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One of the Most Iconic Pilot’s Watches Just Got a Sandy Summer Revamp

IWC applied its Top Gun Mojave Desert color scheme, including a ceramic case and layered strap, to the Mark XX Pilot’s Watch.

the case and dial of a khaki IWC watchIWC
black and white headshot of brad lanphear

By Brad Lanphear

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IWC’s Big Pilot may get top billing, but the more approachable and relatively more affordable Mark XX Pilot’s Watch is the brand’s best all-purpose daily watch.

The Mark XX comes in a wide variety of builds, all of which have highly legible three-hand dials with a date complication and IWC’s signature propeller-shaped hands.

The latest color scheme of the Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41mm Top Gun offshoot, however, is among the most compelling variants.

the side of a IWC watch
The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41mm Top Gun in Mojave Desert.
IWC

Part of the ongoing series that began as a tie-in with 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, the 41mm Pilot’s Watch is either sportier or more tactical, depending on your perspective.

It has a ceramic case and a layered nylon and rubber strap with a titanium pin-buckle, making it lighter and softer than the predominantly steel Mark XX line. While technically a different caliber, they all run on essentially the same IWC in-house movement.

a khaki IWC pilot's watch
The Mojave Desert color scheme blends khaki and brown like desert camo.
IWC

The newest addition to IWC’s Top Gun collection is the Pilot’s Watch 41mm in Mojave Desert. Its sandy khaki and brown color scheme has previously been applied to the Big Pilot, Pilot’s Watch Chronograph and Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar.

Because khaki goes with everything

We hailed another recent Pilot’s Watch in the Top Gun collection as the “perfect summer watch,” thanks to its Lake Tahoe white case and strap. This new khaki version expands the same functionality with summer-ready hues that can deliver year-round.

the back of an IWC Top Gun watch
The case back features the Top Gun logo.
IWC

As with the Lake Tahoe version, the ceramic case is 41mm wide and 11mm thick with a titanium screw-in case back and screw-down crown. The case back features the Top Gun logo in etched relief.

IWC developed the case’s specific color by blending zirconium oxide powder with other metallic oxide powders. After being compressed into shape and machine finished, the ceramic case is treated with a sintering process that creates a scratch-resistant surface.

An intermediate layer protects the in-house caliber 32112 automatic movement, which has a 120-hour power reserve, from shock and magnetic waves. It is also water resistant up to 100m, making it suitable for any outdoor adventure.

a khaki IWC pilots watch
The hands, hour markers and minutes track are coated in lume.
IWC

This newest iteration of the Top Gun Pilot’s Watch blends the versatility of the original black versions with the fun, sporty vibe of the white Lake Tahoe version.

It works as a go-to every day watch and a reliable adventure watch, thanks to a khaki color scheme that goes with absolutely everything, just like the pants.

Availability and pricing

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41mm Top Gun Mojave Desert is available now from IWC and authorized dealers for $8,500.

Despite being an unusual color for IWC, it is not a limited edition and joins the regular production Top Gun collection.

a khaki IWC pilots watchIWC

IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Mojave Desert

Specs

Case Size 41mm
Movement IWC caliber 32112 automatic
Water Resistance 100m
About the Author: Brad Lanphear is an associate editor at Gear Patrol covering watches and style. Before joining the publication, he previously wrote for Heddels and Men’s Health. Now, he’s on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim.

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