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Min. ReadIWC Schaffhausen is continuing its poetic journey with the latest Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince, now appearing in a rare platinum case. This limited-edition piece is enriching the Le Petit Prince collection, which has been evolving since the maison’s creative partnership with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s heirs began in 2006.
The model is taking its design cues from the 2023 version but is now adopting platinum as its luxurious casing material. Measuring 43mm in diameter and 14.58mm thick, the watch is maintaining the iconic presence of the Big Pilot line while offering more wearable proportions compared to its 46mm predecessors. The platinum is showing off a refined combination of brushed and polished surfaces, further enhancing its rich, silvery glow.
This new edition is continuing to pay tribute to aviation history by incorporating the signature oversized conical crown, a feature originally designed for gloved pilots. The deep blue dial is radiating elegance while maintaining pilot-grade legibility. Rhodium-plated Arabic numerals and propeller-style hands are standing out with Super-LumiNova, ensuring visibility in low light. The triangle and dots at 12 o’clock, another classic pilot’s watch element, are preserving functional design heritage.
At 6 o’clock, a large aperture is showcasing a flying one-minute tourbillon. Crafted from 56 individual components and weighing just 0.635 grams, the tourbillon is not only providing visual fascination but also allowing the wearer to stop the movement for precise time-setting. This complication is being powered by the IWC-manufactured caliber 82905, which is visible through the sapphire case back. Featuring a Pellaton winding system and operating at 4Hz, the movement is delivering a remarkable 80-hour power reserve.
The case back is also celebrating the spirit of Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale, depicting the Little Prince standing on asteroid B 612, surrounded by baobab trees—a charming homage that continues to connect storytelling with fine watchmaking.
Only 150 pieces of this special edition are being produced, making it a highly collectible piece for connoisseurs of both horology and literature. The timepiece is being presented on a brown calfskin strap, secured by a platinum folding clasp that adds another layer of sophistication.
With this platinum edition, IWC is continuing to blend technical mastery with poetic inspiration, reaffirming the Big Pilot’s Watch Tourbillon Le Petit Prince as a symbol of craftsmanship, imagination, and enduring elegance.
