INTRODUCING: The IWC Big Pilot Le Petit Prince in Red Gold

Felix Scholz

The story in a second:

IWC’s latest watch might be a Little prince. Big impact.

Since 2006 IWC have been honouring the pioneering spirit of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the aristocratic French aviator who is best known for his book The Little Prince. The association with Saint-Exupéry is a great one for IWC. In addition to being a well-known literary figure, Saint-Exupéry had a long career (both civilian and military) as a pilot – he really was a unique individual and it’s easy to see why he is a key figure for IWC.

This isn’t the first Le Petit Prince Big Pilot we’ve seen. Last year IWC released a steel version with a blue dial. This version keeps the midnight blue sunray dial, but pairs it with a red gold case. This watch will be a serious stunner in the metal. The 46mm Big Pilot is always a statement piece, but in red gold? With that lustrous dial? Hawt.

There’s more to this limited edition (of 250 pieces by the way) than just a new case material and a special dial. There’s the obligatory special caseback, but the nicest feature is that the numerals are a cut or two above those found on the regular production reference 5009 Big Pilot. Rather than a printed dial, the Le Petit Prince Big Pilot has applied, gold plated indices in a fatter, slightly more vintage typeface. Additionally, the hands are slightly more tapered, reminiscent of the cathedral style hands sometimes found on vintage flyers, oh and the rivet style studs on the strap (a throwback to the WWII originals where the strap was attached fixed bars) have been removed. All told this latest edition of the Big Pilot is a very attractive package, which luxes up the traditionally utilitarian Big Pilot significantly.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Le Petit Prince in Red Gold (ref. IW500909) Australian pricing and availability

The Big Pilot Le Petit Prince has an Australian retail of $44,400. For availability enquire at IWC.