IWC unveils Limited Edition Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince IW329502

IWC presented the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince IW329502, a new blue dial edition in the “Le Petit Prince” collection. Price €85,400

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Le Petit Prince” watch editions, IWC is adding a new special edition Big Pilot’s Watch to the collection.

“The Little Prince” novella 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, all characterised by their deep blue dials.

 

Limited to 300 pieces, the new Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince ref. IW329502 features a case and crown made of 18-carat Armor Gold. This innovative alloy takes the hardness of gold to unprecedented levels, fortifying its resilience against external elements. Distinguished by an enhanced microstructure, this unique alloy significantly surpasses the hardness and wear resistance of traditional 5N gold. The watch's lines are highlighted by a combination of sand-blasted surfaces and polished edges.

Fitted with a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure, the watch is water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet.

The warm tones of the 43 mm x 14.5 mm case makes the deep blue of the sunray-finished dial stand out. Its gold-plated hands and appliques are filled with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility in low light conditions.

The flying minute tourbillon takes the spotlight at 6 o’clock. Its 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. With the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be halted entirely, allowing precise adjustments down to the second when setting the watch. This cutting-edge tourbillon comprises 56 components, weighing a mere 0.663 grams. The pallet lever and escape wheel benefit from Diamond Shell technology, a specialized coating that minimizes friction and enhances energy flow within the movement.

The 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre offers a power reserve of 80 hours built by a Pellaton winding system reinforced with ceramic components. 

Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the rotor is designed in the form of an asteroid, featuring the little prince standing on it.

This special edition watch is paired with a brown calfskin strap with an 18-carat Armor Gold folding clasp. The lug width measures 21 mm.

The retail price of the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince, ref. IW329502, is Euro 85,400 (including VAT) / US$ 72,200 (excluding locals sales taxes). iwc.com