Hello everyone, I am purewatches. Today I bring you a hard-core replica with “both good looks and strength”——IWC pilot blue ceramic TOPGUN chronograph model produced by APS factory, model number IW389404.
The official price of this watch is 97,000, which is indeed a bit “out of reach” for most watch lovers. But the charm of the replica market is that you can experience more than 90% of the original quality at a fraction of the price. After APS obtained the integrated movement, it successively launched white ceramic, black ceramic, Portuguese watch and other styles, and this oneDark blue ceramic flying meter, is definitely the current “appearance-bearing”.
If you love the tough pilot style of IWC and the high-end texture of ceramic materials, you must read this actual test.
1. Material and size: The whole watch is made of ceramic + 41.9mm plate, and it has “that taste” when you first use it.
Let’s talk about the core parameters first. My first impression after getting this watch:Solid, but not overwhelming。
- Table diameter: 41.9mm (exactly the same as the original version)
- Thickness: about 15.4mm (supported by integrated movement, precise thickness control)
- Material: Whole watch ceramic case + titanium accessories
Many replica factories make ceramic models, which are prone to overturning in color. This blue ceramic may appear slightly lighter under strong light, but under everyday light it appearsDeep military blue, which perfectly matches the low-key and tough style of the original TOPGUN series.
The ceramic material itself has the advantages of being wear-resistant, scratch-resistant, and not easy to fade. Coupled with APS’s expertise in surface frosting, it feels delicate and non-greasy to the touch, giving it a high-end feel.
2. Disk surface details: frosted matte + CD pattern small disk, the three-dimensional effect is not exaggerated
When the camera is zoomed in, the workmanship of the disk is where the real skill comes into play.
Literally adoptedFrosted matte process, the light will not be reflective and dazzling, and the reading time is very comfortable. Three small timing plates were madeCD pattern radiation treatment, the three-dimensional effect is very strong, and you can feel the subtle texture undulations with a light touch of your fingers.
Small digital printing is full and clear, with no gaps or ink spills. This effect requires multiple overprints to achieve. In order to save costs, small factories often mold the products in one go, and the details are immediately revealed.
The scales on the outer ring are three-dimensional and raised, and the edges are polished and rounded. The pointer is installed in a precise position without any skew or unevenness.
👉 Here comes the point: Many replica watches using the 7750 movement tend to “drift” when the large second hand shakes, but APS only has oneIntegrated movement, the large second hand runs very steadily, with almost no jitter visible to the naked eye, which is really a plus.
3. Watch straps and buckles: Denim splicing tape, stunning texture but not cheap
At first, I was actually a little worried about the strap. After all, this kind of “denim + rubber” splicing design is very difficult to reproduce.
But after getting the actual product, I was really surprised.
✅ Front: The denim texture is clear, the wiring is neat, and there are no threads or skews ✅ Back: The rubber material is soft and skin-friendly, and it will not make you sweat when worn for a long time ✅ Splicing: The transition is natural, and there is no obvious “sense of layering”
This design is not only beautiful but also very practical. The rubber surface is close to the skin and non-slip when exercising, and the denim surface has a retro texture for daily wear. It can be worn as a watch or two, and is very cost-effective.
The clasp adoptsTitanium pin buckle, opening and closing smoothly, easy to wear and adjust. The brushed surface is delicate and harmonizes well with the texture of the ceramic shell.
4. Back cover and accessories: titanium metal bottom + three-dimensional engraving, ecstatic control over details
Turning over the back of the watch, although you can’t see the movement (dense bottom design), APS is still not lazy in the details.
The back cover adoptsTitanium material, light weight, corrosion-resistant, and matched with the ceramic shell, it has a sense of hierarchy without losing integrity. TOPGUN’s logo and lettering adopt deep carving technology, which has a strong three-dimensional effect and has obvious concave and convex feedback when touched by fingers. It is not the “flat feeling” of shallow laser engraving.
The handle and timing buttons are also made of titanium, and the operation feels crisp and clean without any looseness or lag. The screw-in structure design ensures daily waterproof performance.
5. Movement analysis: Supported by an integrated movement, the large second hand is as stable as the original
The movement is the “soul” of the replica watch, especially the chronograph.
APS’s blue ceramic flying instrument is equipped withCustomized integrated movement, compared with the traditional 7750 movement, the advantages are very obvious:
✅ The large second hand runs stably without obvious jitter ✅ The timing function is smoothly linked, and start, stop and reset are crisp and clear ✅ The thickness is accurately controlled, perfectly restoring the original 15.4mm ✅ The structure is more compact and the stability of long-term wearing is higher
At present, APS has used this movement to launch a variety of flying watches and Portuguese watches. The market feedback is very good, and the repair rate is controlled at a very low level. For daily wear, stability and durability are more important than fancy parameters.
6. Wearing experience: light and comfortable + versatile appearance, suitable for commuting and sports
After actually wearing it for a few days, my biggest feeling is:Light, but very textured。
The combination of ceramic + titanium metal allows the weight of the entire watch to be controlled very friendly, and it will not feel cumbersome if worn for a long time. The watch diameter of 41.9mm is friendly to men with wrists above 16cm and will not appear obtrusive.
The dark blue ceramic case is low-key yet a bit high-end, and paired with a denim strap, it can be worn in both casual and light formal occasions. The matte surface does not pick up light, and the time can be read clearly indoors and outdoors.
7. Summary and purchasing suggestions
Taken together, this blue ceramic TOPGUN chronograph model from APS factory isMaterial restoration, disk craftsmanship, movement stabilityHigh-scoring answers were given in all three core dimensions.
✅Suitable for:
- Watch friends who like the tough style and ceramic texture of IWC pilots
- Users who pursue the stability of an integrated movement and do not want frequent maintenance
- Advanced players with limited budget but want to experience high-end replicas
- Friends who have requirements for good looks and like low-key and high-end color matching
❌ Not suitable for:
- Watch friends who prefer see-through movements and like to “look at the movement”
- Users who have a special preference for blue tones (such as bright blue, sapphire blue)
Overall, if you want oneGood looks, reliable movement, comfortable to wearFor daily commuting watches, the APS factory blue ceramic TOPGUN chronograph is definitely worth adding to your comparison list. The combination of dark blue ceramic + integrated movement, you can’t go back when you put it on!
(Note: The content of this article is a sharing and evaluation of watch craftsmanship, aiming to exchange watch culture. Please support genuine products and consume rationally.)