IWC Pilots Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition SFTI Replica

IWC Pilots Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition SFTI Replica

Recently, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition " SFTI " replica IW389104. The watch is an extension of the company's Pilot's Chronograph TOP GUN model and a civilian version of the timepiece, in honor of the 2018 U.S. Navy aviation community, inspired by the Strike Fighter Tactical Instructor (SFTI) program, which is entrusted with training fighter pilots for the U.S. Navy.

These three new models are all chronographs from the Pilot's Watches collection. From left to right: replica Pilot's Watch Chronograph "Orange Storm" Special Edition, replica Pilot's Watch Chronograph "Captain Blue" Special Edition IW377729, replica IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI”.

Design Inspiration

1992, IW3711

At Baselworld 1992, Wanguo presented the first split-seconds chronograph with a self-winding movement (model: IW3711 replica). The design of the dial of this watch was inspired by the Mark X of 1944, such as the clock markers, hands and numerals on it. This two-second split-seconds chronograph by Wanguo is so classic that a few years later Wanguo released the IW3713 replica, which is almost identical to the IW3711 replica.

After so many years, the replica IWC Pilot's Watch chronographs have changed very little, and many of the classic designs of the IW3711 can be seen. Of course, the classics do not mean that they remain unchanged, but rather that they incorporate trendy elements, such as a slimmer bezel, a larger dial view, and adjusted hands, but the essence of the design is still preserved. So, the charm of the classic is reflected here, withstand the test of time, more than twenty years ago, the design is still durable today.

The Case

The IWC Pilot TOP GUN Edition “SFTI” replica is a 44mm case of black zirconium oxide ceramic. Ceramic has been widely used throughout the watchmaking industry over the last decade, mainly for its remarkable scratch-resistant properties, but the natural black layer formed after subjecting zirconium to high temperatures is also anti-reflective. In addition to this, the pushers that operate the chronograph functions and the caseback of the watch are developed from IWC’s proprietary Ceratanium® material. It promises the light and durable properties of titanium but also the hard, scratch-resistant qualities of ceramic. Other features that enable the watch to resist water damage and withstand extreme temperature conditions include a screw-down crown and a glass front secured against displacement by drops in air pressure.

The Dial

The black dial with SuperLumiNova-painted hands and markers certainly draws on the appearance of aviation instruments. The broad hands and markers will make reading the time at a glance particularly easy, while the matte case and dial provide a stealthy look with plenty of contrast. There’s a lot of information displayed on the dial, perhaps IWC could have left out the day and date windows under the IWC logo. A couple of red touches on the running seconds subdial and the jet-shaped counterweight for the chronograph seconds help to break up this monochromatic dial nicely.

The Movement

Inside the case is an in-house made movement. The calibre 69380 is automatically-wound with a 4Hz beat rate and a modest 48-hour power reserve. The movement, which hosts hour, minute, second, day, and date functions as well as column-wheel chronograph feature, is also resistant to magnetic environments thanks to the soft iron cage placed inside the case.

Price

IWC Top Gun SFTI Edition Ref. IW389104 replica comes with a khaki textile strap and a matte black buckle with the IWC logo. This watch is limited to 1500 examples worldwide and has a recommended retail price of €10,100. More information, please visit our latest replica IWC watch listing, we are the largest and most reliable replica of luxury watches store, copy watches such as Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Panerai, Cartier, Hublot, Tag Heuer and more.