IWC Chronograph 41 Top Gun Miramar
IWC’s New Miramar Ceramic Is a Cool Blue Dream
The latest ceramic colour from IWC—Miramar—is a head-turner. A cool, refreshing blue that hits all the right notes, and frankly, it feels like it was made for me. It’s as far up my street as you can get. The chronograph version is a stunner, no doubt, but if a three-hander in this shade is on the horizon? That’s the one I’ll be waiting for. Game over.
When it comes to taking inspiration from the skies, few do it with the finesse and precision of IWC Schaffhausen. The latest addition to their celebrated Pilot’s Watch collection doesn’t just nod to aviation—it wears it boldly on the wrist. Enter the Chronograph 41 “Miramar” Edition, a watch that brings together flight-school functionality, boundary-pushing materials, and a fresh take on colour, all wrapped up in a vibrant new hue.
This isn’t just a new colourway—it’s a statement. The soft sky-blue aesthetic of the Miramar is directly inspired by the t-shirts worn by instructors at the iconic U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as TOPGUN. It’s a quiet salute to elite precision, wrapped in a palette that’s as eye-catching as it is unexpected.
Colour Beyond Convention
Over the years, IWC has built a rich palette through its partnership with Pantone®, offering unique takes like Mojave Desert, Woodland, Lake Tahoe, and Jet Black—all bold, all distinctive. Now, Miramar Blue joins the fleet. But crafting a ceramic case in this specific colour? That’s not just paintwork—it’s science.
Ceramic in this shade requires an exacting alchemy: a mix of zirconium oxide with metallic oxides, all blended with laboratory precision. Once fired, the pigments shift during sintering, and it can take countless attempts to lock in the perfect tone. Matching that blue seamlessly across the dial and rubber strap (each made of entirely different materials) adds another level of complexity—a feat of engineering in its own right.
Double Trouble: Two Miramar Editions
IWC is rolling out two distinct versions of this release. The headliner is the Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar (Ref. IW389409), clad in that freshly developed light blue ceramic case and paired with a colour-matched rubber strap. It’s limited to just 1,000 pieces, making it as exclusive as it is innovative.
Alongside it is a sibling of a slightly different sort: the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Miramar (Ref. IW388117). This one offers the same sharp looks and deep-blue dial, but housed in classic stainless steel—marking the first time a Pantone® tone has made its way into IWC’s steel cases. Rhodium-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova® ensure visibility stays sharp even when the lights dip low.
Performance Meets Precision
Under the hood, both chronographs are powered by IWC’s trusted 69000 series in-house movements. Known for their durability and accuracy, these calibres feature a column-wheel system that delivers satisfyingly crisp actuation with every push of the chrono buttons. And with a 46-hour power reserve and IWC’s signature vertical sub-dial layout—showing elapsed minutes right at 12 o’clock—this isn’t just form; it’s flawless function.
The ceramic version comes with a closed titanium caseback engraved with the unmistakable TOP GUN insignia and includes a soft-iron inner cage to fend off magnetic interference. The stainless-steel model offers a sapphire caseback to showcase the movement within—perfect for those who like to admire the engine just as much as the aesthetics.
Strap Swaps Made Easy
Both watches include IWC’s proprietary EasX-CHANGE® system, which allows wearers to switch straps on the fly—no tools needed. Whether you're swapping styles or just looking for something more versatile, the quick-release mechanism makes it seamless to transition from cockpit to casual.
The new Miramar editions don’t just expand IWC’s Pilot’s Watch universe—they redefine it. With cutting-edge ceramic technology, clean aviation-inspired design, and a hit of light-hearted cool, they strike that rare balance between technical mastery and wearability. Whether you’re suiting up for a mission or just the morning commute, these watches carry the spirit of flight—and a little bit of sky—with them.