Since 2005, IWC has been in collaboration with the family of French aviator and author, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This partnership has already seen a variety of special editions launched within the Pilot’s Watches collection. While some pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of the great humanist himself, others are dedicated to his most famous literary work "The Little Prince" (Le Petit Prince). These timepieces, characterised by their distinctive midnight blue dials, have been a highly regarded addition to the Pilot’s Watch collections since 2013. And at the upcoming SIHH, the manufacturer will now be adding some exclusive models to this line.

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One such model is the Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition "Le Petit Prince" (ref. IW590303). It is the first pilot's watch from IWC to feature a constant- force tourbillon. It is available with a hard gold case and is limited to 10 watches.

This is the first time IWC has produced a watch with hard gold, a special new version of red gold. The microstructure of the alloy is modified in a sophisticated manufacturing process. Hard gold is therefore significantly harder and around 5 to 10 times more wear-resistant than conventional red gold. As a result, the material is perfectly suited to the large case and the crown of a Big Pilot’s Watch.

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The patented constant-force tourbillon is the IWC engineers' answer to a centuries-old challenge in the field of watchmaking: As the tension in the spring of a mechanical wristwatch slackens over time, less force is transferred to the escapement via the dial train, which in turn decreases the amplitude of the balance. This has a negative impact on the precision of the watch. The patented constant-force mechanism separates the escapement from the direct flow of force from the dial train and with every second re-tensions a balance spring, which serves as a temporary store of energy and transfers absolutely even force pulses to the escape wheel. Integrated into a tourbillon, which also eliminates the influence of gravity on the oscillating system, the result is extraordinary precision.

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The IWC-manufactured calibre 94895 combines a constant-force tourbillon with a perpetual moon phase display, which takes 577.5 years to require adjustment by one day. The "Petit Prince" stands on the moon. Two barrels store enough power for 96 hours. A display notifies the wearer of the remaining power reserve.

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IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition "Le Petit Prince"

Technical specifications:

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Ref. IW590303

Features: Mechanical movement – Power reserve display – Tourbillon with integrated constant-force mechanism – Perpetual moon phase display – See-through sapphire glass back – Screw-in crown – Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure – Limited to 10 watches

Movement:

·      IWC manufacture caliber: 94805

·      Frequency: 18,800 vph / 2.5 Hz

·      Jewels: 41

·      Power reserve: 4 days (96 h)

·      Winding: Hand-wound

Watch:

·      Materials: 18 carat hard gold case, blue dial, gold-plated hands, brown calf leather strap

·      Crystal: Sapphire, arched edge, anti-reflective coating on both sides

·      Water-resistance: 6 Bar

·      Diameter: 46.2 mm

·      Height: 13.5 mm

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The price for the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition "Le Petit Prince" will be around $235,000.

For more information visit IWC Online.