The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert is the first time this colour has debuted in this size
Zach BlassThis is a subjective sentiment, but I have often found my 6.5 or so inch wrist ineligible for certain Pilot’s watches from IWC due to their larger diameters. In fairness, 46mm is a large size for many wrists. But, IWC has been balancing their catalogue with novelties that have tamer diameters – the new IWC Ingenieur Automatic is sized at a fan-favourite 40mm and the Big Pilot became available in a smaller size dropping down from 46mm to 43mm. Furthermore, we have been seeing a rather rapid expansion of the Pilot’s Chronograph 41 range – whether more dial configurations for steel and gold models, titanium models, or ceramic models like the blue Oceana. But, between the Lake Tahoe, Woodland, and other hues, a favourite of mine has always been the sandy Mojave colour. But, this colourway has been limited to large watches beyond 44mm in diameter. Until now. Meet the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert – the first-ever 41mm Mojave coloured watch from IWC.
With this being a familiar model in a new colourway, the third-ever coloured ceramic Chronograph 41 Top Gun presented by IWC, let’s get a quick spec-check out of the way. The 41.9mm watch, 15.5mm thick, is 100 metres water-resistant with a screw-down crown. So, while very much an aviation watch it is more than capable to go for a swim as well. With a 50.8mm lug-to-lug span, I cannot say that the watch its compact across the wrist but for the average wrist its span will not reach the extremes or flare out beyond the wrist.
Inside, beneath a solid caseback is the 46-hour IWC-manufactured column-wheel chronograph calibre 69370. While there is lineage to the ETA 7750, the calibre architecture has been so heavily modified to perform to IWC’s specifications that the movement does not share the same components or dimensions as the 7750.
Back to the excitement of colour, the reason why I am particularly fond of the Mojave colour way is its rather sandy and ghosty look. The pale brown dial does not feel faux-tropical, instead, it almost appears like a black dial that survived a sandstorm – stained with a subtle brown hue. It is really only the hour indices and hands that tonally match the outer case. While I mentioned this sort of faded aesthetic, in line with IWC’s reputation, the dial is very legible as there is enough contrast to discern all the information while having enough proximity to feel a bit monochromatic as well. A striking balance. With the counters positioned at 12’, 9’, and 6’, the 3’ position of the dial is left for the IWC branding along with the calendar day and date apertures. And A+ IWC, the calendar discs are perfectly colour matched to the dial.
Continuing the colour of the scratch-resistant and lightweight case, the watch is affixed to a beige rubber strap with a textile inlay. It is not an EAS X-change strap, but it is 20mm in width so if you are talented with a spring bar you could try other straps. I, however, would not even bother – this beige strap really completes the look and I cannot imagine anything else looking better.
Overall I have little criticism to offer for this release, other than perhaps, the introduction of a next-gen chronograph calibre for this collection with a longer power reserve – we’ve seen such upgrades to collections like the Mark XX with its 5-day movement. The only nitpicking query that comes to mind is the contrast of the titanium crown, pushers, and caseback. Should IWC PVD treat these components in an effort to have a more uniform tone? Or is it not really disruptive or worthwhile to address? I am of a split mind on this one.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert pricing and availability
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert is available now for purchase. Price: A$17,300, US$11,700
| Brand | IWC |
| Model | Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Mojave Desert |
| Reference | IW389402 |
| Case Dimensions | 41.9mm (D) x 15.5mm (T) x 50.8mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Beige ceramic, titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100M (screw-down crown) |
| Crystal(S) | AR-coated convex sapphire |
| Dial | Brown |
| Strap | Beige rubber with textile inlay, titanium pin buckle |
| Movement | IWC calibre 69380, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 46 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, day, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$17,300, US$11,700 |