The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar is available in several special editions and some of the most popular ones are the TOP GUN editions in honor of the TOP GUN Academy that has been training naval aviators and flight officers in air combat tactics and techniques since 1969. Remarkably beautiful TOP GUN editions include the TOP GUN ‘Rodeo Drive’, the TOP GUN ‘Mojave Desert’, and the TOP GUN ‘Lake Tahoe’.
The latest and greatest of these editions is the new Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN ‘Woodland’ ref. IW503101 in an all-green ceramic construction including its bracelet. A color that takes its inspiration from the flight suits of naval aviators and the forests —woodlands— they fly over during their training programs.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition TOP GUN 'Woodland' is undoubtedly one of the most stylish and dynamic perpetual calendars on the market. Its striking olive green dial makes a bold visual statement along with its 46.5 mm matching green ceramic case and bracelet. The olive green dial of this edition offers a stunning contrast with its red accents and its truly exceptional layout.
Things to Know About the Watch
The IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN 'Woodland' features a 46.5 mm x 15.5 mm olive green ceramic case and bracelet. Additionally, for the very first time, this Big Pilot’s Perpetual Calendar is equipped with a display case back that allows for a full view of the movement. This Perpetual Calendar displays the date with a power-reserve indicator at 3 o’clock, a day of the week with running seconds at 9, the month at 6 o’clock, the year in four digits in a rectangular aperture at 7, and a perpetual moon phase for the northern and southern hemispheres at 12 o’clock —a feature that is typically not present in most perpetual calendars.
The IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN 'Woodland' is a striking timepiece that exemplifies the brand’s commitment to precision and durability, designed for aviators and watch enthusiasts alike. Featuring a bold green ceramic case and precise automatic movement, this watch is both functional and visually appealing. Its dial stands out with contrasting white markers and hands, ensuring legibility in various lighting conditions. With its unique color palette and robust construction, the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN 'Woodland' is a testament to the brand's heritage in aviation and a perfect companion for those who navigate in both the skies and everyday life.
Thanks to the lightweight of ceramics, the bracelet offers a high wearing comfort on the wrist. The H-link bracelet is assembled from 38 ceramic parts, which are produced in an elaborate process. The powdered raw materials are shaped into a green body and then machined close to their final shape. During the subsequent sintering process, the parts shrink by around a third. This decrease in size must be factored in already during the design phase.
The case back ring and crown are crafted from Ceratanium, a material developed by IWC that combines the lightweight strength of titanium with the scratch resistance and hardness of ceramic. The perpetual calendar mechanism automatically adjusts for varying month lengths and adds a leap day every four years in February. Manual adjustments are only required in centuries where the leap year is skipped, such as in 2100.
The innovative Double Moon display shows the moon phases as visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Thanks to a specially engineered reduction gear train, it is so precise that it will only deviate by one day after 577.5 years.
The Movement
Powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 52616, which features a Pellaton winding system with ceramic components, this movement boasts an impressive 7-day power reserve stored in two barrels. The movement can be admired through the tinted sapphire crystal case back.
The highly efficient winding system is a refined version of the 50000-calibre family. The perpetual calendar recognizes the different lengths of the months and leap years automatically and requires no correction until 2100. It can be set simply via the crown. The movement is composed of 379 parts and 54 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN ‘Woodland’ ref. IW503101 lives up to its bold size, offering an impressive wrist presence and wearing true to its size but light and comfortable thanks to its ceramic construction. The dial, depending on the lighting, reveals a stunning range of greens. What truly elevates this TOP GUN edition, in our view, is the ceramic bracelet matching the construction of the case.
Sticker Price USD 56,700. For more info on IWC click here.
