“…IWC Schaffhausen paints a new horizon for its Colours of TOP GUN collection with the arrival of Miramar Blue, a luminous shade that feels as tranquil as the sky at dawn yet as commanding as those who inspired it. Conceived in collaboration with Pantone®, the colour takes its cue from the light blue T-shirts worn by TOP GUN instructors beneath their flight suits. Having undergone a rigorous selection and intensive training process, these instructors are regarded as among the most highly skilled in their field, embodying the discipline, precision and spirit of naval aviation…”
The hue takes shape in two striking chronographs. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar (Ref. IW389409), limited to just 1,000 pieces, captivates with a ceramic case in Miramar Blue, paired with a dial and water-resistant rubber strap in the same serene tone. Hands in shimmering blue, coated with Super-LumiNova®, ensure clarity and glow even in the darkest cockpit.
Its counterpart, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388117), introduces the shade to stainless steel for the very first time, its 41-millimetre case striking a perfect balance between sport and sophistication. Both timepieces are powered by IWC’s Calibre 69000 chronograph movement, celebrated for its accuracy and endurance, with a 46-hour power reserve and a column-wheel mechanism that delivers a satisfyingly crisp response at every push. The stainless steel model reveals its movement through a transparent case back, while the ceramic edition features a titanium back engraved with the iconic ‘TOP GUN’ emblem, its soft-iron inner case protecting the mechanism against magnetic fields.
Crafting Miramar Blue demanded a masterclass in materials science. Zirconium oxide was meticulously fused with metallic oxides in precise proportions, then subjected to a sintering process where the colour subtly evolved with heat – a feat that required countless experiments before perfection was achieved. Extending the shade beyond the case to the dial and strap posed further challenges, each component demanding its own bespoke process to preserve harmony across the design. Completing the experience is IWC’s intuitive EasX-CHANGE® system, which allows the strap to be switched at a touch, transforming the chronograph from cockpit companion to contemporary statement piece with effortless ease.
