With the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince, IWC Schaffhausen continues the tradition of Pilot’s Watches in honour of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world-famous novel “Le Petit Prince”. Just as writing and flying were inextricably linked for Saint-Exupéry, this special edition is a perfect symbiosis of poetry and technology. Limited to 300 pieces, this Big Pilot’s Watch impresses with a 43-millimetre case and crown made of 18-carat Armor Gold®. This alloy is significantly harder and more wear-resistant than conventional 5N gold due to its improved microstructure. Contrasting with the case is the deep blue dial with a radiant sunray finish. The gold-plated hands and appliques, filled with Super-LumiNova®, emit an enigmatic glow in the dark. The star on the dial is the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. An ingenious horological invention, the tourbillon – French for “whirlwind” – involves the balance wheel rotating around its axis in a cage. This constant rotation not only provides a visual spectacle on the dial but also reduces the influence of gravity on the oscillation system, thereby increasing accuracy. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete stop and the watch set with down-to-the-second accuracy. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre. It features a Pellaton winding system reinforced with ceramic components. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it reliably builds up a power reserve of 80 hours in the mainspring. A special highlight is the rotor made of solid 18-carat gold. It takes the shape of the Little Prince standing on his asteroid and can be admired through the transparent sapphire glass case back. The watch is fitted with a brown calfskin strap with an 18-carat Armor Gold® folding clasp.
