IWC Pilot's Watch Top Gun Chronograph 3891

The Pilot's Watch Top Gun Chronograph (Ref. 3891) is a pilot's watch automatic chronograph produced by IWC since 2019.

Overview

The legendary IWC Mark XI aviator's watch was a "cult watch". Produced from 1948 until the early eighties, the Mark XI was never available to the public. Sensing an opportunity in the 1990s, IWC introduced a civilian version in 1993, the Mark XII. But this was not the first civilian "flieger" from IWC. In 1988 the company introduced the Pilot's Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz model, with a Doppelchronograph added in 1992. In 2007, IWC launched the blacked-out IWC Top Gun line with a version of the famous Double Chronograph in black ceramic.

The Top Gun Double Chronograph Ref. 3799 was replaced in 2012 by the Ref. 3880. This new model boasted an in-house flyback movement, Cal. 89365, with two registers. This was updated in 2016 with a smaller case as Ref. 3890. The in-house flyback movement was quite expensive, however, pushing the cost of these watches over Euro 12,000.

IWC responded by developing a new in-house movement based on the basic architecture of their familiar Valjoux 7750-based Cal. 7900 family. Everything was re-worked, however, with a column wheel for smooth operation and small seconds relocated to 6:00. The result, Cal. 69380 is an in-house movement that is cheaper and smaller than Cal. 89361 but more advanced than Cal. 79320. This same movement is also used in the new Chronograph Spitfire, launched at the same time.

The Top Gun Chronograph has the familiar IWC Top Gun styling cues: A black ceramic case is complemented by titanium pushers, crown, and case back. The dial is black with white lettering, with the red running seconds hand adding a splash of color and movement. The new watch is priced under Euro 8,500.

The grey and green Miramar version of the Top Gun Chronograph went out of production three years before and was not replaced. Instead, a new Mojave Desert edition (limited to 500 unites) is added. This featured a brown ceramic case and matte brown dial with beige numerals and strap.

References:

IW3891-01: (2019-present) Ceramic black case, black dial with white markings, black textile strap

IW3891-03: (2019) Ceramic tan case, brown dial with beige markings, tan textile strap, limited edition of 500 pieces

Movement:

Automatic chronograph calibre Cal. 69380

Case:

Ceramic and titanium

Ø 44.5 mm

H 15.7 mm

Dial:

Luminous indexes (triangle at 12 o'clock)

Arabic numerals