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The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN IW389101 pairs a 44.5 mm black ceramic case with IWC’s automatic Calibre 69380 and a black textile strap. Its all-black, sporty look is distinctive, but the dimensions make an in-person try-on the sensible way to judge fit. The specifications below are manufacturer-listed; wear impressions are attributed to a retailer reviewer, not presented as my own hands-on testing.
First, identify the right TOP GUN reference
This review covers the current black ceramic IW389101, not every watch called a TOP GUN chronograph. Fratello’s similarly titled 2015 hands-on review concerns the earlier IW388007, a 46 mm model with different technical details and dial layout. Its specifications and historical price should not be transferred to the IW389101. Fratello’s 2015 review of the IW388007 is useful historical context, not a review of this reference.
IWC identifies the IW389101 as a black-dial automatic chronograph with a black ceramic case and black textile strap. IWC’s product listing for the IW389101 is the source for the specifications that follow.
Case, dial and everyday wear
IWC lists the case at 44.5 mm in diameter and 15.7 mm in height. Ceramic gives the watch its matte-black character, while the black dial keeps the monochrome design coherent. Those dimensions are substantial on paper, and a diameter alone cannot tell you how the case will sit on a particular wrist.
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- 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
In a review published May 6, 2026, Precision Watches’ reviewer said the ceramic watch felt lighter than its size suggested and praised the contrast and legibility. The reviewer also characterized it as sporty and better suited to casual or smart-casual wear than strictly formal settings. These are that reviewer’s subjective impressions; the article is from a watch retailer, not an independent laboratory assessment. Read the Precision Watches hands-on review.
Is 44.5 mm too big for everyday wear?
There is no universal answer. Wrist shape, the way the lugs meet the wrist, and personal preference matter as much as the stated diameter. Try the IW389101 on if possible, and assess it with the strap adjusted as you would wear it day to day; do not infer fit from the retailer reviewer’s experience.
Rank #2
- Silver-tone watch featuring left-handed crown and black dial with 1/20-second chronograph function, slide-rotating inner bezel, and date window
- 45.5 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Stainless steel band featuring fold-over push-button clasp with safety
- Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving
Movement and functions
The IW389101 uses IWC Calibre 69380, an automatic movement for which IWC lists a 46-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). IWC also lists 242 components and 33 jewels. These are manufacturer specifications, not timing or endurance results measured for this review; no independent accuracy or long-term reliability result is established here.
The chronograph measures hours, minutes and seconds. The watch also has day and date displays, hacking seconds, and a screwed-in crown. The convex sapphire crystal has antireflective coating on both sides. A soft-iron inner case is specified for protection against magnetic fields.
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- 1/5 Second Chronograph measures up to 60 minutes, 12/24 hour time, tachymeter, and date
- 100 Meters Water resistant and 5 year limited warrenty
Water resistance and practical details
IWC lists water resistance at 6 bar. That figure is a specification, not by itself a recommendation for swimming or diving; check IWC’s guidance for the intended activity and the watch’s condition. The black textile strap has a listed width of 21 mm, with an 18 mm buckle width.
How it fits into the TOP GUN collection
The IW389101’s defining choice is its black ceramic case and monochrome styling. A nearby collection alternative is the blue ceramic Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Oceana, reference IW389404, which IWC lists at 41.9 mm with 10 bar water resistance and the same Calibre 69380 with a 46-hour reserve. Confirm the current listing for the market where you plan to buy. IWC’s 2025 announcement also introduced the light-blue ceramic IW389409 TOP GUN Miramar as a 1,000-piece limited edition; that distinct model’s features should not be assumed to apply to the IW389101. IWC’s July 21, 2025 Miramar announcement.
Rank #4
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- THE HAWKER HURRICANE CLASSIC CHRONOGRAPH: A tribute to arguably the most iconic plane from the WW2 era. The Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph is characterised by a simplicity that echoes the design of its namesake. Clean, bold lines surround the dial on which the colours and graphics celebrate the fighter plane’s simple but striking motif that identified the Hawker Hurricane.
- CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT: A classic timepiece that speaks across generations - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Quartz Chronograph movement and date function
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph features a 42mm stainless steel case, a 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
A conventional steel Pilot Chronograph offers a more traditional material and appearance. The choice is primarily one of design and material preference; the available evidence here does not establish a universal comfort or value advantage for either material.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price, availability and warranty
IWC’s product page reviewed for this article did not state a current retail price, and current local stock was not established. Check the brand or an authorized retailer in your market for a live quote and availability rather than relying on historical prices for another reference.
IWC’s page describes complimentary standard delivery and a standard two-year international limited warranty that can be extended by six years through My IWC care registration while the original warranty is active. Eligibility and terms can vary by market and policy, so confirm them with IWC for your purchase location.
Verdict: a distinctive ceramic pilot chronograph, with fit to verify
The IW389101 is a clearly specified, large-format pilot chronograph built around a black ceramic case, textile strap and Calibre 69380. Its appeal is strongest for someone who wants that matte-black sports-watch character. The key personal decision is whether the 44.5 mm by 15.7 mm case works on the wrist; published impressions can inform that decision, but cannot settle it for every wearer.
Quick Recap
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.
