Now I want you to visualize what I am about to tell you. You are driving in a big old V8 from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon. 70s music is playing on the radio. While the V8’s hum mixes with the sound of the wind, your eye catches the watch on your left arm hanging out of the window. On the one hand, the vast desert landscape, on the other hand, IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert” (Ref. IW389103) trying to camouflage itself in this fascinating landscape.
The Mojave Desert, which is named after the local people who lived in the area, is also home to America’s largest open-air museum, Edwards Air Base and China Lake Air Guns Station.
The IWC Top Gun version we have here, which takes the color theme from the beige tone that dominates the Mojave Desert, also benefits from the technical advantages of the ceramic case. Measuring 44.5mm x 15.7mm, the case is equipped with an anti-glare treated domed sapphire crystal on the front face and a solid titanium case back at the rear face. As it is an aviation-themed model, water resistance is limited to 60 meters only, while additional resistance to sudden pressure drops is provided. Thanks to the miniature Faraday Cage around the movement, the model is anti-magnetic.
The dial is made in dark brown tones, which are highly compatible with the case. The dial, which offers optimum legibility under every condition thanks to the Super LumiNOVA coated indexes and hands, provides a sporty image with the Tri-Compax chronograph layout and day/date windows. The crown and chronograph pushers are made of titanium, such as the back cover.
IWC uses the in-house automatic Caliber 69380 in Top Gun chronograph models. In fact, I think this move is strategic for a brand in the upper segment. Offering a manufacture movement with various upgrades instead of the good old ETA Valjoux 7750 will surely attract most of the watch enthusiasts. The downside of the model may be its solid case back, which prevents the beautifully finished movement to be enjoyed. 33 jewels movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers a power reserve of 46 hours when fully wound. Functions are hours, minutes, seconds, day date and a 12-hour chronograph.
The dimensions and features of the watch are so carefully arranged that you suddenly assign a meaning to that object on your wrist. In today’s city life, the big V8s, the vastly desert roads and even that freedom are very difficult to find. Perhaps IWC wanted to capture all those in a wristwatch for its user to experience them.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert” comes on a 21mm lug-width beige synthetic fabric strap that is secured by an IWC signed titanium folding clasp. I believe it would be perfect with NATO or Zulu style straps as well. Let me add that the model is limited to a span of 500 units only and is going to be available at IWC boutiques.
