Short answer

The Top Gun Miramar is an IWC Pilot's Watch. IWC released the Miramar models in 2012 with a black ceramic case, an olive green dial and beige markings. First copy and replica versions sell for $120 to $400. Higher grade builds reach $800. None of them use an IWC ceramic case, an IWC movement or a real IWC caseback serial.

Where the Miramar name comes from

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar sits in San Diego, California. The US Navy ran its Fighter Weapons School, TOPGUN, at Miramar from 1969 to 1996. The school then moved to Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada. The 1986 film Top Gun used Miramar as a location. IWC started its Top Gun pilot line in 2007 and added the Miramar name in 2012.

Specs of the two Miramar references

  • Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun Miramar, reference IW388002. Case 46 mm, zirconium oxide ceramic, titanium caseback.
  • Movement: IWC calibre 89361. Automatic, flyback chronograph, 68-hour power reserve. Subdials at 12 and 6 o'clock.
  • Dial: olive green with beige numerals and hands. Date window at 3 o'clock. Strap: green textile with beige stitching.
  • Big Pilot's Watch Top Gun Miramar, reference IW501902. Case 48 mm, ceramic. Calibre 51111, 168-hour power reserve, conical crown.

Tells that separate a replica from the real watch

  1. Case material. Real Miramar cases are ceramic. Replicas use stainless steel with PVD or DLC coating. A scratch on a coated case shows grey metal.
  2. Chronograph layout. Calibre 89361 puts elapsed hours and minutes in one subdial at 12. A Valjoux 7750 base gives a 30-minute counter at 12, a 12-hour counter at 6 and running seconds at 9.
  3. Pusher feel. IWC pushers have short, firm travel. 7750 pushers feel soft and travel far.
  4. Dial print. Check the size and spacing of the words TOP GUN and Miramar, the date window position and the lume tone. Real lume is cream, not white.
  5. Caseback. Compare engraving depth, font and serial. Replica batches reuse a single serial number.

Prices

The IW388002 had a US list price near $10,000 when new. IWC no longer lists the model. Used chronographs trade below list, and value comes from box, papers and service history. Copies with a steel case and a 7750 or quartz movement run $120 to $400. Builds at $500 to $800 put money into case finishing and a modified automatic chronograph. That money does not buy IWC parts, a 68-hour reserve or IWC finishing.

Legal position in the US

A watch that carries the IWC name, the IWC logo or an IWC reference number is a counterfeit under US law. Import is barred by 19 U.S.C. 1526 and the Lanham Act. US Customs and Border Protection can seize a shipment and hold the buyer. Some sellers ship copies with no logo on the dial or caseback. That changes the trademark question. It does not change the design.

Checklist before you buy

  • Ask for the case material in writing.
  • Ask for a photo of the movement through the caseback.
  • Ask for the serial number and compare it against other listings from the same seller.
  • Ask about the return window and the warranty length.
  • Check the size. Miramar came in 46 mm and 48 mm. A 42 mm Miramar is not an IWC reference.