IWC's "Top Gun": A pilot's watch that appeals to men

FEATURES Other Information

2022.12.03

IWC

IWC is highly praised by watch enthusiasts, especially for its pilot's watches. The Top Gun in particular has attracted attention in the industry with each new model since its launch in 2007. In this article, we will explain the appeal of the Top Gun, which has grown into a brand icon.

Top Gun History

The Top Gun collection was born in 2007. It was originally produced for the elite pilots of the US Navy.

The name "Top Gun" comes from the nickname of the US Navy Fighter Weapons School program. Surprisingly, IWC is the only company allowed to use the "Top Gun" name on its products.

IWC then designated 2012 as the Year of Pilot's Watches, releasing five new models from the Top Gun series, including the Miramar. Since then, the company has continued to release various limited edition models, elevating the Top Gun series to the point where it has become a symbol of the brand.

The allure of "Top Gun" that captivates men

It would be impossible to fully describe the appeal of "Top Gun," but this time I would like to introduce two of the film's unique major charms.

A tough and rugged look

First of all, it's the visuals. Each model has a different design, but they all have a tough, masculine look, like the Top Guns battling in the skies.

However, that's not all. The texture of the case and strap, along with the exquisite use of color, make it easy to wear in everyday life despite being military-grade, which adds to its visual appeal.

Another attractive feature is the design, which has a Top Gun feel from any angle, such as the engraving on the back of the case and the detailed crown, which are not immediately obvious at first glance.

High durability and functionality

Since the Top Gun was originally designed for professional pilots, it goes without saying that it is highly durable and functional. As anyone who has seen the movie "Top Gun" starring Tom Cruise will know, fighter pilots sometimes have to withstand gravity forces of about 9G during flight.

To withstand the harsh environments of sharp turns, dives, and ascents during flight, the Top Gun is made of extremely durable materials such as ceramic and titanium. The layout and design of the dial, including the font and size of the indexes and the luminous paint on the hands, have also been carefully considered to ensure high visibility.

A popular model of IWC's "Top Gun"

Currently, the Top Gun collection includes over 10 models. Here, we will introduce two of our favorites.

Pilot's Watch Automatic Top Gun

The Pilot's Watch Automatic Top Gun is characterized by its minimalist design and is powered by the highly reliable IWC in-house caliber 32110.

The Pilot's Watch Automatic Top Gun is equipped with IWC's in-house movement, Cal. 32110. It features a large, openworked rotor and automatic winding, providing a practical power reserve of approximately three days. This means that even if you take your watch off on Friday night, it will still be running until Monday morning, long enough for it to run smoothly. The movement is made up of 164 parts, and the rotor and rotor bridge are decorated with striped Côtes de Genève, while the main plate is decorated with a pearlescent pattern of overlapping semicircles, making it both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

The case is made of robust and corrosion-resistant zirconium oxide ceramic, and features an inner case made of soft iron, which is highly antimagnetic.

The case is not too large, with a diameter of 41.0mm, so it fits comfortably even on men with slender wrists. The simple decoration and unified black design make it sporty and unobtrusive, making it suitable for any occasion.

Pilot's Watch Automatic Top Gun
Automatic movement (Cal. 32110). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Ceramic case (diameter 41.0 mm, thickness 11.4 mm). Water resistant to 6 bar. Price: 2,145,000 yen (tax included).

[Official brand page]
https://www.iwc.com/jp/ja/watch-collections/pilot-watches/iw326901-pilot_s-watch-automatic-top-gun.html

Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Top Gun Edition "SFTI"

This model was originally made for graduates of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOP GUN), but is sold to the public in a limited run of 750 per year. "SFTI" stands for "Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor," representing TOPGUN graduates.

The most distinctive feature is the Top Gun logo, which is placed at the 9 o'clock position on the dial and on the titanium case back. This logo is sure to appeal to many men.

The case back of the Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Top Gun "SFTI" features the Top Gun logo. Top Gun was the nickname for the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, a training institute for fighter pilots located at Naval Air Station Miramar in California (since 1993, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar). The logo also displays the school's English name, "United States Navy Fighter Weapons School." It is now part of the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), established in 1996 at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, and serves as N7, a division that implements the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) program.

Unlike the aforementioned "Pilot's Watch Automatic Top Gun," this watch features the Top Gun logo, a date display at 3 o'clock, and a striking red second hand. The khaki green strap gives it a strong military feel.

Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Top Gun Edition "SFTI"
Automatic movement (Cal. 35111). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Ceramic case (diameter 41.0 mm, thickness 11.0 mm). Water resistant to 6 bar. Price: 2,145,000 yen (tax included).

[Official brand page]
https://www.iwc.com/jp/ja/watch-collections/pilot-watches/iw324712-pilot_s-watch-mark-xviii-top-gun-edition-sfti.html
https://www.gressive.jp/special/impression/20220603-iwc-topgun/02