For SIHH 2019, IWC unveils a new group of watches added to their Pilots Watch TOP GUN collection-a subset of the Pilot collection taking influence from the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program. Among them is the IWC Pilots Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition Mojave Desert, a unique take on a colorway you dont see all that often, and a standout addition to IWCs Pilot watches in general. For the first time, IWC creates a sand-colored ceramic case for this watch inspired by the Mojave Desert, home of the largest land area owned by the U.S. Navy. And considering its other features, it is a relatively affordable (compared to its competition, anyway) option for those seeking a solid ceramic case from one of the major brands.SpecificationsBrand: IWCModel: Pilots Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition Mojave DesertDimensions: 44.5mm x 15.7mmWater Resistance: 60 meters. So dont get shot down over the ocean.Case Material: Sand-colored ceramicCrystal/Lens: Sapphire, AR-coated on both sidesMovement: IWC-manufactured Calibre 69380 (automatic with column wheel)Frequency: 4HzPower Reserve: 46 hoursStrap/Bracelet: Shown on a canvas strap, but described in the press release as rubberPrice Availability: $8,200 AnalysisCeramic as a watch material has been an increasingly hot item, and has widely been looked to as added value in a watch. We typically see ceramic used for bezel inserts, as its not as easy to produce, color (in this instance, IWC cooked up a cocktail of metallic oxides to achieve the unique sand-like hue), or manipulate as metal. The argument could be made that using ceramic as a case material is a bad idea due to its nature of cracking or shattering, but this isnt exactly new territory so I dont foresee IWC having a hard sell on it. After all, IWC has been making ceramic cases for years, and I find this to be many steps above its?other?similarly themed ceramic Top Gun watch, the?Mirimar Chronograph?C a watch I found to be a hodgepodge of different themes without a clear design schema.The real draw to this piece is the colorway. Supposedly taken from sand and matching the regional Navy uniforms, I will definitely say that it superbly creates a watch with a well defined theme, and thats not something thats always easy to do with a niche influence like sand. Looking at this watch, you can directly get those desert vibes, and I can IWC for that.?The watch is quite legible considering how bland a watch like this could have been, and I can really get behind the brown dial with tan hands and hour markers, so I am hoping to see more of this colorway in the future.ConclusionOverall, I dont know how practical this color scheme is as a Pilots watch, but it is definitely unique and interesting. If the watch does find its way to the wrist of a Navy pilot, I imagine itll get lost in the already tan uniform sleeves of said Navy pilot. So for practical flying purposes? Perhaps not, at least not over other models in the collection. But you can bet this will look great on the wrist of that executive whos always been kicking himself for not getting his Pilots license and thats what?really?marks a successful addition to a Pilots collection, right? The?IWC Pilots Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition Mojave Desert will be limited to a modest 500 pieces, a number I dont foresee IWC having a hard time selling, and come with a price tag of $8,200. Learn more at iwc.com Follow our pre-, post-, and live SIHH 2019 coverage here and on social media. [...]