IWC Schaffhausen unveiled the new "Big Pilot's Watch TOPGUN "Mojave Desert"" at the online Watches & Wonders 2021. This is the first time IWC, which has produced a series of sand-colored ceramic TOPGUN models, has used this material for a Big Pilot's Watch.

IWC's new "Big Pilot's Watch TOPGUN "Mojave Desert"", announced at Watches & Wonders 2021. This watch, with its military-inspired design, is highlighted by a subdued dark brown dial, sand-colored ceramic case and hands, and a rubber strap with a fabric inlay.

This design and color scheme are inspired by the landscape of the Mojave Desert, home to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the largest naval air weapons facility in the U.S. Navy. China Lake is where the development and testing of naval air weapons systems, as well as pilot training for their use, takes place. Sand-colored ceramic was chosen as the case material for its robustness and corrosion resistance, capable of withstanding missions in such harsh environments.

The production of ceramic requires highly pure raw materials and extremely advanced processes. Polycrystalline powder is mixed with several auxiliary materials to create a homogeneous compound, which is then molded and finally sintered in an ultra-high temperature furnace. The resulting engineering ceramic boasts a Vickers hardness second only to diamond, making it one of the hardest substances on Earth. It offers ultimate hardness and scratch resistance, making it ideal for use in environments such as the confined cockpits of jet aircraft. The striking desert-evoking color is achieved by mixing zirconium oxide and other metal oxides in precise proportions.

Inside the 46-millimeter case, IWC's in-house Caliber 52110 movement operates, featuring a Pellaton automatic winding system, two barrels, and a 7-day power reserve. The movement is effectively protected from magnetic fields by a soft iron inner case, and the titanium case back is engraved with the legendary TOPGUN logo.

This model is produced in a limited edition of only 250 pieces per year and will be available at IWC boutiques, authorized dealers, customer centers, and the IWC.com online shop. All purchases are eligible for the My IWC service program, which offers an additional six-year extension to the standard two-year international limited warranty.