Not every luxury watchmaker dips their toes (or cases) into the world of colored ceramic, but IWC has become one of our favorite high-end horologists for its willingness to have some fun with color. It helps that the watch brand was the first to use ceramic in its timepieces back in 1985. But oh, how the material has advanced over the past four decades.
Back in 2022, the Swiss firm partnered with Pantone on new forest green “Woodland” and white “Lake Tahoe” versions of the Pilot’s Watch Automatic TOP GUN Chronograph — the latter of which was revisited once again in 2023 with the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN. Both of these watches are very popular albeit rather large, at 44.5mm and 46.5mm across, respectively. However, it’s high time IWC comes out with a smaller 41mm version that’s a bit more wearable, and less busy, on the wrist.
Contrast Perfected
Contrast is a fantastic asset any wristwatch can have. And with the “Lake Tahoe” editions, this contrast is taken to the limit, pairing the muted white case that draws inspiration from the snowcaps of its namesake locale with a contrasting black dial. However, extra registers and complications can detract from all the work these juxtaposed hues are doing for your eyes.
For its third “Lake Tahoe” release, IWC has put the white ceramic case on the 41mm version of the Pilot’s Watch Automatic. There’s no chronograph or perpetual calendar function on the dial — just a date window at the 3.
Inside of the bright white case is a matte black dial with white indices, numerals, and hands. However, the hour and minute hands have been outlined in black. Behind the white date numerals is more black like the dial, as opposed to the white disc of a steel Pilot’s Watch.
Easier to Wear
This smaller, more accessible “Lake Tahoe” watch utilizes the brand’s Mark XX generation of the Pilot’s Watch. Being of the slightly larger TOP GUN variety, it stretches 41mm across with an 11.4mm thickness and 100m of water resistance. Like the chronograph and QP variants of the Tahoe watch, this version also sports a stainless steel crown and a titanium caseback.
Powering the watch is the Caliber 32112 automatic movement, based on the high-end Richemont’s ValFleurier with a 4-Hz beat rate and 5 days of power reserve. Lastly, the watch finds more white with its band, a textured rubber strap with a titanium buckle.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 41mm
Case Thickness: 11.4mm
Case Material: White ceramic
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: ValFleurier-based Caliber 32112 automatic
Band: White textured rubber strap
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Now part of the permanent collection, the Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN “Lake Tahoe” is also much more affordable than the versions with extra complications. Priced at $8,100, the watch is now available via IWC’s website.
Recap
IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Lake Tahoe
IWC made a 41mm version of its “Lake Tahoe” white ceramic variant, as part of its Pilot’s Watch Automatic TOP GUN line. This was previously only offered in the busy chronograph and perpetual calendar models.
