Review: IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe”
The practice of companies commercially licensing US military trademarks hasn’t been common for long–Congress didn’t formalize a process for it until 2004. And IWC was one of the first companies to take advantage of it, launching their “Top Gun” line of pilot’s watches in 2007 in collaboration with the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (now known as the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program). IWC was also the very first company to ever make a ceramic watch (if you don’t count Rado’s tungsten carbide watches). And at this point, IWC has made three ceramic Top Gun chronographs: a black one in 2020, a white one in 2022, and a white perpetual calendar in 2024. I wore the 2022 release, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe” ref. IW389105, for a week. Here’s my review of it.
Impressions of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe”
It’s a large, highly legible watch that feels surprisingly comfortable. At 137.2g, this IWC Lake Tahoe weighs about the same as a 40mm Rolex Submariner from the early 2000s (before the newer, heavier clasp). It’s very wearable despite its 44.5mm width and 15.7mm thickness, and it looks pretty badass–although it’s not exactly a watch you can “dress up.” This is a sporty watch, through and through. The deployant clasp clicks solidly, but I think it could be a bit less bulky and more elegant. I liked having both the day and date, though–I find it to be an underrated convenience on modern luxury chronographs
I also have to mention the feel of the chronograph pushers–it’s excellent. The chrono reset action on this IWC Lake Tahoe is buttery but decisive. It’s definitely a cut above ETA and Sellita chronograph movements, and even Breitling in my opinion. The 6-9-12 o’clock layout of the subdials along with the three-letter day next to a 3 o’clock date might instinctively make you think “Valjoux” but Caliber 69380 is IWC’s own in-house movement.
The sapphire crystal has AR coating on both sides, but honestly I prefer it when watches only have the coating on the inside. When the crystal isn’t perfectly clean it can get that iridescent “oily puddle” look in spots. In fact it’s a watch you’ll want to keep clean in general because specs of dirt stick out like a sore thumb on either the matte ceramic case or the white rubber bracelet.
And that’s pretty much all you need to know. I’ll break down all the positives and negatives of the watch now:
IWC Lake Tahoe Pilot’s Chronograph Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp-looking white ceramic case | Large 44.5mm case size (and 15.7mm height) won’t suit everyone |
| Excellent legibility | Matte ceramic case and white rubber strap both show dirt easily |
| Surprisingly comfortable | Anti-reflective coating on front of crystal can look smudgey |
| Day and date functions | Bulky clasp |
| Screwdown crown and 60m depth rating | Somewhat high price |
| Great chrono pusher feel |
Pricing & Availability
As of 2024, the IWC Lake Tahoe pilot’s chronograph is still available for sale directly on IWC’s website for $11,700. That’s $2,750 more than the black ceramic version of the same watch! White ceramics are harder to manufacture than black ceramics because they require a very high level of purity. Still, you can get white ceramic Swiss chronometer watches for under $2,000, like my Zodiac Super Sea Wolf. So does the white ceramic on the IWC Lake Tahoe look that much better? Well, the answer is yes–it makes the sheen of my Zodiac look toy-like in comparison.
There’s a common perception in the watch world that IWC prices their watches too high, and frankly I agree. Pricing matters, and an across-the-board $1,500 price cut would put them in the perfect spot in my view. When it comes to recent IWC vs Breitling sales figures, for instance, IWC is trending in the wrong direction. Regardless, IWC Lake Tahoe models in particular seem to hold their value well; most of the ones for sale are listed around 85% of their retail price.
IWC makes some of the best pilot watches around, and there are lots of other options on the pre-owned watch market if you want something more affordable. But if the price isn’t a problem for you–and you’re OK with the size, the need for regular cleaning, and the eight-word model name–the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” could be a great addition to a watch collection.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” Specs
| Model | IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” |
| Reference | IW389105 |
| Case Material | White Ceramic |
| Case Diameter | 44.5 mm |
| Case Height | 15.7 mm |
| Water Resistance | 60m |
| Crown | Screwdown |
| Dial Color | Black flieger-style, white lume |
| Strap | White rubber (21mm width) |
| Movement | IWC-manufactured 69380 Calibre (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 46 hours |
| Weight | 137.2g |
| Crystal | Sapphire, anti-reflective coating on both sides |
| MSRP (August 2024) | $11,700 |
Read More on IWC:
Who Owns IWC?
IWC 2024 Watches and Wonders Releases
The Best IWC Watches
IWC Portofino Complete Calendar
Leave a Reply