Three New IWC TOP GUN Boutique Editions for 2013

From IWC comes a superb trio of boutique only TOP GUN Pilot's watches, each featuring cockpit-styled indications which are vivid  by day, and lumed to glow in their individual colourways after dark.

If you are hooked on the big black face + white numerals aesthetics of IWC's Pilot collection then this cosmetic overhaul may not be for you.  Indeed, many may consider these pieces to be rather adventurous, but this departure from monochrome has not been a hasty one.  We have already enjoyed a gradual evolution of the collection as seen with last year's Muhammad Ali Big Pilot's edition and the Chronograph TOP GUN Miramar model.

Whatever your preference, these limited edition pieces will sell like proverbial hot cakes and if you manage to nab one for your collection then you will no doubt enjoy the added swagger of their restricted production numbers.

First up the most complex of the three, the IWC Big Pilot's Perpetual Calendar model, limited to 250 pieces.  With such a compendium of indications this dial should be cluttered, but combined indications ensure equipoise is maintained.  It's calendar complication takes into account the variation of days in each month as well as leap years needing no intervention or adjustments by the wearer until  March 1st 2100 as this is a secular year and will not, as ruled by the Gregorian calendar be a leap year, and it's moonphase complication displays both hemispheres, but that is not all - there are sufficient hidden features to satisfy even the most calibre-savvy wearer- a Breguet spring, a Glucydur balance and of course the smooth precision of the Pellaton winding system which will power the piece for 7 days.

Next the most uncluttered of the three, the IWC Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Boutique Edition featuring green indications.  Powered by the IWC Manufacture Calibre 51111, it still maintains that generous 7 day power reserve but with the indications reduced to a minimum there is plenty of empty matt black  space against which to enjoy that cool little aircraft overhang on the seconds hand as it encircles the dial.  This one is limited to 500 pieces.

Saving the best to last, this is the IWC Pilot's Chronograph TOP GUN Boutique Edition, and it really is seriously good looking.  This one shaves 2mm off the case size of the other two, measuring up at 44mm across offering face-on perfect proportions.  The blue/black combination is outstanding, the chronograph has a flyback function, and the contrasting whiteness of its altimeter-style date indication is marvelous.   Limited to 500 pieces, if given the chance... I just would.

More details at IWC here.

Also, a look-back at the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Miramar here and the Big Pilot's Watch “Edition Muhammad Ali, ONE OUT OF ONE” here.