Introducing IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert

On the heels of the under-the-radar release of the IWC Pilot's Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN in white "Lake Tahoe" ceramic, the brand has just dropped another surprise 41mm ceramic pilot's watch with the new "Mojave Desert" variation. Still ceramic, still measuring 41mm by 11.4mm, the new sand-colored beige/brown case is something that I expect a lot of fans will be excited to see, as it's one of the brand's favorite ceramic colorways. 

To get that brown ceramic, IWC's materials scientists blend zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides in a precisely defined mixing ratio – one that had to be discovered via trial and error, as the color changes during the sintering process to create the case. The case starts as powdered raw materials, which are shaped into a pre-form known as "green body" and then machined closer to the final geometry. Next, they're placed in a kiln for a sintering process that gives the case its scratch-resistance and extreme hardness.

The watch still features the IWC 32112 caliber automatic movement with 120 hours of power reserve, supporting hours, minutes, hacking seconds, and date, in a case rated to 100m of water resistance. The brown dial is coated with Super-LumiNova on the minute and hour markers, plus lume on the hands. Pricing is the same as the Lake Tahoe release earlier this year at $8,500.

Okay, now I'm in a bind. I am a massive fan of the Mojave Desert beige ceramic from IWC. The brand has expanded this lineup a few times, with a Big Pilot, Perpetual Calendar, and – most recently – a 41mm Chronograph option. But I was particularly effusive about the Lake Tahoe surprise release just about a month ago, so if I had to put my money where my mouth is, where would I put it? Hard to say. I think that the Lake Tahoe is a great summer watch – bright, punchy, and loud – but the Mojave Desert is a great all-rounder for most people. Perhaps we'll need to get our hands on one and see how it compares to the growing list of 41mm options from IWC. 

Brand: IWC
Model: Pilot's Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert
Reference Number: IW328106

Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 11.4 mm
Case Material: Sand-colored ceramic case
Dial Color: Brown
Indexes: Printed
Lume: Super-LumiNova on minute scale, hands, and hour markers
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Beige rubber strap with titanium pin buckle

Caliber: IWC 32112
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds (hacking), date
Power Reserve: 120 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 21
Chronometer Certified: No

Price: $8,500
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

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