IWC Unveils Two High-Complication Pilot’s Watches Honoring “The Little Prince”
IWC Schaffhausen continues its longstanding tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved literary classic, The Little Prince, with the release of two new limited-edition Big Pilot’s Watches, both distinguished by sophisticated horological complications and refined aesthetics. The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince and the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince are elevated interpretations of IWC’s aviation heritage, united by their charming literary inspiration and mechanical complexity.
Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW504901): A Blue Ceramic Milestone
For the first time, IWC introduces its Le Petit Prince design language in a blue ceramic case— a 46.5mm monolithic structure crafted from a strikingly deep-toned ceramic, which is water-resistant to 100 meters. This model is limited to just 100 pieces and merges two high-end complications: a perpetual calendar and a flying minute tourbillon that sits in lieu of the pilot's triangle at 12 o'clock. There is also a power reserve display which is integrated into the sub dial for the date at 3 o'clock.
At the heart of the watch lies the self-winding IWC-manufactured 51950 caliber, a 447-component movement with a remarkable 7-day power reserve. The flying minute tourbillon, which comes to life at 12 o’clock, consists of 82 delicately assembled components and weighs just 0.635 grams. The filigree mechanism counters the effects of gravity on the escapement, enhancing precision.
The perpetual calendar, a complication perfected by IWC legend Kurt Klaus in the 1980s, is fully synchronized and programmed to account for leap years and varying month lengths until the year 2100. It includes displays for the weekday, date, month, the ultra-precise moon phase which will only deviate by one day after 577.5 years, and the current year, the latter with four digits displayed at 8 o’clock. A celestial touch replaces the moon disc with a depiction of the Little Prince on asteroid B612—a charming detail honoring this beloved character.
Gold-plated hands and appliques filled with Super-LumiNova ensure optimal legibility against the blue sunbrushed dial, while the crown and case back ring are fashioned from warm-toned pink gold. Through the sapphire crystal case back, another depiction of the little royal character can be admired–the rotor of the automatic winding system takes the shape of the Little Prince standing on his asteroid. Just like in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous novel, asteroid B612 is covered with wild-growing baobab plants.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW504901) is paired with a blue rubber strap.
Pricing is available by request.
To learn more, visit IWC, here.
Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW329501): Tourbillon in Platinum
In a more compact yet equally compelling execution, IWC presents the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince. Limited to 150 pieces, this 43mm model is crafted in platinum— valued for its density, resilience, and enduring brilliance. The platinum case is also paired with a deep blue sunray-finished dial that exudes a truly authentic pilot's watch aesthetic, thanks to the large Arabic numerals and the historic pilot’s triangle at 12 o’clock.
This model is powered by the self-winding IWC-manufactured 82905 caliber featuring the brand’s signature Pellaton winding system that uses both directions to wind the mainspring. Enhanced with virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic components, the movement delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The visual and technical centerpiece is the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock, a delicate mechanism comprising 56 parts. Thanks to its stop function, the wearer can bring it to a complete halt by pulling the crown and set the time with down-to-the-second accuracy, a rare feat in tourbillons.
Like its larger sibling, this edition also features a sapphire case back revealing the oscillating mass with the Little Prince motif.
The watch is fitted with a brown calfskin strap, bringing the pilot's watch aesthetic to the forefront.
Pricing is marked at $85,900
To learn more, visit IWC, here.
