IWC Schaffhausen has turned to its glorious aviation history to introduce its latest release – The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “SFTI” In Black Ceramic And Ceratanium. Complementing the brands’ TOP GUN range of Pilot’s Watches, this new model is inspired by the “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” watch, which was created in 2018 in honor of the US Naval Aviation Community and is available only for TOPGUN / Navy Fighter Weapons School graduates.
Sporting a distinctly contemporary aviator look, this watch is crafted from black zirconium oxide ceramic —44mm in diameter and water resistant to 6 bar—with a Ceratanium® case back that is emblazoned with the Top Gun emblem and ‘0001/1500’ indicating the watch’s limited edition status. Ceratanium® has also been used for pushers at 2 and 4 o clock. Specially designed to meet the specific requirements of elite jet pilots, the ceramic case ensures that pilots are not distracted by sunlight reflecting off their watches during the flight. The hard and scratch- resistant feature of ceramic is perfectly suited to daily use in a confined aircraft cockpit and can also withstand extreme G-forces. On the other hand, Ceratanium®, a trademark of Richemont International AG, IWC’s parent company is as light and unbreakable as titanium, but also as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic making it the perfect choice for the most demanding professions. Thanks to the combination of these two materials, the chronograph boasts an entirely matte black design.
The tactical look is completed by a black dial and black hands coated with luminescence. A date and weekday aperture sits at 3 o clock. The small second hand and the tail of the chronograph second hand, which takes the form of a jet, add a touch of red to the instrument-style dial.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “SFTI” In Black Ceramic And Ceratanium is powered by an IWC-
manufactured 69380 calibre – a chonograph movement with a frequency 28,800vph (4Hz), 33 jewels and a healthy power reserve 46 hours. The robust chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design ensures precise timekeeping and the measurement of stopwatch times of up to 12 hours.
Completing the look is a green textile strap that looks fetching against the black dial.