IWC Schaffhausen has introduced two new Big Pilot’s watches dedicated to “The Little Prince,” the famous novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. They include the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince and the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince.
“More than 80 years after its initial release, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novel “The Little Prince” remains as popular as ever. Through a simple narrative that has been translated into more than 600 languages and dialects, the French author and aviator explores profound philosophical themes such as love, loss and friendship. IWC Schaffhausen has been collaborating with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation since 2006.”
Key Features
Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince
Image: The gold accents contrast well with the blue ceramic case. The Little Prince standing on his asteroid represents the moon.
Functions and Operation
Central hours and minutes.
Perpetual calendar functions: Day of the week indicated on subdial at 9 o’clock. Date indicated on subdial at 3 o’clock. Months indicated on subdial at 6 o’clock. 4-digit year indicated via apertures near 8 o’clock.
Flying minute tourbillon at 12 o’clock.
Moon phase display on subdial at 6 o’clock.
Power reserve indicator on subdial at 3 o’clock.
Screw-in crown at 3 o’clock for time setting and adjustment of all calendar functions.
Dial
Blue dial with a sunburst finish. The hands and applied Arabic numerals and hour-markers are gold plated and coated with Super-LumiNova.
Movement
Image: Solid gold automatic winding rotor “which takes the shape of the Little Prince standing on his asteroid. This design detail is a charming reminder of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novel, which continues to entertain and inspire both children and adults.”
Powered by IWC-manufactured calibre 51950, an automatic movement that drives the hours and minutes, perpetual calendar functions, flying minute tourbillon, perpetual moon phase display, and power reserve indicator.
Parts: 447. Jewels: 54. Frequency: 19,800 vph or 2.75 Hz. Power reserve: 168 hours or 7 days.
Movement features the brand’s Pellaton winding system. The tourbillon features a hacking or stop-seconds mechanism, comprises of 82 parts, and weighs 0.635 grams.
Movement finishing includes Côtes de Genève and perlage.
Case
Made from blue ceramic. Crown and caseback ring are made from 18K 5N gold. Diameter: 46.50 mm. Thickness: 16.18 mm. Dial side features a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Caseback features a sapphire crystal. The glass is secured against displacement by drop in air pressure. Water resistant up to 10 bar or approximately 100 metres.
The watch comes with a blue textured rubber strap fitted to a folding clasp made from 18K 5N gold.
Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince
Image: The triangle with two dots at 12 o’clock is a pilot’s watch feature.
Functions and Operation
Central hours and minutes.
Flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Screw-in crown at 3 o’clock for time setting.
Dial
Deep blue dial with a sunburst finish. The hour and minute hands and applied Arabic numerals and hour-markers are rhodium-plated and coated with Super-LumiNova.
Movement
Image: The automatic winding rotor shows the Little Prince standing on his asteriod.
Powered by IWC-manufactured calibre 82905 that drives the hours and minutes and flying minute tourbillon.
Parts: 197. Jewels: 25. Frequency: 28,800 vph or 4 Hz. Power reserve: 80 hours.
Movement features the brand’s Pellaton winding system. The tourbillon features a hacking or stop-seconds mechanism, comprises of 56 parts, and weighs 0.635 grams.
Case
Case and crown are made from platinum. Diameter: 43 mm. Thickness: 14.58 mm. Dial side features a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Caseback features a sapphire crystal. The glass is secured against displacement by drop in air pressure. Water resistant up to 10 bar or approximately 100 metres.
Watch comes with a calfskin leather strap fitted to a folding clasp made from platinum.
Our Thoughts
In terms of design, execution, and range, IWC has among the best pilot’s watches in the world – if not the best – and they are integral to their catalogue. A few months ago, they used a pilot’s watch as a base to celebrate a Formula One partnership and to dedicate a watch to Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Principal Toto Wolff. Such is the confidence in their pilot’s watches!
The Big Pilot’s watch is an excellent canvas for the brand to experiment with materials, colours, and movements. Both versions feature attractive blue dials and an abundance of overall details. The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince features a blue ceramic case and a slow-beat (2.75 Hz) movement, whose perpetual calendar was developed by the brand’s legendary watchmaker – Kurt Klaus – during the early 1980’s. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince features a platinum case and a high beat (4 Hz) movement.
For collectors who love big bold pilot’s watches and grand complications, and appreciate the dedication to “The Little Prince,” either of these two models would be perfect for their collection.
Additional Details
Name: Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince
Reference: IW504901
Limited to 100 pieces.
Price: Upon request
Name: Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince
Reference: IW329501
Limited to 150 pieces.
Price: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) 315,000
Please visit the brand’s website for more information.
Please click here and here to read our IWC’s Watches and Wonders 2025 coverage.
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