Category: Pilot Watches

Hands-on – IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert”

Since 2007, IWC has been producing a special series of watches designed to meet the demanding needs of elite jet pilots. Established as an independent collection within the IWC Pilot’s Watch family in 2012, the TOP GUN series has become renowned for its use of hi-tech materials and stealth, military-inspired styling. IWC introduced a total of four new TOP GUN models at SIHH 2019 this year. We’ve already gotten hands-on with the impressively technical Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium, as well as the practical Automatic TOP GUN. Now, it’s time to turn our attention to the slightly more unusual Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” (Ref. IW389103) – because it is objectively unusual. 

6 years ago

Hands-on – Fortis Official Cosmonauts Amadee-18 Chronograph – Destination Mars?

Nothing gives a watch credentials like a stint in outer space. Fortis, founded in 1912, has long been associated with rugged pilot’s watches and became part of the official equipment of Russian cosmonauts in 1994. Launched into space on a MIR space station mission, the Official Cosmonauts Chronograph bears the logo of the Russian space authorities (Roscomos) on the caseback and continues to accumulate mission patches from ongoing International Space Station adventures. Last year, Fortis participated in a simulation of the first human landing on Mars that took place in the desert of Oman and provided chronographs for the entire team.

6 years ago

Introducing – Hamilton Khaki Field Murph – The Watch Seen In “Interstellar” Finally Produced

It has become a common thing to see watches appearing in movies. Think for instance Omega in Bond, Seiko in Apocalypse Now, Hamilton in Men in Black or Heuer in Le Mans. Most of the time, we talk appearances. In some movies, however, this accessory can become a true cast member. So was the case in Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” (2014), where two Hamilton watches are visible and one plays a huge role in the plot. This watch, created specifically for the movie, is now available in a limited edition. Meet the new Hamilton Khaki Field Murph.

6 years ago

A Technical Perspective – The Key Features of a Pilot’s Watch

If there is an official standard defining the features for a watch suitable for diving (ISO 6425), no such definition or standard exists (at least one that would be used throughout the industry) for another popular watch category: the pilot’s watch. Each and every brand has its own vision of what a pilot’s watch should […]

6 years ago

Hands-on – IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Rodeo Drive”

2019 has been earmarked as the year of Pilot’s Watches at IWC.  This has not translated into a complete overhaul of the collection (something that we applaud, as we think it is important to keep the classical models intact) but with the introduction of new models in sub-collections – mainly TOP GUN and Spitfire. Apart from all the […]

6 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2019 – Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Bi-Compass – Back to the Instruments

What started in 2005 as a source of inspiration developed into a true leitmotiv for the brand: a circle within a square, a watch inspired and built like an onboard instrument, straight from military planes to the wrist. More recently, Bell & Ross has been exploring new territories and new shapes but the BR01 and BR03 are still the backbones of the collection. As part of the Baselworld 2019 collection, the Parisian-based brand makes a comeback to the cool and much-praised instrument watches, with the new Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Bi-Compass.

6 years ago

SIHH 2019 – IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire 41mm also in Steel (ref. IW387901)

As part of the Pre-SIHH 2019 novelties, IWC presented a new pilot’s chronograph with multiple reasons to fall in love: the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Bronze. “Vintaged”, smaller than previous Pilot’s Chrono, equipped with a new manufacture movement and with a cool green dial/bronze case combination, it made quite an impression on us. However, bronze isn’t for everyone… And good thing is that the SIHH 2019 brings this same watch in a more classical material. Meet the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire 41mm Also in Steel IW387901.

6 years ago

SIHH 2019 – IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic TOP GUN – New Ceramic Case and In-House Calibre

If you’ve seen the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, you’re familiar with the Naval Fighter Weapons School for elite pilots, established in Southern California in 1969. IWC has paid homage to TOP GUN since 2007 and is releasing its latest three-hand automatic in the series with a new in-house movement and matte black ceramic case. Launched coincidentally with the new Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire, the TOP GUN model also shares the Spitfire’s IWC 32110 automatic calibre, although the case is larger at 41mm (from the Spitfire’s 39mm diameter) with a more modern aesthetic.

6 years ago

Video – Live From SIHH 2019 – Christoph Grainger-Herr of IWC Watches

As the SIHH 2019 opened its doors, it is time for MONOCHROME to bring you the novelties of this year live, and not only with articles and photos, but also with videos. To start with a series of videos focusing on the main exposing brands, we have Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Watches, explaining all you need to know about the 2019 collection – which, you might have guessed, is focused on pilot’s watches.

6 years ago