Skip to main content

IWC dedicates its new Big Pilot Watch to beloved children’s classic Le Petit Prince

This isn't the first IWC, Le Petit Prince collaboration

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince
IWC Schaffhausen

Luxury meets literature in a dazzling fusion as IWC unveils its latest masterpiece — the Big Pilot Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince. In a world where timepieces transcend their utilitarian purpose, IWC has once again raised the bar by crafting a horological ode to the timeless charm of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Little Prince.

A closer look at the Big Pilot Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince

This limited-edition marvel boasts a 43 mm case housing a mesmerizing tourbillon — a horological ballet on your wrist. The design, a nod to the Little Prince’s interstellar adventures, is both sophisticated and whimsical. The blue dial, reminiscent of the night sky, is adorned with stars, paying homage to the celestial journeys of the beloved character. It’s not just a watch; it’s a narrative woven into every intricate detail.

In a celestial dance between time and literature, IWC Schaffhausen unveils the poetic masterpiece, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince. Embracing the tradition of Pilot’s Watches paying tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale, this limited edition of 300 timepieces is a symphony of craftsmanship and storytelling.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince
IWC Schaffhausen

The elegance of Armor Gold

This 43 mm marvel boasts an 18-carat Armor Gold case, a testament to IWC’s commitment to pushing boundaries. This unique alloy, harder and more wear resistant than conventional gold, elevates the timepiece into the realms of horological artistry. The deep blue dial, adorned with a sunray finish, is a canvas that captures the essence of the Little Prince’s interstellar odyssey.

At the heart of this horological marvel beats the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre, a powerhouse of precision. The flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock is not just a complication; it’s a visual symphony. The balletic rotation of the balance wheel within its cage not only captivates the eye but also enhances accuracy by defying the pull of gravity.

Rotor resonance with The Little Prince

The rotor, a work of art in itself, takes the form of The Little Prince standing on his asteroid. Crafted from solid 18-carat gold, it symbolizes the fusion of horology and literature. Through the transparent sapphire glass case back, watch enthusiasts can admire this charming detail — a nod to Saint-Exupéry’s enchanting novel.

In crafting the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince, IWC watches transcend the boundaries of timekeeping, offering a wearable work of art that echoes the magic of literature. As the Little Prince journeyed through seven planets, this timepiece invites wearers to embark on their own celestial adventures every time they glance at their wrists.

In the realm of men’s watches, IWC has consistently been a vanguard. The Big Pilot Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is no exception. Tailored for those who appreciate not just timekeeping but the artistry of it, this timepiece encapsulates the essence of watches for men with discerning taste. It’s a statement, an accessory, and an heirloom all in one — a true embodiment of masculinity. The lineage of IWC pilot watches is legendary, and the Big Pilot Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince adds another illustrious chapter. The aviation-inspired design, coupled with the technical prowess of a tourbillon, makes it a quintessential pilot’s companion.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince back
IWC Schaffhausen

The enigmatic fusion of luxury and literature

The Little Prince, a tale cherished across generations, finds a new canvas in the form of a wristwatch. IWC’s decision to dedicate this masterpiece to the iconic character is not just a marketing move — it’s a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and the enduring magic of literature. In a world often fixated on the present, this watch invites you to pause, reflect, and dream a little, just like the Little Prince himself.

Learn More

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Veldman
Freelance Writer
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
This new Cartier watch tells time backwards
Turn back time with the new Santos
Cartier Rewind on wrist

Wristwatches may be distinctly masculine pieces of hardware now, thanks to some very popular people in pop culture and in our own history adopting them. British super spy James Bond, movie stars, and athletes are the people we look up to who wear watches that catch our eye. Soldiers, cops, firefighters, and first responders wear watches they trust to ensure they can save lives. Pilots and divers created an entire industry around watches specifically designed for their vocations. And the very first pilot's watch was none other than a Cartier watch.

Alberto Santos-Dumont was a pioneer in the flight world and was one of the first people on Earth to achieve air travel. He was a competitor of the Wright Brothers, and, depending on the source, he preceded them in flight. In any case, the French celebrity went to Louis Cartier, another pioneer of his craft, and procured a square timekeeper meant for the wrist. The Cartier Santos Dumont was born. Over a century later, Cartier attended Watches and Wonders and presented the newest in the line of Santos watches, one that reverses time.
The Rewind tells time backwards

Read more
New dial colors, slimmer design for IWC’s Portugieser watches
The IWC Portugieser Collection nods to its 1930s roots while bringing new details to the line
The IWC Hand-WOund Night and Day watch.

If you've been orbiting through the same collections of watches looking for that perfect addition to fill that something missing in your arsenal, stop your search. Swiss brand International Watch Company, known more appropriately to wearers and collectors as IWC Schaffhausen, has a heavenly lineup at this year's Watches and Wonders you've been waiting an eternity for. If unmatched caliber and exceptional craftsmanship — along with a touch of planetary elements — are a few things you look for in a luxury watch, the Portugieser Collection from IWC is the right fit for your wrist.
The IWC Portugieser collection

The collection throws it back to the Portugieser of the 1930s, where the design got its first inspiration from those gorgeous navigational watches on the deck of a ship. Keep that nautical theme in your head because each piece in the collection has celestial details as the star.

Read more
The Piaget Polo Date 150th Anniversary Edition revamps a classic watch
See what 150 years of craftmanship look like with the Piaget Polo Date limited watches
The Piaget Polo Date duo.

What does a luxury watch company do for its 150th anniversary? The only answer is to release a limited line of watches. And Swiss company Piaget did just that. The Piaget Polo Date collection comes with one for the fellas and one for the ladies, but both pieces exude a quiet luxury on their own. Playing up the nostalgia note but giving collectors a fresh take, Piaget took their 1979 hit the Piaget Polo, gave it a shine, and made it the star for the company's 150th anniversary, debuting the Piaget Polo Date. 
His and hers, Piaget edition

The 150th-anniversary release consists of two watches — one for him and one for her. The Piaget Polo Date watches don't reinvent the vintage version from the 1970s, but the new ones bring a level of sophistication to the model.
The one for him
The updated version for him is 42 mm in size, has a round face, and has a brown rubber strap. The details on the face and the hands are rose gold. There are not many changes from the original, but sometimes, little tweaks go a long way.
The one for her
The watch for her is a bit more detailed. For this one, Piaget took the 36 mm option and gave it a beige rubber strap, allowing it to match the brown watch. But this move with the strap was huge, as it replaced the old metal bracelet and leather strap previously offered. This made it the first time the 36 mm came with a rubber strap and the first time the two watches had the same strap style.

Read more