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The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN, reference IW389101, is a 44.5 mm black ceramic automatic chronograph on a black textile strap. It runs IWC’s in-house calibre 69380 and has a day/date display. IWC introduced it in 2019 as part of a refreshed TOP GUN line. It is a large, stealthy, tool-styled watch. Its appeal depends on whether you want that size and finish and can accept a price in five figures in euro markets.
This review is built from IWC’s own launch release, IWC’s current product page and Hodinkee’s 2019 launch coverage. It is not a hands-on test, so comfort, durability and long-term ownership are not assessed here. Where something is interpretation rather than a published fact, the text says so.
Key specifications of the IW389101
These figures come from IWC’s official product page (SI regional site).
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | IW389101 |
| Case | Black ceramic, 44.5 mm diameter, 15.7 mm height |
| Dial | Black |
| Strap | Black textile, 21 mm width |
| Movement | IWC-manufactured calibre 69380, automatic |
| Power reserve | 46 hours |
| Frequency | 4 Hz (28,800 vph) |
| Construction | 242 components, 33 jewels |
| Functions | Chronograph, day/date |
| Crystal | Convex sapphire, anti-reflective coating on both sides |
| Magnetic protection | Soft-iron inner case |
| Water resistance | 6 bar |
| Crown | Screw-in |
Launch context
IWC presented the new TOP GUN line at SIHH in Geneva, with a press release dated January 14, 2019. The company says it has made TOP GUN watches since 2007 and takes the name from the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program. Hodinkee’s launch coverage reported availability from April 2019.
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#1 Best Overall
- Classic Pilot Watch Design: The Baltany S2076 embraces the pilot watch style, featuring a clean, highly legible dial with bold Arabic numerals. Its minimalist design and robust build ensure functionality and elegance.
- Ceramic Bidirectional Rotating Bezel: The Baltany S2076 features a premium ceramic bidirectional rotating bezel, combining durability with functionality. Unlike unidirectional bezels, this dual-direction design offers greater versatility for timing events or tracking intervals in both directions. Its smooth operation and scratch-resistant ceramic material ensure long-lasting performance, making it a reliable companion for everyday adventures or professional use.
- Crystal-Clear Visibility with Sapphire Glass: Equipped with a sapphire crystal featuring AR coating, this Military watch offers exceptional clarity and scratch resistance. Whether you're in direct sunlight or dim conditions, the dial remains easy to read at all times.
- 100M Water Resistance for Versatile Use: With a 100M (10ATM) water resistance rating, this watch is perfect for daily wear, whether you're caught in the rain or enjoying water activities. Durable and dependable, it's designed for every adventure.
- Enhanced Readability with Swiss Super-LumiNova: The watch features Swiss Super-LumiNova GL old lume for its hands and markers, providing a retro glow in low-light environments. Whether day or night, your timepiece stays legible and functional.
Movement: what is inside the IW389101?
The watch uses calibre 69380. IWC says this was the first time it fitted an IWC-manufactured movement from the 69000 family in its pilot watches. The movement provides the chronograph and day/date functions.
IWC’s release describes the layout: the chronograph minute counter sits at 12 o’clock, the hour counter at 9 o’clock, and a red small-seconds hand runs at 6 o’clock. A 46-hour reserve is adequate but not class-leading, so it will stop if left off the wrist for a weekend and a bit more.
Rank #2
- Breitling Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT Mosquito Night Fighter Automatic Black Dial Men's Watch SB04451A1B1X1
Case and materials
The case is matte black ceramic. IWC’s stated rationale is robust materials and a black case that avoids distracting sunlight reflection. That is the manufacturer’s explanation, not independent test evidence. The convex sapphire has anti-reflective coating on both sides, and a soft-iron inner case shields the movement from magnetic fields.
One caution on IWC’s materials language. CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr’s 2019 announcement quotation about Ceratanium and sand-coloured ceramic refers to the wider new collection. It is not a statement about this reference’s construction, which is listed as ceramic.
Rank #3
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Size and wearability: is 44.5 mm too big?
At 44.5 mm across and 15.7 mm tall, this is a large watch by any current standard. No measured lug-to-lug figure appears in the sources used here, so whether it fits a particular wrist is something to settle by trying one on. As editorial interpretation: the diameter and height suit people who like a bold presence and have larger wrists. The 21 mm textile strap helps visually and in comfort terms compared with a bracelet, but that is a general expectation, not a tested result for this watch.
Water resistance and daily use
IWC states 6 bar water resistance. That figure is a splash-and-shower rating rather than a swimming or diving one in most buyers’ minds, and with a textile strap there is little reason to test it. Treat this as a dressy-casual pilot tool, not a water watch.
Rank #4
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Black Ion Plated Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Price: launch versus today
- 2019 launch: Hodinkee reported $7,550, with availability from April 2019.
- Current official listing: €10,400 including VAT on IWC’s SI-region page. This is regional and time-sensitive. Prices elsewhere will differ, so check IWC’s page for your country.
No pre-owned market data was established, so this article makes no statement on resale value.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.IW389101 versus other 2019 TOP GUN options
| Model | Material | Complication | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IW389101 Chronograph TOP GUN | Black ceramic | Chronograph, day/date (cal. 69380) | Subject of this review; 44.5 mm |
| IW389103 Mojave Desert | Sand-coloured ceramic | Chronograph, day/date (cal. 69380) | Limited to 500 pieces |
| IW371815 Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium | Ceratanium (IWC’s titanium-ceramic material) | Split-seconds chronograph | More complex; dimensions and price not stated in the sources used here |
The 500-piece limit applies only to the Mojave Desert edition, not to the IW389101. In practice the choice is between colour (black versus sand) and complication (a standard chronograph versus split-seconds). If you want the most discreet look and a straightforward chronograph, the IW389101 is the plain option. A steel IWC pilot chronograph is the conventional alternative, but no specific current reference or price is established here, so compare those directly on IWC’s site.
Best Value
- WATCH MOVEMENT: The LIV P-51 is powered by a super-accurate 25 Jewel, ETA 7750 Swiss mechanical automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve and 12-hour chronograph. It has been one of the most promising movements in Switzerland in the past 100 years.
- TITANIUM CONSTRUCTION: The P-51 is built with high-grade titanium for strength and comfort. It's twice the strength and half the weight of steel. Indeed, the primary advantage of a titanium watch is its ability to be tough and not heavy at the same time. A titanium watch won't crack regardless of the abuse it gets. Exposure to saltwater, irrespective of the salt density, will not erode it.
- P-51 STORY: We designed the LIV Pilot's P-51 Swiss titanium chronograph to pay homage to the ultimate fighter of WWII. This watch embodies heroism and strength and honors those who braved their lives for a higher purpose.
- SWISS CRAFTMANSHIP: The P-51 Titanium Swiss Automatic Chrono is handcrafted in Switzerland and undergo intense testing in the land of the alps
- WATER RESISTANT: The P-51 is water resistant up to 330 Feet (100M).
Strengths and drawbacks
Strengths
- In-house calibre 69380 with chronograph and day/date.
- Matte black ceramic case with anti-reflective sapphire.
- Soft-iron inner case for magnetic protection.
- Clear, legible pilot layout with a red small-seconds accent.
Drawbacks
- Large 44.5 mm by 15.7 mm case.
- Only 6 bar water resistance.
- 46-hour power reserve.
- Official price of €10,400 (SI region) is substantially above the 2019 launch figure.
Who should consider it
This watch suits buyers who want a modern, all-black, military-flavoured chronograph from IWC and are comfortable with a big case. It is a poor fit for small wrists, anyone wanting a water-sport watch, or buyers who prefer a classic steel pilot look. Durability and comfort claims remain untested here, so try it on before buying.
Quick Recap
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