Up Close with the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph “Le Petit Prince”


When IWC opened its new boutique in Amsterdam last May, we at Monochrome Watches had a chance to get some hands-on time with the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince.” This latest edition of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph features a striking blue dial and is the third edition to support the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation and its mission of battling illiteracy.

Last year, IWC introduced two other ‘Le Petit Prince’ editions: a Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” and the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVII Edition “Le Petit Prince.” Both featured a similar blue dial, which seems to be IWC’s trademark in its special editions for charities; it also used one on the Portuguese Chronograph Classic Laureus Edition that was introduced a while back. The new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince” is also a “boutique edition,” meaning it’s only available in IWC boutiques.

IWC Pilot Watch Chronograph le petit prince - on wrist
Yet another watch with a striking blue dial (above and below). Blue really is the new black.
IWC Pilot Watch Chronograph Petit Prince - live

 

Whether it’s an argument to acquire one or not, these charity editions usually keep their value much better then the standard models on the second-hand market. A unique version in platinum of the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar “Le Petit Prince” was auctioned in support of the Antoine de Saint-Exupery Foundation, for 173,000 Swiss francs!

(By the way, I don’t know if you’ve ever read the book Le Petit Prince (translated as The Little Prince), but if you haven’t, please do yourself a favor and read it. It was not only a great story, but also great food for thought. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s book has become a classic and is read all over the world, in many languages. Incidentally, Saint-Exupéry was not only a writer, but also a pilot and adventurer. Since 2006, IWC has been in partnership with Saint-Exupéry’s heirs and their charitable organization, the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation.)

This watch is similar, technically speaking, to the standard IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph that also features IWC Caliber 79320 — a modified Valjoux 7750 — and comes in a 43-mm, round, stainless-steel case. What’s different is the “midnight blue” dial, with large applied hour markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The Arabic numerals and the hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for superb legibility in the dark.

 

IWC Pilot Watch Chronograph le petit prince - front/back

 

The other difference, of course, is an engraving of Exupéry’s Little Prince character on the caseback (above, right). Check your local IWC boutique for availability or visit the IWC website here.

This article was originally published on June 9, 2014, and has been updated.

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No Responses to “Up Close with the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph “Le Petit Prince””

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  1. Bert Kanne

    Unique and tasteful with exceptional details and color in the watch face.

    Reply
  2. Robin Henry

    It’s a lovely piece of design and the blue tops it off. I like the rotating calendar date that shows the day previous and the day after the current date. Not that one needs it, but it looks good.

    The whole dial design is excellent with good clarity and use of the space available. It’s highly visible and no doubt the luminova would increase night time legibility.

    Another great IWC product.

    Reply
  3. ioancio alex

    hello IWC I want one pilot watch with the little prince on it
    it is a dream for me
    cheers

    Reply
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