Introducing: Two IWC Pilot's Watches Straight Outta The Mojave

Quick Take In 2019, IWC launched its first "sand-colored" model, the Pilot's Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert." Inspiration for the watch came from the dramatic landscape of the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in the Mojave Desert. There, the Navy tests next-gen weapons systems and ordnance, training aviators on their use and application. Now, IWC adds two more sandy models to the line-up, the Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert" and the Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert." Just 250 examples of the Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert" will be made, along with 150 examples of the Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert." Initial Thoughts From Operation Desert Storm in the early '90s right on through today, military gear has adapted to the sands – "Desert Tan" has become just as iconic as "Olive Drab Green." These sand-colored IWC watches sport a look that correctly reflects the environments where many military operations are still ongoing . While the movements inside these watches (IWC caliber 52615 for the Perpetual Calendar and 52110 for the Big Pilot's Top Gun) are shared with their stainless steel cousins, it's the case and sand-themed dial that makes them special. The ceramic is formed by polycrystalline powders mixed with several auxiliary materials, and the specific color comes from combining zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides. To match the case, the watch features a dark brown dial with sand-colored hands. IWC says these cases have a Vickers rating "second only to that of diamonds." IWC has been making pilots' watches that've found their way into cockpits since the late '30s. While brushed steel and flat black have come to characterize these watches since World War II, there's something entirely fitting and thematically accurate when it comes to a tech-forward, sand-colored themed case inspired by modern military operations of the 21st century. The Basics Brand: IWC Model: Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert" and the Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert" Reference Number: IW503004 (Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") and IW506003 (Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") Diameter: 46.5mm (Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") and 46mm(Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") Thickness: 15.6mm (Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") and 14.6mm (Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") Case Material: Ceramic Dial Color: Sand Indexes: Lumed Lume: Super-LumiNova Water Resistance: 60m for both models Strap/Bracelet: Sand-color strap The Movement Caliber: IWC Caliber 52615 (Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert"); IWC Caliber 52110 (Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") Functions: Hours, minutes, small hacking seconds, perpetual calendar with displays for the day, date, month, phases of the moon in both hemispheres, year, and power reserve indication for seven days (Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert"); Hours, minutes, seconds, date (Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") Power Reserve: Seven days (both models) Winding: Automatic (both models) Frequency: 28,800 vph (both models) Jewels: 54 (Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert"); 31 (Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") Pricing & Availability Price: $35,000 (Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert"); $14,800 (Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert") Availability: IWC boutiques and Authorized Dealers Limited Edition: 250 examples of the Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert" will be made, along with 150 examples of the Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition "Mojave Desert" For more, click here .Military enthusiasts, report for duty.