IWC’s Top Gun Mojave
IWC just released a vibrant addition to its coveted Pilot’s Watch Chronograph line. As fans reveled in the colored versions of these timepieces, the Schaffhausen-based time virtuoso draws the curtain on a thrilling expansion of this range through its Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Mojave Desert model, aka the euphoniously-named IW389402.
Lake Tahoe Edition
This IWC Top Gun Mojave desert-themed watch follows closely on the heels of its haute predecessor, the high-contrast Lake Tahoe edition. The Top Gun is the epitome of design rejuvenation, introducing a fascinating twist yet staying true to the established essence of the chronograph watches. Undoubtedly, IWC has demonstrated how frequently and attractively new iterations can be launched, though the trick is always to maintain the interest and loyalty of the high-end market in the long haul.
The Top Gun Mojave timepiece is designed to look like the flight suits of naval aviators. It boasts a sand-colored ceramic case that reflects the idyllic desert landscape surrounding China Lake, the home to the U.S. Navy’s Top Gun flight school. Opting for the elegant beige tone might, however, slightly compromise low-light visibility so they added quite a bit of loom and some solid design choices that makes the watch pop. The Ceratanium pushers and crown stand out dramatically against the soft beige of the dial and the rest of the case.
IWC Top Gun Mojave 41mm Pilot’s Watch: Measurements
The watch’s measurement—41.9mm wide to be exact (not 41mm)—exemplifies IWC’s penchant for precision. The caseback too, made of Ceratanium, hints at the high-tech construction with a ceramic exterior wrapped around a titanium inner ring. Consequently, the watch can withstand challenges in creating functional and durable screw-down parts observed in most ceramic watches.
Power
Equipped with a resilient water resistance of 10 bar (equivalent to 100m), this watch offers protection from magnetic fields with its soft-iron inner case. On the flip side, its modest 46-hour power reserve might seem a slight disadvantage compared to competitors offering power reserves extending up to 60 or 70 hours. The 69380 movement, manufactured by IWC, regenerates its power reserve via a double pawl winding system and operates at 4Hz.
Price
To match stride for stride with its competitors, Richemont will likely enhance its technologies, ensuring this Pilot’s Watch collection is par for the course. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Mojave Desert watch, a handsome blend of playful innovation and authenticity, commands a heady price tag of $11,700.
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About the Author / Author Expertise & Authority
John Biggs: I live in Brooklyn, NY and write about technology, security, gadgets, gear, wristwatches, and the Internet. After spending four years as an IT programmer, I switched gears and became a full-time journalist. My work has appeared in the New York Times, Laptop, PC Upgrade, Gizmodo, Men’s Health, InSync, Popular Science, and I’ve written a book called Marie Antoinette’s Watch about the most famous and mysterious watch ever made. I am the former East Coast Editor of TechCrunch.com.
