GUN timepieces that followed after, all came with some type of advanced material, making it the hallmark feature of this model.
Continuing this tradition, IWC back in 2019 unveiled the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert”. This timepiece was the first TOP GUN model in sand-coloured ceramic. Now, for Watches & Wonders 2022, IWC is releasing timepieces that continue the TOP GUN line along with its technological advancement. The first model is the “Lake Tahoe” with its white ceramic case and black dial.
CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, Christoph Grainger-Herr states that “these new chronographs not only underscore IWC’s longstanding and extensive experience in the fields of in-house chronographs and advanced materials. The white ceramic used for the case also illustrates the current evolution of TOP GUN from a collection primarily focused on performance to a bold style statement and an expression of a distinct way of life.”
For this latest IWC TOP GUN venture, why was Lake Tahoe used as the inspiration for the timepiece? Lake Tahoe is located between California and Nevada. It is a mountainous area that is frequently flown over by pilots from the U.S Navy TOPGUN School. The design inspiration for the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” came from the winter landscape surrounding the freshwater Lake Tahoe.
Design:
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” comes with a 44.5mm white ceramic case, a titanium case back, and stainless steel crown and chronograph pushers. The dial is pitch-black, with the hour and minute hands done in black as well. The Arabic hour indices are done in white, as well as the minute track. The hands and hour indices are coated in white Super-LumiNova. What this does is achieve a super crisp contrast between the black dial and the white elements shown throughout the dial. Making the readability of the dial easy, this is the perfect dial for a pilot’s watch.
IWC has given this timepiece a matching white rubber strap which has distinctive embossing that makes it a very eye-catching design
Movement:
The movement used in the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” is the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre movement. This 69380 movement features soft-iron inner cases so that the movement itself is protected from the effects of magnetic fields. The movement operates at a frequency of 28, 800 VpH (4hz) and can give out a power reserve of approximately 46 hours. The watch is rated to 60m water resistance (6bar). The case back of this timepiece features the famous TOP GUN logo as an engraving.
Through IWC’s latest colour engineering, the brand is continuing TOP GUN tradition by releasing the latest model in a new white ceramic case. For customers purchasing this timepiece, they are eligible to register in the MY IWC care program, which offers an even further extended warranty of 6 years on top of the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty provided. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” can be purchased through IWC boutiques, or on the brand’s website (www.IWC.com).
Reference: IW389105
Specification:
- Case: 44.5 mm diameter, 15.7mm thick
- Case Material: Ceramic case, stainless steel case back, crown and pushers
- Dial: Black
- Crystal: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
- Water resistance: 60 meters
- Movement: IWC-manufactured calibre 69380
- Power reserve: 46 Hours
- Strap: White rubber strap with folding clasp
