Schaffhausen, 1st December 2023: Continuing the tradition of Pilot’s Watches paying tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world-famous novel, IWC Schaffhausen unveils the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince. Limited to 300 pieces, this 43-millimetre Big Pilot’s Watch impresses with an 18-carat Armor Gold® case and a deep blue dial with a beautiful sunray finish. The eye-catcher is the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The complication is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre with a Pellaton winding system and a power reserve of 80 hours. The oscillating mass takes the shape of an asteroid with the little prince standing on it and is visible through the sapphire glass case back.
“The Little Prince” has been translated into more than 250 languages to date and is considered the most famous literary work by the French aviator and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The story describes the journey of the little prince to seven planets and their residents. As part of its collaboration with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, IWC has since 2013 dedicated several Pilot’s Watches to this charming novel. Just as writing and flying were inextricably linked for Saint-Exupéry, these special editions with deep blue dials are a perfect symbiosis of poetry and engineering.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Le Petit Prince” editions, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds another special edition Big Pilot’s Watch to the collection. Limited to 300 pieces, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW329502) features a case and crown made of 18-carat Armor Gold®. This alloy is significantly harder and more wear-resistant than conventional 5N gold due to its improved microstructure. Contrasting with the 43-millimetre case is the deep blue dial with a radiant sunray finish. The gold-plated hands and appliques, filled with Super-LumiNova®, emit an enigmatic glow in the dark. The watch is fitted with a brown calfskin strap with an 18-carat Armor Gold® folding clasp.
THE TOURBILLON COUNTERS THE EFFECTS OF GRAVITY
The eye-catcher on the dial is the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. French for “whirlwind”, the tourbillon involves the balance wheel rotating around its axis in a small cage. This constant rotation not only provides a visual spectacle on the dial but also reduces the influence of gravity on the watch’s oscillating system, thereby increasing accuracy. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete stop and the watch set with down-to-the-second accuracy. The state-of-the-art tourbillon consists of 56 parts and weighs only 0.663 grams. The pallet lever and the escape wheel are treated with Diamond Shell® technology, a special coating that reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement.
THE ROTOR TAKES THE SHAPE OF THE LITTLE PRINCE
The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre movement. This high-end automatic calibre features a Pellaton winding system reinforced with ceramic components. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it reliably builds up a power reserve of 80 hours in the mainspring. A special highlight is the rotor made of solid 18-carat gold, which takes the shape of “The Little Prince” standing on his asteroid. This beautiful detail and nod to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s charming novel can be admired through the transparent sapphire glass case back.
The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
IWC Schaffhausen is a leading Swiss luxury watch manufacturer based in Schaffhausen in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. With collections like the Portugieser and the Pilot’s Watches, the brand covers the whole spectrum from elegant to sports watches. Founded in 1868 by the American watchmaker and engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC is known for its unique engineering approach to watchmaking, combining the best of human craftsmanship and creativity with cutting-edge technology and processes.
Over its more than 150-year history, IWC has earned a reputation for creating professional instrument watches and functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust, and easy for customers to use. A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC today specialises in highly engineered watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as coloured ceramics, Ceratanium®, and titanium aluminide.
A leader in sustainable luxury watchmaking, IWC sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimise its impact on the environment. Along the pillars of transparency, circularity, and responsibility, the brand crafts timepieces built to last for generations and continuously improves every element of how it manufactures, distributes, and services its products in the most responsible way. IWC also partners with organisations that work globally to support children and young people.
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