Why We Like It The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun IW388001 is our favorite non Big Pilot model from IWC. We love the large 46 mm case crafted out of scratch proof matte black ceramic and how the white hands and markers really stand out on the black dial. We actually owned one of these personally before trading up to a Big Pilot Top Gun Perpetual Calendar recently. The black textured rubber strap really matches this watch perfectly, and we love that the watch comes on a deployant strap to reduce the chances of dropping the watch when putting it on. Having a flyback function on the chronograph is really the cherry on top for this amazing IWC Pilot’s watch.
Notes This IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun IW388001 is running well in spec at a solid +3 seconds per day on our timegrapher when averaged out over serveral positions, which you can see on our attached video. The watch is in great condition with a clean crystal and very minor marks on the case. With the case being ceramic, there is a high probability that these marks are just metal transfers and can be removed with a standard pencil eraser. The IWC OEM rubber strap is in like new condition only worn twice. Also included is the original leather strap with is in heavily worn condition.
DescriptionAn iconic piece from IWC, the Pilot's Watch Flyback Chronograph Top Gun (Ref. IW388001) is a masterclass in modern materials and horological engineering. Its most defining feature is the formidable 46.1mm case crafted from matte black ceramic. This advanced material gives the watch a stealthy, non-reflective finish while also making it incredibly scratch-resistant and surprisingly lightweight for its substantial size. The tactical aesthetic is completed with a crown, pushers, and solid case back all made from bead-blasted titanium, ensuring a comfortable and durable experience on the wrist.
The watch is powered by the IWC in-house Caliber 89365, an automatic movement with a robust 68-hour power reserve. Its standout feature is the sophisticated flyback chronograph, a complication born from military aviation needs. Unlike a standard chronograph, the flyback function allows the timer to be reset and restarted with a single push of a button, making it ideal for timing consecutive events. This functionality is displayed on a highly legible matte black dial, which stays true to its pilot watch heritage with large, luminous Arabic numerals and propeller-style hands that offer impeccable clarity at a quick glance.
Despite its large dimensions, the Top Gun is designed for wearability. The combination of lightweight ceramic and titanium keeps the weight manageable, while the long, downward-sloping lugs help it conform to the wrist. Originally paired with a leather strap, it's also well-suited for a durable rubber strap, enhancing its all-purpose, "Go Anywhere Do Anything" character. With 60 meters of water resistance and a design that has defined a generation of modern pilot's watches, the Top Gun is a bold statement piece that perfectly merges IWC's historical legacy with its pioneering spirit.