IWC has long had an association with ceramic watches, ever since the brand’s classic Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar made its debut in the material back in the mid-1980s. In more recent years, it’s IWC’s Pilot lines — specifically the Pilot Chronograph — that have most associated with the nearly scratchproof substance, and that continues in a big way at this year’s Watches and Wonders event in Geneva.
Debuting at the event are two new colorways for IWC’s TOP GUN line of special-edition Pilot Chronograph, both of which have been developed in a partnership with coloring company Pantone. The two monochromatic variants are Woodland and Lake Tahoe, both ceramic and both making use of new shades that are exclusive to IWC. The Woodland sports a dark forest-green case and dial, while the Lake Tahoe has a muted white case with a contrasting black dial, drawing inspiration from the snowcaps of its namesake locale.
Utilizing Pantone’s high-tech colorfast technology that will prevent the dyes from fading or changing over time, these two colorways help these chronographs stand out amongst the pack. Both watches measure 44.5mm across, contain luminescent hands and indices, three chronograph registers for hours, minutes, and running seconds, are powered by IWC’s in-house 69380 caliber with a classic column-wheel design to ensure precision and durability. The silver pushers and crown on the Lake Tahoe are made from stainless steel, and those on the Woodland are a matte black Ceratanium — IWC’s exclusive blend of ceramic and titanium.
These two new models of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition will be limited to 1,000 pieces each and come with color-matched rubber straps. They each retail for $9,900 and can be reserved through IWC Schaffhausen’s website.
