IWC Conquers The Skies With New Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI”
When it comes to pilot’s watches is IWC one of the benchmark brands. Their history is rich with watches made to be worn in the cockpit, particularly on the wrist of military pilots. In 2018, the brand developed a watch exclusively for the men and women who would graduate from the highly acclaimed Navy Fighter Weapons School “Top Gun” program. It is now time for a limited edition based on this unique watch, whose full name is Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI,” where the acronym stands for ‘Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor.’
IWC was one of the very first watch brands to craft their cases out of ceramic. The material offers substantial advantages, such as being very scratch resistance, light, and it takes on the same temperature of the skin in a matter of seconds. This makes the watch not only durable but also comfortable to wear, and both are appreciated qualities when in combat situations. For the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI” this means that it is still surprisingly light despite a generous diameter of 44mm. Credit for this also goes, in part, to the caseback and chronograph pushers, which are made from Ceratanium. IWC introduced this material, a mix between ceramic and titanium, combining the benefits of both materials, in 2017. By applying a matte finish, does the watch get a stealth-like finish, as well as making it entirely antireflective.
Inside the case, ticks IWC‘s manufacture caliber 69380. As the movement’s diameter is smaller than that of the dial, the chronograph functions are grouped in the center. The added advantage of this is that this makes it much easier to read all the different functions. This automatic movement has a column wheel for precise operating of the chronograph and a bidirectional pawl-winding system, which is comparable to IWC’s legendary Pellaton mechanism. The movement is protected against magnetism by a soft iron inner cage, and its sapphire crystal is specially secured to withstand a sudden drop in air pressure. This makes the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI” perfect for those who fly through the barrier of sound regularly but also offers qualities undoubtfully admired by the 1.500 civilians for which this limited edition is available for purchase in the IWC boutiques, retailers, and online shop.
