IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Prime Gun Oceana

Borna Bošnjak

The IWC Ingenieur stole the present at this 12 months’s Watches & Wonders, and whereas which will appear as a detriment to the rest of IWC’s releases, watch nerds ought to rejoice. Because of this items just like the ceramic-cased Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Prime Gun fashions gained’t be as wildly well-liked – a blessing in disguise for a lot of collectors. Whereas we already picked out the rose gold-cased Pilot’s Chrono as a bit of a sleeper, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Prime Gun Oceana and its blue ceramic case are much more deserving of the sleeper title in my eyes. Not solely is it not as flashy because the rose gold mannequin, courtesy of the powdery blue tones that grace all the watch, nevertheless it additionally has the distinctive intrigue of a blue ceramic case, something we don’t see all too often.

Blue-jean child

Pilot’s watches is usually a bit troublesome in the direction of the high-end, as their preliminary objective and design was to be as tooltastic as attainable. Outsized, easy case designs and flat legible dials are what make pilot’s watches, nicely, pilot’s watches – so that you want one thing that spruces it up somewhat. A blue ceramic case would nearly do it, and given IWC’s experience within the area, it’s no shock they’ve launched yet one more shade to their Colors of Prime Gun assortment. When in comparison with the black ceramic variant, nevertheless, the Oceana is available in at a big premium, absolutely because of the complexity in producing a colored ceramic case. Let’s not overlook their 2022 Lake Tahoe and Woodland 44.5mm releases (coincidentally priced the identical because the Oceana), which nonetheless command prolonged waitlists.

Whereas the 2 bigger chronographs triggered an thrilling stir within the watch group, I really feel that the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Oceana simply stands by itself. The powdery blue dial is matched to the case completely, and nonetheless stays considerably dynamic within the gentle, altering to a steely blue-grey. The brushed titanium {hardware} is the right accompaniment to this, as is the black-rimmed handset. No kidding, the primary line of Elton John’s Tiny Dancer is what popped into my head when first seeing this watch. Contemplating that IWC was impressed by the U.S. Navy’s work overalls, I’d say that’s not a shock. With a textile insert within the rubber strap, how cool would this factor look as soon as worn in, similar to a pale, patinated pair of denims. I wonder if Elton was speaking about selvedge?

Bigger than the title suggests

Regardless that its authorized title is the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Prime Gun Oceana, the numerical a part of its title isn’t totally correct. The Oceana really measures in at 41.9mm, similar to its black ceramic counterpart, although it is smart for IWC to maintain the naming constant throughout the vary of its smaller Pilot’s Chronographs. The strut-like lugs jut out an honest quantity, making the Oceana put on giant, one thing highlighted by the numerous 15.5mm thickness. Fortunately, ceramic is a notably light-weight materials, which means the Oceana wears loads simpler than metal-cased Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 variants.

The thickness is definitely contributed to by the IWC 69380 calibre, an automated, column wheel chronograph that sports activities a 46-hour energy reserve and beats at 4Hz. It’s a mid-range chronograph providing in IWC’s line-up, although with some nice industrial ornament just like the semi-skeletonised rotor, round Geneva striping, and mainplate perlage.

The proper informal watch

Identical to your favorite piece of overpriced Japanese denim (I don’t choose, as I partake myself), the Prime Gun Oceana has that air of understated luxurious that makes it perfect for on a regular basis put on. It’s not flashy by any means, however the quirkiness of the well-finished, blue ceramic case accompanied by the buttery clean actuation of the titanium pushers lend the stealth wealth vibes it wants. Although I don’t see this one being dressed up an excessive amount of given the blue case color, I do see it being completely versatile in informal situations, helped by the 20mm lug width and 10 bar of water resistance.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Prime Gun Oceana pricing and availability

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Prime Gun Oceana is available now for enquiries as a boutique exclusive. Value: A$17,300, US$11,700, CHF 12,000