Back in 2019, IWC Schaffhausen did the unexpected… unveiling their boldest Pilot’s Watch to date – The IWC Top Gun Mojave Desert. Did we like it? Hell Yeah… The biggest draw card being that soothing sand-coloured ceramic case – a colour created by the combination of zirconium oxide and other metallic oxides. This gorgeous eye-catching palette is actually inspired by the colours of the uniforms worn by US Navy pilots while the design is inspired by the China Lake Naval Station in the Mojave Desert. Building on the success of this model, at Watches & Wonders 2021, IWC unveiled two new timepieces in the same sand-coloured ceramic case – Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” and Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert”. This is the first time the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has used the material for the Big Pilot’s Watch.
Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” Ref. IW503004
This watch features a 46.5mm sand-coloured ceramic case complemented by a dark brown dial. It is fitted with a sapphire glass in the front and the back and water resistant to 6 bar. A stand out feature, is the decidedly distinctive perpetual calendar complication. The date, day, month, year and moon phase are neatly laid out on the dial and can all be adjusted via the crown at 3 o clock. The perpetual calendar identifies different month lengths and leap years automatically and will work until 2100 without needing any correction. The double moon display shows the moon correctly for both the northern and southern hemispheres and will need to be adjusted by one day only after 577.5 years. Beating inside the watch is the IWC-manufactured 52615 calibre. The automatic Pellaton winding system, reinforced with virtually wear- free ceramic components, builds up a power reserve of seven days in two barrels. The movement, including key elements like the rotor and the balance wheel, is visible through the sapphire crystal case back. Limited to 150 pieces per year, the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” Ref. IW503004 is presented on a sand-coloured rubber strap with textile inlay.
The Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” Ref. IW506003
The Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” Ref. IW506003 on the other hand is a little less complex. It features the same sand coloured ceramic case and subdued brown dial that forms the perfect canvas for the hour markers, hands, power reserve display, Date display, Central hacking seconds and other details that match the case. The only elements that offer significant contrast are the crown and the chronograph pushers, which are more in line with the titanium case back. Inside the 46mm case is an IWC manufactured 52110 calibre with Pellaton winding, two barrels, which can run for up to seven days when fully wound. A soft-iron inner cage effectively shields the movement from the effects of magnetic fields. The legendary TOP GUN logo is engraved on the titanium case back. Given the fact that it’s a limited edition of 250 pieces, this timepiece is unique enough to become a real collectible. It is worn on a sand-coloured rubber strap with textile inlay.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” and the Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” will be available from April 7th through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com. The timepieces are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and thus benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
