IWC Fliegeruhr 'Top Gun' Chronograph

IWC produced its first specially-made pilot's watch in 1936. In order to weather the various magnetic fields generated by the large plane engines, IWC fitted its new offering with an antimagnetic escapement, then a first for the Swiss manufacture.  Throughout World War II, IWC produced a series of pilot's watches, perhaps the most iconic of which was the Reference 52T S.C., also known as the 'Big Pilot,' a watch that established one of the brand's most recognizable designs.  

Today, IWC still draws inspiration from the purpose-driven military watches of the era, expressing their historical design-language in the popular Fliegeruhr (literally 'Pilot's watch) line.  

The Fliegeruhr Chronograph, Reference 3777, was introduced in 2010. It's a sturdy 43mm (larger than its predecessor the Reference 3717 by one millimeter), with brushed finish and sharp, polished edges. To make the watch antimagnetic, IWC employed an iron casing, a measure necessary to take with sensitive instruments that will be exposed to magnetic fields inside an aircraft. The applied anti-reflective coating on the crystal greatly reduces glare in high-light conditions.

IWC followed up the Fliegeruhr with the Top Gun Miramar, named for the USN Fighter Weapons School in California where Marine pilots learn to be as edgy as Maverick and Iceman among other things. At an impressive (or infuriatingly-large, for some) 46mm, its size is at least in keeping with the trend for larger pilot's watches. After all, they're meant to be legible at night in a darkened cockpit, so the numerals are large and the design of the dial is almost austere. The color scheme is instead brown, red (for the hours), and cream in the hands. Only the 3, 6, and 9 registers and the hands are luminescent. 

Another departure from the previous Fliegeruhr is the case--a ceramic finish in a not-quite-black hue. While, IWC released their first ceramic chronograph, the ref. 3705, in the mid-90s, the Top Gun represents the most recent application of this unique case style. Powered by the IWC caliber 3705 (based on the venerable Valjoux 7750), it ran for only three years and has gained a cult following. Like its predecessor, the Top Gun is powered by an in-house IWC caliber, the 8365, with an ever-convenient flyback mechanism. The Top Gun is in many ways the successor to the ceramic chronographs of yore, but with an eye for modern trends, making it a worthy addition to the pantheon of IWC chronographs. 

In excellent, like-new condition and coming with its original box and papers, this modern chrono is about as sharp as they come. To quote the operating instructions, when you buy this watch you enter "a small circle of individuals who... demand slightly more of a watch than absolute precision." We can't sum it up better than that. 

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.