IWC's newly introduced Miramar colorway to the TOP GUN collection has significantly reduced its prices.
The Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen has expanded its Pilot's Watch TOP GUN lineup with the addition of a new stainless steel variant of the Miramar blue watch. This latest offering provides a more accessible option for watch enthusiasts, boasting a lower price point compared to the ceramic variant.
Both the ceramic and steel versions of the Miramar blue watch are now available directly from IWC. Let's delve into the key differences between these two variants.
**Key Differences**
The ceramic version, identified by the reference number IW389409, showcases a full ceramic case in the Miramar blue colour, previously exclusive to ceramic models. In contrast, the steel version, with the reference number IW388117, features a stainless steel case with the same Miramar blue colour, now available in a non-ceramic option for the first time.
Powering the ceramic version is the IWC Caliber 69380 automatic movement, with a closed titanium caseback engraved with "Top Gun." The steel version, on the other hand, is powered by the IWC Caliber 69385 automatic movement, which is functionally identical to the 69380 but includes visible finishing through a sapphire crystal caseback.
In terms of dimensions, the ceramic version measures 41.9mm in diameter and 15.5mm in thickness, while the steel version has a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 14.5mm. The steel Miramar blue watch also comes with rhodium-plated hands to provide better contrast compared to the tone-on-tone blue hands of the ceramic version.
The pricing for these watches reflects their differences. The ceramic Miramar blue watch is limited to 1,000 pieces and is priced at $13,500 (USD) or EUR 14,100 (including VAT). In contrast, the steel Miramar blue watch is part of the permanent collection and is priced at $7,200 (USD) or EUR 7,800 (including taxes).
Both watches share the same 100m water resistance and come with the Miramar blue rubber strap equipped with IWC's EasX-CHANGE strap system. The manufacturing process for the rubber strap of the Miramar blue watch required a completely different process compared to the ceramic case.
The Miramar blue shade for the ceramic case was created by IWC's R&D team by mixing zirconium oxide with metallic oxides in a specific ratio. This pastel blue colourway represents a departure from the nature-inspired hues of previous TOP GUN watches and is arguably one of the most playful shades put on a TOP GUN watch. It pairs well with casual attire but can also translate perfectly fine for dressier occasions.
The stainless steel variant of the Miramar blue watch complements the Miramar blue colourway, which was previously exclusive to the ceramic TOP GUN line. This latest addition to the Pilot's Watch TOP GUN lineup provides a more affordable entry point to the collection without compromising on quality or design.
The stainless steel Miramar blue watch, with the reference number IW388117, features a stainless steel case and complements the Miramar blue colourway, which was previously exclusive to the ceramic TOP GUN line. This latest addition to the Pilot's Watch TOP GUN lineup offers watch enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the style of IWC's TOP GUN line with the affordability of a gadget made from stainless steel, while enjoying the latest advancements in technology with the IWC Caliber 69385 automatic movement.
