IWC revives the design of its first ceramic watch, presented in innovative Ceratanium
In the world of watch collecting, some releases are obvious big hits while others are destined to be slow burners. The latter is certainly true for IWC’s Ceramic Fliegerchronograph, which when it was introduced in 1994 marked the brand’s first foray into ceramic. After little initial success and subsequently fading into obscurity, it’s become something of a cult classic in recent years after capturing the attention of enthusiasts online.
Now IWC is paying homage to this forgotten model with a sleek timepiece that faithfully replicates the dial of the original while displaying the watchmaker’s ongoing commitment to innovative materials. Instead of black ceramic the watch is crafted from Ceratanium. Developed by IWC, it is both lightweight and robust while being highly durable and scratch resistant. The case components are first machined from a special titanium alloy before going through a furnace firing process that transforms the surface of the materials to take on hardwearing properties similar to ceramic.
Limited to 1,000 pieces, the watch is powered by sophisticated 69380 calibre, which similarly harnesses IWC’s latest cutting-edge research and development. This in-house chronograph movement is built in a classic column-wheel design, featuring a bidirectional pawl winding system that offers a power reserve of 46 hours.
