Top Gun Special Edition Lake Tahoe IW389105, the Marvelous New IWC Pilot Watch
One thing is certain in these uncertain times, there's no better moment to be an aviation and horology fan than now!
We can finally enjoy the long-awaited sequel of the original movie from 1986 and witness how it takes the movie theaters worldwide by storm.
If you're one of the lucky 1000, you can take it to a paramount level and watch this blockbuster wearing a stunning new IWC pilot watch inspired by the infamous Top Gun. Of course, IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition Lake Tahoe IW389105 plays the leading role in that scenario.
So, why did this IWC pilot watch make the horology market go crazy, becoming one of the summer 2022 highest demand watches? Let's explain that in detail.
Movies and watches
There is a special connection between movie characters and real-life watches. The inspiration is mutual and fruitful, while the influence on the demand for the watches featured in movies or inspired by them is in direct proportion to the success of a particular movie.
Consequently, it's no wonder that all the watches featured in blockbusters are in high demand, particularly if main characters wore them. For example, James Bond, Jason Borne, Terminator, Batman, or Top Gun's Maverick. The watches they had on their wrists or were an inspiration for will always be a symbol of masculinity, supremacy, brilliance, and wit, to name just a few irresistible virtues of these characters that will never go out of fashion.
Top Gun: Maverick
Don't worry, if you haven't seen it yet, there will be no spoilers here!
Two of the highest Top Gun of 2022: the highest-grossing movie 'Top Gun Maverick' and the highest demand watch 'IWC Lake Tahoe IW389105 Pilot Chronograph'
One of the most anticipated movies of the last couple of decades doesn't disappoint in any way. It's the highest-grossing movie of 2022, action and emotion-packed bliss for all naval aviation aficionados out there. And not only them, to everyone who likes a warm and thrilling humane story of dedication, love, and respect for fellow men and women, glazed by superb individual craft and impeccable teamwork needed to achieve the ultimate goal.
No surprise that such an approach inspired the IWC engineers and designers. It took superb craft, original idea, and consequent hard teamwork to create a watch that can proudly wear the Top Gun tag. And they completed the mission in every aspect.
IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition Lake Tahoe IW389105
This stunning IWC pilot chronograph is our star of the day for several reasons. Above all, for the craftsmanship invested in making it, the material used, the design, originality, and a limited number of pieces produced.
IWC Big Pilots TOP GUN Lake Tahoe White Ceramic IW389105 on the wrist
IWC designer used three different materials to build the 44.5mm diameter case of this unique Top Gun IWC chronograph. The body is Ceramic, the case back is Titanium, and the pushers and the crown are Stainless Steel. That authentic case paired with domed Crystal glass, shields a trusty IWC 69380 caliber.
It's automatic, responsible for the pristine operation of timekeeping, day/date complication calendar, and a 12-hour chronograph, and has a 46-hour power reserve.
The striking white case color was naturally carefully chosen. It depicts two important things closely related to Top Gun's elite pilots: the color of their Service Dress White US Navy uniforms, and the snowy white relief surrounding Lake Tahoe, characterized by the snowy white peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountainous landscape these pilots fly over during winters. The uniquely elegant white case is paired with a rubber strap of perfectly matching color and has authentic embossing.
The White Service Dress from US Navy uniforms. Top Gun: Maverick in San Diego. Image credit : @Getty Images/Paramount Pictures
The contrasting black dial features white hands, markers, three subdials and a date complication positioned at 3 O'clock. Such strong contrast makes everything easy to read at any time of day and night, which is a must for being used by top-class pilots flying at jet speeds and such heights.
In addition, the hands and 12,3,6 and 9 O'clock markers have a luminant coating on them, while the screw-down case back proudly displays the Top Gun logo.
The close-up of IWC Lake Tahoe IW389105 Dial 
The screw-down case back proudly displays the Top Gun logo.
IWC Big Pilot watch 5002
IWC watch crafting philosophy is based on two major fundamentals, tradition and innovation. So when we talk about new models, it always comes naturally to look back at their predecessors that served as a cornerstone for their development.
IWC Big Pilot watch 5002 paired with FKM rubber watch bands
When it comes to Top Gun Maverick, one of its forefathers indeed is the IWC Big Pilot watch. Produced from 2002-2006, it came out in three versions:
- IW5002-01 (2002-2005) had a Stainless steel case and black dial
- IW5002-02 Platinum Blue with a Platinum case and a blue dial limited to 386 pieces
- IW5002-03 Platinum Black with a Platinum case and a black dial limited to 113 pieces
All three models were of a prominent size, trendy at the time, a 46.2mm diameter, with an impressive 56mm lug to lug span. In addition, they came with a riveted leather strap in brown, blue, and black, respectively, and featured an automatic winding caliber 5011.
A 7-day power reserve, Arabic numerals, coated steel hours and minutes hands and painted second-hand completed the package on these memorable models.
A rebellious distressed denim watch strap that rock with IWC Big Pilot 5002
IWC pilot's watch chronograph Top Gun reviews
Objective reviews are generally the best way to get the truth of it all when it comes to a particular watch. Most of those who plan on getting a specific watch carefully browse all available reviews to get as detailed insight as possible before hitting buy.
That's perfectly understandable, especially if you're looking to buy a watch that sells for five figures and/or have no opportunity of seeing it live before purchase.
Although IWC pilot chronograph Top Gun reviews are still scarce, those available are very favorable regarding design and reliability.
In summary
Given the features IWC Lake Tahoe Pilot Chronograph has, paired with the enormous success of the Top Gun Maverick movie, it is no surprise that this authentic watch raised so much interest. The fact that it's a watch that is limited to 1000 pieces produced a year only adds to such high demand.
On the other hand, it gives hope that if you don't manage to find one today, you'll be able to do so in a couple of months. By all means, a short span compared to the times it will shine on your wrists once you get a hold of your specimen.
However, since there's so much demand, the best way to increase the chances of getting one for yourself as soon as possible is to push the enquire now button on IWC's official website and get fresh information on the availability of this lovely watch.
External ref :
- PILOT’S WATCH CHRONOGRAPH TOP GUN EDITION “LAKE TAHOE”
- Four New IWC Top Gun Pilot’s Watches Combine Military Colors With Ceramic Cases
- IWC Releases Two New Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Editions at Watches & Wonders 2022
Written by S.K., images by Toni and others as noted
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