The first ‘Top Gun’ pilot's watch was launched by IWC in 2007, taking its name from the special U.S. Air Force training course for elite pilots (which became a household name thanks to the eponymous 1980s film, starring Tom Cruise). For 2012, IWC is launching no fewer than five new pilot’s watch models. Of these, two deserve special attention: the Top Gun Miramar watches ‘Flieger Chronograph’ and ‘Grosse Fliegeruhr’.
As is often the case with classic aviation chronographs, attention is drawn to the minutes and seconds (since this is the information vital to a pilot), rather than to the hours. For the two newcomers, the IWC designer took this as his inspiration – which is why both new Miramar watches have the minutes forming the main part of the dial.
It goes almost without saying that the two new watches are technically superb. One would expect no less from IWC. But the shimmering, dark grey ceramic case, counterpointed by the anthracite and beige hands, makes a strong design statement, too.
At the heart of the two 48mm models is the in-house 89365 calibre, and a power reserve of 168 hours. The edition also has a flyback function.
Photos: IWC
