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On 9 September 2021, IWC Schaffhausen announced three ceramic Pilot’s Watch Chronograph editions inspired by its collaborations with U.S. Navy squadrons: the Royal Maces (IW389107), the Tophatters (IW389108) and the Blue Angels (IW389109). IWC said it was the first time these squadron-inspired designs were available to non-pilots, with annual production limited to 500 pieces of each edition. This article covers launch-era facts; current stock and pricing are not established here.
The three editions compared
| Edition | Reference | Squadron connection and design |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Maces | IW389107 | Inspired by Strike Fighter Squadron 27 (VFA-27). Black zirconium-oxide ceramic case, Ceratanium crown and pushers, squadron patch at 6 o’clock, yellow day-date and accents. The grade 5 titanium case back is engraved with an F/A-18E Super Hornet and VFA-27. |
| Tophatters | IW389108 | Inspired by Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14), based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Black zirconium-oxide ceramic case, Ceratanium crown and pushers, top-hat patch at 6 o’clock and on the case back, red display and strap-stitching details. |
| Blue Angels | IW389109 | Inspired by the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Blue ceramic case, Ceratanium crown and pushers, Blue Angels crest at 6 o’clock and lettering on the titanium case back, yellow details, blue rubber strap with textile inlay. |
All details above come from IWC’s 9 September 2021 press release.
Shared technical details
IWC says all three use its calibre 69380. It describes a 231-part mechanical chronograph movement with a column wheel, a bidirectional pawl-winding system and a 46-hour power reserve. IWC also cites a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields, and a front glass secured against displacement during sudden air-pressure drops. These are manufacturer statements, not independent test results.
Fratello’s 17 September 2021 article adds a 44.5 mm diameter, 15.7 mm thickness, 60 m water resistance, and a sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides. It reported a price of €12,000 at launch. That is a secondary-source, launch-era figure, not a current price.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium Craftsmanship – This men's watch features a 43mm stainless steel case with a sleek black PVD finish, complemented by a scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens with anti-reflective coating, ensuring durability and a refined appearance.
- Effortless Timekeeping – Equipped with a Japanese Meca-Quartz chronograph movement, this watch offers precise timekeeping with a smooth, mechanical feel. The black dial showcases luminous hands and markers, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions.
- Durable for Everyday Wear – With a water resistance of 50 meters, this wristwatch is suitable for daily use, handling splashes and brief immersions. Its robust construction ensures it withstands the rigors of everyday adventures.
- Comfortable & Secure Fit – The genuine black leather strap provides a comfortable and secure fit, making it ideal for all-day wear. The classic buckle closure allows for easy adjustment, ensuring a personalized fit for your wrist size.
- A Tribute to Aviation Excellence – Designed by AVI-8, this timepiece honors the legendary P-51 Mustang and the fearless leadership of Colonel Don Blakeslee during World War II. Every detail reflects the brand’s dedication to aviation history, paying homage to the aircraft and the daring pilots who redefined aerial combat.
Why these watches matter
IWC says its work with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation units began under a license in 2018 (see IWC’s TOP GUN partnerships page). The 2021 editions were civilian-accessible designs inspired by watches developed with selected squadrons.
The release attributes this statement to CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr: “The IWC military programme is an important platform for our engineers and designers to exchange ideas with elite pilots from the U.S. Navy and other armed forces around the world. These pilots put our watches to the test every day in the harsh environment of the jet cockpit. Their feedback is invaluable for us not only to improve the quality and durability of our timepieces but also to create unique and appealing designs.” It is an executive’s account of the program, not independent evidence of performance testing.
Rank #2
- UNIQUE ELEGANT DESIGN: Stylish and classic design watch for men. 45MM beautiful and exquisite big face with three functional subdials and date display, tachymeter numerals on the bezel, with a fashion silicone strap, Quality quartz analog movement and battery, provide precise time and perfectly match any of your outfits, Benyar analog wrist watch embodies the pursuit of fashion and quality that redefines time
- QUALITY AND COMFORTABLE: High quality imported quartz movement to provide high stability and accurate timing. 304 steel case with mineral glass, which greatly improves the wear resistance and scratch resistance. Silicone strap watch for men not only looks elegant and unique, but is also comfortable and soft to wear. BENYAR men's wrist watches will stand the test of style and last a lifetime if properly maintained
- WATERPROOF CHRONOGRAPH WATCH: Multifunctional sub-dial can be used as timers (1/10 Second, Second and Minute Chronographs). BENYAR's waterproof chronograph watches for men is waterproof 30M/3ATM, can withstand sweat, accidental rain or water splash (Showering, swimming, immersion in water is not recommended). After absorbing enough light energy to have a certain glow-in-the-dark effect in dark environments. It is a multifunctional silicone watches for men
- READY FOR GIFT: Fashion and casual watches suitable for men and youth, perfect for everyday wear and any occasion, Providing accurate timekeeping and becomes a fashion statement for your versatile style. Packaged in a exquisite box, this luxurious elegant dress watch it is an ideal gift for yourself, friends, classmates, father, lovers, family for Graduations, Birthdays, Father's Day, Valentine's day, Thanksgiving ect. Bringing a unique taste of life to him
- CUSTOMER SERVICE: BENYAR watch men provides a 2-year after sales service for any watch problem. BY BENYAR is committed to offering a range of classic designer wrist watches for men and high standards of customer service. If you have any questions about our analog watch men, please contact us first and we will provide you with a satisfactory solution within 24 hours
Availability and warranty at launch
- Production: limited to 500 pieces of each edition per year, per IWC.
- Channels: from 9 September 2021 through IWC boutiques, authorized retail partners and IWC.com.
- Warranty: registration under My IWC care made the watches eligible for a six-year extension to the standard two-year International Limited Warranty.
These are the launch announcement’s terms. Check IWC or an authorized retailer for current availability, pricing and regional warranty rules. If you are shopping, use the reference numbers (IW389107, IW389108, IW389109) to confirm you are looking at the right edition.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The Quartz from Citizen features a blue dial with a stainless steel band and markers. It features 1 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date with water resistancy up to 100 Meters. Stainless steel bracelet has Fold Over Clasp with Push Buttons
- 1 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #3
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized to Atomic Time Clock for Superior Accuracy, Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 24 Time Zones, 1 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Perpetual Calendar, 12/24 Hour Time, Alarm, Power Reserve Indicator, Day / Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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