The New "Top Gun" Series Featuring Innovative Case Materials | IWC

IWC | International Watch Company

Ceramic + Titanium. Developed by IWC,
A New Model Featuring "Ceratanium"

The defining characteristic of recent new models lies in the "texture of the case." This texture enhances the inherent potential of the metal, making the watch appear even more captivating. The new "Top Gun" models released by IWC are, of course, not just plain black. Their allure lies in a "black" that leverages the matte finish of a new material.

Text by KOIZUMI Yoko

What is "Ceratanium," a New Material Developed by the Watchmaker Itself?

"Top Gun" is the common name for the U.S. Navy's fighter weapons school program. This training program provides advanced tactical training to elite pilots, and the training itself is extremely rigorous. Consequently, robust case materials such as ceramic and titanium are chosen for the wristwatches worn, and they are specially designed.

At SIHH 2019, the "Top Gun" series introduced the "Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium," featuring IWC's newly developed Ceratanium, into its lineup.

Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium

Ceratanium is a new material that combines the excellent material properties of titanium and ceramic, which IWC successfully developed over five years. It possesses the lightness and robustness of titanium, along with the hardness of ceramic, making it lightweight, scratch-resistant, and highly corrosion-resistant. It also offers reduced skin irritation.

The striking matte black is the inherent color of the Ceratanium material itself, and this excellent texture is another advantage of the material. There is no need for DLC coating, preventing peeling or chipping during long-term use. It is truly a perfect material for the "Top Gun" series.

Even small parts such as the pushers, crown, pins, and buckle are all made of Ceratanium. This eliminates the visual incongruity of color variations from different materials, which can be common in previous all-black models, achieving a completely unified, single-shade black item. Its strong presence also contributes to the model's appeal.

The matte finish of the "Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium" subtly tempers the ruggedness characteristic of pilot's watches under indoor lighting, instead lending a dressier aesthetic. With such a high-quality finish, one might feel inspired to wear it in any setting, unbound by conventional norms.