Top Gun Miramar thoughts

Is it just me or would this watch look much more appealing with a black nylon strap instead of the military green one??

With only the few pictures released to go on, I'd say the green works with the gray case better then a black strap, IMHO. But until we see and hold these beauties I'll reserve final (not that I won;t change it)judgement.
Regards,
Kevin

Name is rubbish and false and I have met someone who was told that the current TG is service issue to USAF pilots. The fact that TG Miramar is a USN fighter training school for selected few was another error. This whole name and the future BPTG is bogus and not everyone wants a so called US fighter pilots watch nor a watch to commemorate the Luftwaffe bomber crews circa 1940-45.
Bit like wearing medals or regimental badge when you have zero actual entitlement. You become a first class plonker.
Maybe the marketing folks should rethink this whole sorry name and any engraving business, it's why I never bought a TG in the first instance, the back of the current TG was a total no no, except for those who think they missed their vocation as Maverick or Iceman.

Well, not exactly. You may not like the affiliation (nor the Luftwaffe, Patrouille Swiss, etc.) but there is a very real affiliation. IWC has an arrangement with the US Navy. I believe, without checking the archives, I reported thoroughly on it, including my 2006 arrested landing on the USS Ronald Reagan (some people didn't like him either) and spending the day with the Commander of the Pacific Flight, the commanding officer of the Reagan, and a lot of F18 pilots, who were trained by Top Gun instructors.

There is a technical problem with furnishing the pilots with these watches --a governmental agency/members can't receive substantial gifts from private companies.

However, there are many friends of IWC among Top Gun personnel. Read for example this experience a few collectors had at Fallon, with a good friend --Lt. Guy Snodgrass. click here
Unfortunately Lt. Snodgrass --now a Facebook friend of mine-- is on assignment and currently can't welcome collectors to try the actual flight simulators at the Top Gun school.

IWC also understands full well the difference between Miramar, the original base, and Fallon, the current Top Gun School in Nevada (there only are abvout 30 of those guys, if I recall). IWC really is respecting the skill of these pilots, and not trying to produce false medals. Yes, this indeed is marketing --but candidly so is there marketing for the Portuguese, the Da Vinci, etc. It's something every watch company in the world does.

Personally, I don't buy watches for marketing. But that doesn't mean that these aren't well-designed and well-executed watches.

I could not disagree with you more. My problem with the Top Gun logo on the side had to do with aesthetics not history. These Pilot watches are tremendously popular. It is certainly your right to decline to acquire one.
The three pics in my signature demonstrate how I feel.

Alan,

maybe you forgot the most important "plus". Amend me if I'm wrong but this should be the first fliegerchronograph hosting the first in-house movement IWC ever made.

In my opinion your statement is attempting to place spin on the IWC marketing strategy and disparage the new “pilot line-up.” In a capitalistic society “we” vote with purchasing dollars when acquiring services or goods; therefore, let your currency vote for you. No one is forcing you to buy the aforementioned watch period. Moreover, if your bias does not allow you to wear a military style watch and/or a watch which draws its present incarnation from current affiliations and its historical past that’s ok. However, do not try to promulgate your convictions to others.

My only issue with the current Top Gun was the logo on the side which has to do with aesthetics not history like others have previously commented.

Personally, I do not think I would be able to afford the watch. Nevertheless, it does not mean I cannot appreciate it, or worse that no one else can have one - a free capitalistic society does not work that way. For those who have the resources and the want to acquire one – go for it! I only add may God Bless You With Many Years Of Happiness & Health With Your New Purchase!!!

Cheers,

Enezdez
P.S – Depending on the line-up, maybe I will just have to save up for it! lol

If the current or new TG Miramar watches were US Mil issue then I would not have a problem, just as I do not have an issue with RAF/RAAF model or the BUhr nor a Kriegsmarine model with a full set of marks or emblems. Its a historical watch ordered by the military of various Govts.
Its the person who I met who believes his TG is as per US service issue that I have issue with and the fact that he said he was told that by the salesman in the AD. So he and possibly others have bought a watch believing this sales pitch.
So for me its like meeting someone with a bunch of medals on his left breast that includes the likes of Victoria Cross, Military Cross or Medal and then finding out he had bought them at an auction.

No military in the world buys $10,000 or $20,000 watches for its personnel. They have more sense than collectors, I guess.

Anyone who thinks for a minute that he is buying a militaryissue watch here is a fool. IWC does NOT market this as such, and to imply that essentially is to claim IWC has engaged in fraud --and that's crossing a line.

People buy this watch for totally different reasons than poseurs who wear medals on their chests. To imply that people buy this watch for such reasons is insulting.

Please --we all can have different opinions, but certain statements here should be stated differently. Let's just have good netiquette here. Thanks.