IWC Schaffhausen complements its “Colors of TOP GUN” collection with the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Lake Tahoe. The new model features a 46.5-millimeter white ceramic case, a black dial, and black hands with white Super-LumiNova®. Developed during the 1980s, IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar automatically recognizes the different lengths of the months and leap years. The timepiece is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52615 caliber, which can be observed through the sapphire glass case back.

In 2022, IWC unveiled its “Colors of TOP GUN” collection comprising various Pilot’s Watches in striking new ceramic colors. With the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Lake Tahoe (Ref. IW503008), the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds another model in white ceramic to the line-up. The ceramic color, which IWC and Pantone have specified as “IWC Lake Tahoe”, is inspired by white uniforms and the winter landscape around freshwater Lake Tahoe. Located between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a mountainous area that the pilots of the nearby TOPGUN flight school frequently fly over. The eye-catching design is completed with a pitch-black dial and black hands with white Super-LumiNova®, a stainless steel crown and case back ring, and a white textured rubber strap.

White ceramics are emblematic of IWC’s comprehensive expertise in advanced performance materials. The company experimented with this color as early as the 1980s, shortly after introducing its first wristwatch with a black zirconium oxide ceramic case. White ceramic is created in a complex manufacturing process in which zirconium oxide is mixed with other metallic oxides and sintered at high temperatures in an oven. Ceramic is extremely scratch-resistant and remarkably light, making it the perfect material for a Pilot’s Watch.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Lake Tahoe features the legendary perpetual calendar complication. It was developed in the 1980s by Kurt Klaus and since then, it has been steadily improved several times in terms of mechanics and functionality. The intricate mechanical program automatically recognizes the different lengths of the months and leap years and will require no manual adjustment until 2100. The patented double moon phase display shows the moon as seen from the northern and southern hemispheres. Thanks to a special reductionist gear train, it is so precise that it will only deviate by one day after 577.5 years. The calendar module is driven via a single nightly switching impulse by the IWC-manufactured 52615 caliber movement with a Pellaton winding system and a power reserve of 7 days. The movement can be admired through a transparent sapphire glass back.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Lake Tahoe will be available as of July 2023. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and can benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

In 1868, the American watchmaker and entrepreneur Florentine Ariosto Jones travelled from Boston to Switzerland and founded the “International Watch Company” in Schaffhausen. His visionary dream was to combine advanced American manufacturing methods with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers to make the best pocket watches of his time. In doing so, he not only laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach but also established the centralised production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.

Over its 150 year history, IWC Schaffhausen has developed a reputation for creating functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust, and easy for customers to use. A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC today specialises in highly engineered technical watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as titanium aluminide and Ceratanium®. Preferring the principle of “form follows function” over decoration, the Swiss watch manufacturer’s timeless creations embody their owners’ dreams and ambitions as they journey through life.

IWC sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimise its impact on the environment, creating intrinsically sustainable timepieces that are built to last for generations. The company prides itself in training its own future watchmakers and engineers, as well as offering an excellent working environment for all employees. IWC also partners with organisations that work globally to support children and young people.