Introducing Two New Ceramic IWC Pilot Chronographs With A New Case Size
IWC continues to expand its collection Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN in ceramics and after the last week, we saw the arrival of the Perpetual Calendar “Lake Tahoe” today comes the turn of the Chronograph 41 that debuts a new case size in two different interactions.
The new ceramic case measuring 41.9mm in diameter and 15.5mm thick now appears in “Jet Black” all black and “Oceana” blue, joining the three existing 44.5mm models consisting of the “Woodland” green, the ” Lake Tahoe” white and the previous “Jet Black”.
On the outside, the ceramic case now in a more moderate size comes with sapphire glass on the front, a screw-in crown and two pushers in brushed Titanium whose material we can also find on the solid case back engraved with the “TOP GUN” insignia, and 100m of water resistance.
On the matte black or blue dial in the case of the “Jet Black” and “Oceana” variants respectively, we will find exactly the same layout as the previous wider versions supported by three counters at the 6-9-12 o’clock, double day-date window at 3 o’clock, painted Arabic numerals and leaf hands all filled with white luminescent material, and a centre Chronograph seconds hand. In the all-black version, we can still find the same detail on the dial that already is part of the larger version, which is the running second’s hand at 6 o’clock filled in red.
The new column wheel chronographs continue to be driven by the Caliber 69380 manufacture movement, which reaches 28,800 Vph and offers up to 46 hours of power reserve.
Both models are accompanied by a rubber strap matching the tone of the case and dial, with the blue “Oceana” version featuring a textile inlay. Both benefit from the EasX-Change strap system which, as the name implies, allows you to change straps easily and quickly without the need to use any tools.
The new chronographs are already available in the brand’s official boutiques and authorized retailers, with prices starting at €10,100 for the “Jet Black” version and €13,000 for the “Oceana” version.
Our Opinion
Although the announced 41mm is actually 42mm in diameter, compared to the previous 44.5mm, it translates into a reduction of more than 2.5mm in width, which is quite significant even if it continues to be too wide for more moderate wrists, however, it seems a correct move that reveals that the brand also listens to its audience and that we are convinced will allow the TOP GUN collection in ceramics to reach a wider public.
The brand, after several inclusions in steel, now seems to have decided to opt for the Titanium material of some elements to complement the ceramic case, which in addition to increasing the value of the watch also aesthetically seems to work better in view of its darkened tone that helps to improve its stealth appearance.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: IWC
Model: Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN
Reference: IW389401 (jet black), IW389404 (ocean)
Dial: Black (IW389401), blue (IW389404)
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Black Ceramic, blue ceramic
Case Dimensions: 41.9 mm Diameter, 15.5 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: Black rubber strap (IW389401), blue rubber strap (IW389404)
Calibre: IWC 69380
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, day, date, chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 Vph
Jewels: 33
Power Reserve: 46 hours
Components: 231
Price: € 10,100 (IW389401), € 13,000 (IW389404)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
