IWC Introduces Two New Ceramic Chronographs as Part of their Expanded Top Gun Collection

IWC is first out of the gate with new Watches & Wonders releases with a pair of chronographs that build off the successful release of last year’s updated Pilot’s Chronograph with some material innovations that are always welcome from a brand like IWC. Last year’s release was a simple aviation inspired chrono that, when it was revealed, immediately felt like an IWC that had been in the catalog forever. That’s a good thing: they’re working with a proven formula in the Pilot’s Chronograph and it doesn’t require major changes. The newest version features IWC’s fantastic in-house chronograph movement, and a size reduction from the previous generation to a more wearable 41mm case size. These new watches are working on the same basic platform, but have some key differences, including a head turning quality thanks to the innovative use of colored ceramic. 

Officially part of the Top Gun line, the new chronographs feel like an extension of last year’s “Mojave” Big Pilots which used a newly developed shade of tan ceramic. The “Lake Tahoe” and “Woodland” take the same approach, with ceramic cases in white and a deep forest green, respectively. The Lake Tahoe features a contrasting black dial to set off the flashy white case and matching strap, while the Woodland has a dial that matches the color of the case perfectly but incorporates a black crown, caseback and chrono pushers, all crafted from IWC’s Certanium material.

So why a white and green Top Gun chronograph, besides giving IWC the opportunity to flex a little bit by way of showing off new tones of ceramic? According to the brand, the white case was inspired by the frequently snowy Lake Tahoe climate. The mountainous Tahoe region is located between California and Nevada, and is frequently flown over by pilots in the Top Gun school. The Woodland in turn is inspired by the flight suits of naval aviators, and the watch has a distinctive military feel based on its color alone that is tough to ignore. 

IWC points out that these are two entirely new ceramic colors, and they’ve taken pains to match the colors of the case with elements on the dials and straps (both rubber) perfectly for a cohesive and deliberate look. The watches are striking, and thanks to the use of some tech forward materials, they naturally take on a more contemporary and sporty feel than last year’s chronographs. 

In terms of specs, both watches are powered by IWC’s 69380 caliber, a still relatively new self-winding chronograph movement with 46 hours of power reserve. They sport a case measuring 44.5mm in diameter and 15.7mm thick. That’s hefty by any standard, but ceramic is lightweight compared to a comparable steel watch, and these really seem like the type of chronographs that you want people to see. What’s the point of a discreet, colored ceramic pilot’s chrono, anyway? 

The new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Woodland and Lake Tahoe watches are permanent additions to the catalog, but will be limited in production to 1,000 pieces per year. Thee retail price for both watches is $10,700. IWC