Two Takes on One Vision: The IWC Miramar Twins
Today marks 35 trips around the sun. My wife and I have been together for 12 years—married for seven. We’ve got a son at home, a daughter arriving next month, two dogs, four chickens, and four businesses in motion. Life is full—sometimes chaotic, always meaningful.
I had the privilege of visiting IWC Schaffhausen for the second time and getting hands-on with both versions of the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar. Each piece is visually striking, speaks to a different kind of collector—but both share the same unmistakable sense of purpose.
Being born and raised in Southern California, this release resonates on a deeper level. The “Miramar” name pays tribute to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, the original home of the Navy’s elite TOPGUN program before its move.
This isn’t just a chronograph—it’s a modern tribute to heritage, precision, and quiet excellence.
SHARED DNA: Precision with Purpose
Whether it’s the limited-edition ceramic IW389409 or the core steel IW388117, both watches are:
Dressed in IWC’s light blue “TOP GUN Miramar”, a Pantone-certified color inspired by the t-shirts worn by real TOPGUN instructors.
Powered by in-house calibres from the 69000 family (69380 & 69385) — classic column-wheel chronographs with 46-hour power reserves and rock-solid reliability.
Equipped with Super-LumiNova®-filled hands for high legibility.
Feature 41mm cases, a modern sweet spot for pilots and collectors alike.
Water resistant to 10 bar, ready for any mission.
Include the IWC EasX-CHANGE® strap system, no tools required.
Where They Diverge: Collector’s Eye View
PR Timepieces Take: Which One Speaks to You?
The Ceramic Miramar is a statement piece—not just because it’s limited, but because the light blue ceramic is a technical marvel. For the collector who values material innovation, this is art and engineering wrapped into a combat-ready legend.
The IWC TOP GUN Miramar in Steel delivers the same Pantone-perfect color palette and military-inspired design language as its ceramic counterpart—but in a more versatile, everyday-wearable format.
During my visit, the steel model made a strong impression—especially when paired with both the black and, unexpectedly, the white strap. The white strap, in particular, made the white hands and aviation-style indices truly pop, adding a clean contrast that elevated the entire look.
For collectors looking to embrace the heritage, precision, and innovation of IWC's TOP GUN line—without venturing too far into niche or ultra-specialized territory—the steel Miramar strikes the perfect balance.
This isn’t just color for color’s sake. IWC engineered Miramar Blue to represent the soul of real-world aviators—and you feel that connection, whether it’s ceramic on your wrist or steel in your daily lineup.
Whether you're building a modern tool-watch collection or making a meaningful first acquisition, both Miramar Chronographs are equal parts emotion and execution.
