IWC Pilot Watch Chronograph Edition «Le Petit Prince»

When IWC opened its new boutique in Amsterdam last month, we had the chance to get some hands-on time with the new IWC Pilot Watch Chronograph Edition ‘Le Petit Prince’. This latest edition of the Pilot Watch Chronograph features a striking blue dial and is the third edition to support the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation, in its commitment against 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 for the charity editions; just like the Portuguese Chronograph Classic Laureus Edition that was introduced some week ago. The new Pilot Chronograph Edition ‘Le Petit Prince’ is a boutique edition, meaning it’s only available in the IWC boutiques. 

Whether it’s an argument to acquire one or not, these charity editions usually keep their value much better then the normal editions, 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!

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

This version is similar, technically speaking, to the normal IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph that also features calibre 79320 – a modified Valjoux 7750 – and comes in a 43mm round stainless steel case. 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.

The other difference is an engraving of the Petit Prince on the case-back. Check your local IWC boutique for availability or visit the IWC website here.