In 2007 we were introduced to the first ever IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun model – the reference IW3799.

This particular model is the IW3799-01. The 46mm matte ceramic case houses an IWC calibre 79230 , Richard Habring‘s clever adaptation of the Valjoux 7750 into a cam-operated split-seconds chronograph. For any fan of the Valjoux 7750, the cal. 79230 gives you so much more to love.

However, as any 7750 owner can attest, the movement makes for an incredibly thick case. The addition of the split-seconds mechanism results in a case that is 17.8mm thick. Although the thickness of the watch is aided somewhat by the 46mm width, helping to spread the size across the wrist, it remains my one big complaint about this watch.

The matte black ceramic that IWC uses for their Top Gun line is beautiful, and with no polished surfaces anywhere on the watch it has a very utilitarian, military feel. The crown and pushers are a matte gray titanium, further supporting the no-frills aesthetic of the watch.

The dial and handset is typical of IWC’s pilot watches, that is to say it is legible to the extreme and has a few little pops of red to keep it visually interesting.

Wearing this watch day-to-day has its pros and cons, however. The 46mm diameter is the same as IWC’s Big Pilot watches, and while it is large the black case allows it to wear smaller than its steel counterparts. Looking down at the watch on my 6.75″ wrist, it doesn’t look visually too large. The problem arises when I try to wear it under any kind of sleeve – sweater, shirt, even some jackets. The thickness of the case prevents it from wearing comfortably with any sleeve, which disqualifies it more often than I’d like.

When I am wearing short sleeves the IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun is really fun to wear. It has the coolness factor like no other piece in my collection, and it goes great with casual attire. It’s just not for every occasion.