Short answer

"Mission" is not an IWC reference name. IWC sells Top Gun pilot chronographs under editions such as Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor, Miramar, Lake Tahoe, and Woodland. Replica sellers use "Mission" as listing shorthand for a black ceramic Top Gun chronograph. Replica prices run $60 to $450. Quartz copies sit at the low end. Automatic copies with a Valjoux 7750 clone sit in the middle. Ceramic case copies with sapphire glass sit at the top. Case diameters follow the original at 41 mm, 44 mm, and 44.5 mm.

The watch being copied

The IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun uses a zirconium oxide ceramic case. Ceramic resists scratches. It can chip on a hard impact. The case back is titanium. A soft-iron inner case shields the movement from magnetic fields. The crystal is sapphire with antireflective coating on both faces. Water resistance is 6 bar, or 60 m. The strap is black textile with a pin buckle. The dial carries a day and date window at 3 o'clock.

The 41 mm version uses the IWC 69380 calibre. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and holds a 46-hour power reserve. Earlier 44 mm Top Gun chronographs used the 79320 calibre, a modified ETA 7750.

Replica specs by tier

  • $60 to $120: quartz movement, plated steel case, mineral glass, printed subdials that do not run.
  • $150 to $250: Asia 7750 automatic, 316L steel case, mineral or sapphire glass, working chronograph.
  • $300 to $450: ceramic or ceramic-coated case, sapphire with coating, titanium case back copy, textile strap.

Checks before you buy

  1. Ask for the movement name. "Automatic" alone means nothing.
  2. Ask for the case diameter in mm. Sellers list 41, 44, and 44.5 mm.
  3. Ask if the chronograph hand resets to 12. A 7750 clone with a loose reset hammer will not.
  4. Check the date font and window size. Some 41 mm copies use a small window.
  5. Check water resistance claims. Most copies get no gasket test. Do not swim with them.
  6. Ask for photos of the case back threads and the crown. Stripped threads kill a ceramic case.

Movement notes

The Asia 7750 copies the ETA 7750. Most examples run at 21,600 vibrations per hour. A new one keeps time within 20 seconds a day. The rotor is loud. The chronograph seconds hand can stutter as the mainspring winds down. A service costs more than the watch at most repair shops.

Legal note

IWC owns the Top Gun mark and the design rights on this model. US law bars import and sale of goods with counterfeit marks. Customs can seize shipments. Buyers face no criminal charge in most cases. Sellers do. Check your state law before you buy.