The watch features a sandblasted matte finish to deliver a titanium-style appearance. It boasts refined craftsmanship with crisp, three-dimensional lines and a well-balanced colour scheme, making it extremely versatile.
Compared with earlier Pilot models, this new timepiece has been downsized to 41mm, the ideal modern case size for men’s watches. The dial retains the classic cockpit instrument aesthetic of Pilot watches. The Petrol Green hue gives the watch a fresh, striking look. It comes with a new exhibition caseback and houses a modified 7750 movement reworked to mimic the in-house 69385 automatic calibre. Fully wound, it delivers 46 hours of power reserve. The dual-layer light blue anti-glare coating ensures clear time reading. While preserving the iconic look of its predecessor, Petrol Green has become a massive hit this year. It is undoubtedly a watch brimming with IWC character, fitted with the brand’s proprietary quick-release fluororubber strap and quick-release woven leather strap.
Few sporty Pilot chronographs come in 41mm. It is merely 1mm larger than the basic Mark three-hand model, while retaining the dual-date complication. Chronograph movements make the watch slightly thicker than the Mark series.
The IWC Pilot TOP GUN Chronograph 41 (Ceratanium®) and 43mm Big Pilot TOP GUN will launch at IWC boutiques, authorized dealers and IWC China official site. Buyers may join My IWC to extend the standard 2-year international warranty for 6 extra years.
Ceratanium® is a high-tech material independently developed by IWC. It was first used in the Pilot collection on the TOP GUN Ceratanium Split-Seconds Chronograph launched in 2019. Now the new chronograph (Reference IW388106) fully adopts this innovative material, with its case, pushers and crown all crafted from Ceratanium®.
Lightweight and highly scratch-resistant, the material features a distinctive matte black finish. This captivating shade has been officially named “IWC Ceratanium®” by IWC together with Pantone. Its dark hue with subtle metallic luster comes from a unique production process, where case components are fired in a high-temperature kiln to create this rare colour.
The black dial is rich in fine details. It uses soft-toned printing coated with luminous material, adding mysterious appeal to the watch’s all-black design. Through the sapphire exhibition caseback, you can admire the engineering beauty of IWC’s in-house Calibre 69385 chronograph movement.
As for replicas, they will always rely on the modified 7750 chronograph movement. This movement will continue to be used for a very long time. Please stop asking whether replica versions come with independently developed in-house movements.
Similar to this Ceratanium Pilot watch, there is a popular special edition tied to AMG, the AMG Team timepiece. There is also a carbon Big Pilot watch named after the AMG G63.
When it comes to replica watches, especially Pilot chronographs, new releases are often created simply by switching materials and colourways, with no remarkable changes in overall craftsmanship. The smoky grey luminous markers come with reduced brightness. If luminous performance matters to you, stick with traditional versions.
None of IWC’s full chronograph lineup features a locking mechanism. Do not hold overly high expectations for the water resistance of the Pilot chronograph collection. Water resistance relies solely on spring leaves within the chronograph assembly to press the gaskets tight. The applied pressure is limited, resulting in modest waterproof performance.
