IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Lake Tahoe

Less than two years ago IWC Schaffhausen released a few ceramic models that garnered quite a positive reaction. Among them was the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun “Lake Tahoe”, which was the first time in a decade that IWC had extended their ceramic color selection. Now this very same concept returns with the same homage theme, but in a perpetual calendar option.The white ceramic case has a 46.5mm diameter and a 15.5mm height. This specific ceramic material is formed by polycrystalline powders mixed with several auxiliary materials to form a homogenous mass, which is then shaped and sintered at high pressure in a kiln. On the flip-side is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It showcases several jewels, ceramic components, and a rotor decorated with a gold IWC medallion.It comes equipped with a stainless-steel screw-in crown designed in the iconic IWC big diamond shape with a machined circumference, which provides a firm grip for quick-sets. All topped by a convex sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. This glass is also secured against displacement by a drop in air pressure. Water-resistance on this watch can reach up to 60 meters (197 feet).Time is exhibited on a matte black dial with white Arabic numerals, followed by a ring of minute index markers and slightly thicker markings for every 5-minute increment, except for the 12 o’clock position that features IWC’s iconic triangle with two dots.The perpetual calendar is expressed via three sub-dials: a date dial with a power reserve in its midst at the 3 o’clock position; followed by a month dial at the 6 o’clock position; and finally a weekday dial with a sub-seconds in its midst at the 9 o’clock position. A slightly bigger sub-dial features a Moonphase with displays for both the north and south hemispheres at the 12 o’clock position, with a small “N” and “S” indication for each orientation nestled inside the silhouette of jets. There is also a year aperture positioned between the 7 and 8 o’clock positions. The perpetual calendar is quite accurate and won’t require a correction until the year 2100, while the four-digit year display can continue to function until 2499. The central propeller-style central hands, sub-dial hands and Arabic numerals have all been fitted with a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.

The “IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Lake Tahoe” (Ref#: IW503008) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 52615, 54 jewels, 375 components, and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a Pellaton winding system. Power reserve can last up to 168 hours (7 days), when fully wound.Mounted to the watch is a white rubber strap with textile inlay, secured to the wrist by a steel deployant folding clasp. For more up to date information visit the official IWC Schaffhausen website here.