IWC - Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Ceratanium IW395505

IWC launched the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Ceratanium IW395505, the first TOP GUN model with a Timezoner complication. Price CHF 18,000. 2021

IWC presented today the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Ceratanium IW395505, the first TOP GUN model with a Timezoner complication.

Produced by IWC since 2007, the Top Gun watches take their name from the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program which provides the best Navy pilots with flying and tactical training. These watches are specially designed with advanced materials, such as like ceramics, titanium and now also Ceratanium, to meet the specific requirements of elite jet pilots in the cockpit of a supersonic jet.

Ceratanium is a special material developed by IWC that combines the characteristics of ceramics and titanium offering the hardness and scratch-resistance of the first and the lightness and structural integrity of the second while also providing a unique look.

The case components are machined from bars to minimal tolerances using computer-controlled turning and milling centers and finished by hand. The components are then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. During this firing process, the surface of the material not only obtains properties similar to ceramics, such as hardness and scratch resistance, but also its striking matte black finish.

Water resistant up to a pressure of 6 bar (60 metres / 200 feet), the 46 mm x 15.1 mm case of the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Ceratanium is equipped with a rotating bezel made of ceramic that contains the names of 24 cities, each one representing one of the international time zones.

The time zone of choice can be easily adjusted by simply pressing down the bezel, rotating it to the desired location and releasing it.

The hour hand, the 24-hour display and the date will move forwards or backwards in one-hour steps. This also works across the dateline. 

Protected by a convex sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides, the matte black dial offers excellent readability thanks to printed gray numerals and black hands coated with luminescent material.

Visible through a tinted sapphire glass case back, the 4 Hz (28,800 vph) IWC-manufactured 82760 calibre uses a Pellaton winding system reinforced with ceramic components to build up a power reserve of 60 hours in the mainspring. 

Matched to a black rubber strap with textile inlay, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner TOP GUN Ceratanium IW395505 has a price of CHF 18,000. The annual production of this model will be limited to 500 pieces. iwc.com

Suggested reading:

- IWC Schaffhausen factories tour: Headquarters and Manufakturzentrum