Back in 2017, IWC celebrated the 50th anniversary of their Aquatimer diver’s watches, releasing a special edition with the first Ceratanium® case. A trademark of Richemont International AG, IWC’s parent company, this particular material 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. This SIHH 2019, IWC is extending Ceratanium to its super successful Top Gun line of watches. It is also the first time Ceratanium is being used in a Pilot’s watch. Completely jet black, the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium (ref. IW371815) features a double chronograph with an integrated split-seconds hand mechanism for simultaneously measuring short periods of time. The solid 44mm case houses a 79230 calibre with a self-winding mechanism. It boasts a power reserve of 44 hours. The watch, with its black dial and black hands, sits on a rubber strap and textile inlay.
Ceratanium is a groundbreaking choice, scoring well for its high skin tolerance and a striking matte black colour. This has enabled IWC to create their first completely black design, without a coating, including all watch components such as push-buttons or pin buckles. 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. IWC has also included a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields. Both ceramic and titanium are corrosion resistant and can withstand humid, salty sea air.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical chronograph movement – Date and day display – Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds – Split-seconds hand for intermediate timing – Small hacking seconds – Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields – Screw-in crown – Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure
MOVEMENT
IWC manufacture calibre 79230
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 29
Power reserve: 44 h
Winding: Automatic
Materials
Ceratanium® case, black ceramic, black dial, black hands, rubber strap and textile inlay
Crystal Sapphire, arched edge, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Water-resistance: 6 bar
Diameter:44 mm
Height:16.8 mm