Commemorating two decades of its enchanting 'Le Petit Prince' series, IWC Schaffhausen proudly introduces a new collection of five Pilot's Watches at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026. This special release honors the enduring legacy of French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and his beloved novella, offering a blend of IWC's renowned watchmaking prowess and the whimsical narrative of the Little Prince.
The collection draws inspiration from Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece, a tale translated into over 650 languages and selling approximately 140 million copies globally. IWC's connection to aviation dates back to its founding in 1868, with its first Pilot's Watch, the Mark IX, appearing in 1936. This rich history in creating professional-grade pilot's timepieces now beautifully converges with the imaginative world of the Little Prince, characterized by its cosmic deep blue dials. The anniversary lineup spans various sizes, from 36mm to 43mm, featuring both classic three-hand models and sophisticated chronographs.
Among the offerings are three elegant three-hand pilot's watches: two 40mm Mark XX models, available in 18-carat 5N gold or stainless steel, both featuring deep blue sunray dials and gold-plated hands, along with a 36mm Pilot’s Watch Automatic. The 5N gold Mark XX boasts a matching gold crown and solid gold appliques, while the stainless-steel version offers a subtler aesthetic with printed indices. Powering these pieces are IWC-manufactured calibres, specifically the 32112 and its no-date counterpart, the 32102, both providing an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Each watch features a unique caseback illustration of the Little Prince, either visible through a tinted sapphire crystal or engraved on stainless steel. Additionally, two chronographs, measuring 41mm and 43mm, are part of this anniversary series, each equipped with the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, a mechanical column-wheel chronograph with a 46-hour power reserve. These chronographs also sport the distinctive deep blue sunray dial and gold-plated hands, complemented by custom blue rubber straps with IWC’s EasX-CHANGE quick-change system.
The IWC 'Le Petit Prince' Anniversary Editions are a magnificent tribute to a literary classic, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and thematic depth. The elegant contrast of gold-plated hands against the deep blue backdrop of the dials is particularly striking, enhancing the collection's appeal. While pricing details are yet to be announced, these timepieces are poised to captivate enthusiasts with their unique blend of technical excellence and poetic storytelling, reminding us of the profound connections that shape our lives and the universe around us.
