December 1, 2023, Schaffhausen: Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen follows the tradition of the pilot watch series and releases the new Large Pilot Tourbillon Watch 43 “Little Prince” special edition to pay tribute to Anthony. A tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous literary work “The Little Prince”. This watch is limited to 300 pieces and has a diameter of 43 mm. It uses an 18K Armor Gold® hard gold case with a dark blue dial decorated with a delicate sunburst pattern. The flying minute tourbillon at six o’clock is particularly eye-catching. The watch is equipped with IWC’s self-made 82905 movement, equipped with a Pellaton winding system and has an 80-hour power reserve. Through the see-through case back, you can admire the asteroid-shaped oscillating weight and the Little Prince’s automatic winding system standing on it. The oscillating weight is designed into the creative shape of “The Little Prince Guards the Planet”, and the exquisite details are visible through the sapphire glass case back. Nothing left.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the birth of the “Le Petit Prince” pilot watch, IWC has launched a new large pilot tourbillon watch 43 “Le Petit Prince” special edition (model: IW329502). It is limited to 300 pieces. The case and crown are made of 18K Armor Gold. ® Hard gold material. By improving the microstructure of this alloy, it is harder and more wear-resistant than traditional 5N gold. The dark blue dial shows sunray decoration, which is in sharp contrast with the 43 mm case. The gold-plated hands and hour markers are covered with Super-LumiNova® fluorescent material, which is still clearly visible in a dark environment. Brown calfskin strap with 18K Armor Gold® hard gold folding clasp, which is more refined.
The oscillating weight takes on the shape of a little prince as a tribute to the classic
The Big Pilot 43 “Le Petit Prince” Tourbillon Limited Edition watch is equipped with IWC’s self-made 82905 movement. This high-end automatic movement uses the Pellaton winding system reinforced with ceramic components. With the help of the two-way operation of the oscillating weight, the mainspring Can provide 80 hours of reliable power reserve. The oscillating weight is made of 18K solid gold and looks like a “little prince” standing on an asteroid. This beautiful detail and homage to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s fascinating writings can be admired through the see-through case back.
Using a tourbillon to counteract the effects of gravity
The most eye-catching thing on the dial is the tourbillon located at 6 o’clock. Tourbillon means “vortex” in French, and the balance wheel rotates around its axis in a small cage. The continuous rotation not only provides a visual spectacle on the dial, but also reduces the impact of gravity on the watch’s oscillation system, thereby improving accuracy. With the help of the stopping device, the operation of the tourbillon can be completely stopped and the watch can be set accurately to the second. The advanced tourbillon consists of 56 parts and weighs only 0.663 grams. The pallet fork and escapement wheel are treated with Diamond Shell® technology. This special coating can reduce friction and improve the flow of energy in the movement.
Big Pilot’s Watch Tourbillon 43 “Le Petit Prince” Limited Edition
Model: IW329502
Technical features: Mechanical movement – Pellaton automatic winding system – Flying minute tourbillon display at 6 o’clock – Transparent sapphire glass back – The glass is firmly assembled and can withstand sudden drops in air pressure – Global limited edition of 300 pieces
Movement: Caliber 82905
Vibration frequency: 28,800 times/hour (4 Hz)
Gems: 25
Power reserve: 80 hours
Winding: automatic winding
Watch material: 18K Armor Gold® hard gold case and crown, dark blue dial, brown calfskin strap, with 18K Armor Gold® hard gold folding clasp
Mirror: Double-sided anti-reflective convex transparent sapphire glass
Water resistance: 10 bar
Diameter: 43mm
Case thickness: 14.58mm