Introducing Presenting: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Lake Tahoe in White Ceramic

The big pilot watch has long been a trend among watch connoisseurs, and the IWC perpetual calendar “Lake Tahoe” in white ceramic scratches that itch with a huge case that is 46.5 mm wide. But before we delve into the intricacies behind this watch, some context is due. 

The United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program, better Known as TOP GUN flight school, was founded in 1969 hot on the heels of the failure of operation rolling thunder in North Vietnam causing its conclusion in 1968.

Fresh off a defeat in North Vietnam against communists, the United States Air Forces realized a re-evaluation was in order. Tasking Captain Frank Ault to research the failings of air-to-air missile combat with the Vietnamese, the conclusion that was arrived at was that a school training recruits at a more meticulous, efficient level was needed.

Despite scant initial funding and support, TOP GUN proved valuable as the tactics and training they came up with through brutal critique and continuous re-evaluation of the study material and techniques paved the way for some of the finest air fighters in the world.

Glamorized by the 1986 Tom Cruise movie, the Top Gun flight school represented an exemplary level of expertise and quality in training. Of course, any mention of quality and precision brings to mind the watch industry, and of course, the top gun flight school has a watch collection to go with it.

IWC Schaffhausen has been making watches for top gun since 2007, and this latest addition to the collection practices the preachings of the TOP GUN flight school in accuracy and precision. 

In that vein, let’s start with the movement propelling the IWC Top Gun Lake Tahoe, the calibre 52615.

Generating its energy from a large open worked central rotor, The large movement occupies the entirety of the case, and can store an entire week’s worth of energy in its power reserve. Finishings on the movement include Côtes de Genève and perlage, and the steel diamond shaped crown provides a nice contrast. All of this is covered by a pressure-protected sapphire crystal front and back.

The matte black dial with contrasting white indices is classic IWC and pairs very nicely with the white ceramic case. The windows for date, day of the week, month, year, power reserve and perpetual moon phase remain clearly legible thanks to the large dial.

The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Lake Tahoe in white ceramic is strapped in rubber with a textile inlay, and the strap is fastened using the signature IWC deployant clasp.

It is not limited in production, and it retails for EUR 43,700 starting July 2023.