Revolutionary use of ceramics in IWC watches
Share
Known for innovations in the watch world, IWC introduced legendary materials for making their cases. In the second half of the 1980s, specifically in 1986, the first ceramic model was introduced – the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, whose case was entirely made of ceramic. Zirconium oxide is required for their production, a material that undergoes a complex manufacturing process to become suitable for use. IWC discovered that the rounded shape of zirconium oxide reduces the risk of cracking, making it an ideal match for watch cases. The durability of zirconium oxide is best illustrated by the fact that it is also used for making dental crowns. Initially, ceramic watches came only in black and white, and the first change came with a dark green case that IWC made for the Louis Vuitton Monterey II. Today, the IWC Pilot's Watches collection leads in ceramic watch color innovations by precisely combining and adding to the ceramic to develop new and modern colors. This gave rise to the now popular TOP GUN series of IWC ceramic watches from the Pilot's Watches collection. We are especially pleased to emphasize that ceramic models from the TOP GUN series in five unique colors, previously available only in IWC boutiques, are now available in the Marli salon, and we will introduce them to you in this blog.
Ceramics in the making of IWC watches today
Although introduced last year, until recently these models were available exclusively in IWC boutiques, and we are proud that from now on the Top Gun IWC series adorns the space of our retail salon. It is time to present models that come in five different colors:IWC Pilot's Top Gun Oceana (IW389404)
In collaboration with Pantone, the world-renowned authority on colors, IWC developed the Top Gun collection and introduced the IWC Oceana – a shade of blue. The IWC Oceana brings a deep blue color symbolizing the calmness of the ocean. The monochromatic watch design is achieved with an Oceana blue strap made from a combination of rubber and textile, and with a 41.9 mm case diameter, it is a larger model in the collection.
IW389404 specifications:
- Case diameter: 41.9 mm
- Case material: Ceramic
- Water resistance: 10 ATM / 100 m
- Movement: Automatic, 69380 Calibre
- Power reserve: 46 hours

IWC Pilot's Top Gun Oceana (IW389404)
IWC Pilot's Top Gun Mojave Desert (IW389402)
Inspired by the landscapes of the Mojave Desert, the IWC Pilot's Top Gun Mojave Desert comes in a gentle sand shade that brings a unique experience to the wrist. Along with the sand-colored case, it features a rubber and fabric strap in the same color as the Oceana model.
IW389402 specifications:
- Case diameter: 41.9 mm
- Case material: Ceramic
- Water resistance: 10 ATM / 100 m
- Movement: Automatic, 69380 Calibre
- Power reserve: 46 hours

IWC Pilot's Top Gun Mojave Desert (IW389402)
IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Jet Black (IW389401)
After the new colors, it is time to present the classics – the black and white IWC Pilot’s Top Gun models, the first of which comes in Jet Black. The black case, black dial, and black rubber strap continue the monochromatic aesthetic of this collection with specifications identical to those of the Mojave Desert and Ocean models.
IW389401 specifications:
- Case diameter: 41.9 mm
- Case material: Ceramic
- Water resistance: 10 ATM / 100 m
- Movement: Automatic, 69380 Calibre
- Power reserve: 46 hours

IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Jet Black (IW389401)
IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Edition – Lake Tahoe (IW389105)
Another ceramic model you can find in the Top Gun collection is the IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe.” This watch, with a case and strap in white inspired by the winter landscape around Lake Tahoe, is also the largest model in this collection by diameter. With a case diameter of 44.5 mm, it is a watch that will not go unnoticed on any wrist. Besides its size, the contrast between the white case and black dial will definitely ensure that everyone stands out with this model.
IW389105 specifications:
- Case diameter: 44.5 mm
- Case material: Ceramic
- Water resistance: 6 ATM / 60 m
- Movement: Automatic, 69380 Calibre
- Power reserve: 46 hours

IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Edition – Lake Tahoe (IW389105)
IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Edition – Woodland (IW389106)
The Woodland model from the IWC Top Gun collection is the first IWC watch with a case made of newly designed dark green ceramic. This color, inspired by the uniforms of TOP GUN pilots and the vast forests these pilots use as training grounds, is the latest addition to the rich collection of IWC colored ceramics for watchmaking.
IW389106 specifications:
- Case diameter: 44.5 mm
- Case material: Ceramic
- Water resistance: 6 ATM / 60 m
- Movement: Automatic, 69380 Calibre
- Power reserve: 46 hours

IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Edition – Woodland (IW389106)
We are confident that it is now completely clear to you why we are so proud to have the new IWC Top Gun watches at Marli, and to see their quality for yourself, visit us today at Vlaška 13, or follow this link.