IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince

IWC Schaffhausen introduces a remarkable timepiece, the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince, bearing the reference IW504901. This watch continues the esteemed lineage of Pilot’s Watches from the Swiss manufacture that pay homage to Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s globally cherished novel, "The Little Prince." It stands as a testament to intricate mechanical engineering and thoughtful design, encapsulating a narrative that has touched hearts for generations. Limited to a mere 100 pieces, this creation is a noteworthy addition for enthusiasts of complex horology.



The story of IWC Schaffhausen begins in 1868, established by an American engineer and watchmaker, Florentine Ariosto Jones. His vision was to merge Swiss craftsmanship with modern American manufacturing techniques to produce high-quality pocket watch movements for the U.S. market. Situated in Schaffhausen, in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, IWC utilized the hydropower of the Rhine River, a unique approach at the time. Over its more than 150-year history, IWC has cultivated a reputation for producing robust and precise professional instrument watches, particularly renowned for its Pilot’s Watches and its expertise in complications like chronographs and perpetual calendars, all designed with an emphasis on functionality and user-friendliness.



The "Le Petit Prince" special editions by IWC are a recurring and beloved theme within their Pilot’s Watch collection. These timepieces are distinguished by their characteristic Deep Blue dials, reminiscent of the night sky so often traversed by the author and aviator Saint Exupéry, and often feature charming design cues directly referencing the Little Prince and his universe. The collaboration extends beyond mere aesthetics, as IWC has partnered with the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation since 2006, supporting charitable initiatives that reflect the author's humanist values. This particular model, the IW504901, marks a significant first, being the premier Le Petit Prince edition to be presented in a ceramic case.



Visually, the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince makes an immediate impression with its commanding presence and cohesive color scheme. The substantial 46.5-millimeter case is fashioned from a striking blue ceramic, a material IWC has pioneered. This deep, rich blue extends to the dial and the textured rubber strap, creating a monochromatic yet dynamic look. The matte finish of the ceramic case absorbs light in a way that emphasizes its modern, high-tech nature while the precise contours speak to its sophisticated manufacturing.



Accentuating the deep blue are elements crafted from 18-carat 5N gold. The iconic conical crown, a hallmark of Big Pilot’s Watches designed for easy operation even with gloved hands, is rendered in this warm-toned precious metal, as is the case back ring. This juxtaposition of advanced ceramic with classic gold provides a delightful contrast, enhancing the watch's luxurious feel. On the dial, the gold-plated hands and applied numerals further this theme, their metallic sheen standing out against the blue backdrop. To ensure readability in all conditions, these hands and appliques are generously filled with Super-LumiNova, emitting a clear glow in low light.



At the core of this exceptional timepiece beats the IWC-manufactured 51950 calibre, an automatic winding movement that is a powerhouse of precision and complexity. Comprising an impressive 447 individual parts, this movement is a clear demonstration of IWC's in-house engineering prowess. It is equipped with the efficient Pellaton automatic winding system, originally developed by Albert Pellaton, IWC’s former Technical Director, in the 1950s. This system cleverly uses pawls to harness the rotor's bidirectional movements to wind the mainspring, ensuring a consistent supply of energy. The movement provides a substantial power reserve of 168 hours, equivalent to a full seven days.



One of the two major horological highlights integrated into the calibre 51950 is the perpetual calendar. This remarkable complication was ingeniously developed by IWC’s legendary head watchmaker, Kurt Klaus, in the early 1980s. His design, which debuted in 1985, is celebrated for its relative simplicity (comprising only about 80 parts for the calendar module) and its user-friendliness, as all displays are synchronized and can be adjusted via the single crown.



The perpetual calendar on the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince elegantly displays a wealth of information. Three subdials convey the date, day, month, and moon phase, alongside a four-digit year display. The subdial at 3 o’clock combines the date display with an indicator for the impressive seven-day power reserve. At the 6 o’clock position, the month is shown, integrated with a truly special moon phase display: instead of the traditional lunar disc, it features the Little Prince himself, standing on his small asteroid. This charming detail is a direct nod to the watch's namesake. The subdial at 9 o’clock clearly indicates the day of the week.



The mechanical program of Kurt Klaus's calendar automatically accounts for the varying lengths of the months and correctly incorporates the leap day at the end of February every four years. The moon phase display is engineered for extraordinary accuracy; thanks to a reduction gear train with two intermediate wheels, it will only deviate from the moon's actual phase by a single day after an astonishing 577.5 years. The calendar will require a minor manual adjustment in centurial years that skip the leap year, such as 2100, 2200, and 2300, a testament to its long-term mechanical memory.



The second headline complication is the flying minute tourbillon, prominently positioned at the 12 o’clock position on the dial. The tourbillon, originally conceived to counteract the negative effects of gravity on the accuracy of a watch's escapement, particularly in pocket watches, has evolved into a captivating display of horological artistry. In this IWC creation, the flying tourbillon means the cage is supported only from below, offering an unobstructed view of its mesmerizing rotation.



This intricate mechanism consists of 82 individual components yet weighs a mere 0.635 grams. The balance, pallet lever, and escape wheel are all housed within this delicate cage, which completes a full rotation on its own axis once every minute. This constant motion aims to average out positional errors caused by gravity, thereby contributing to the watch's overall precision. Beyond its technical function, the tourbillon serves as a visual spectacle, a ballet of micro-mechanics that showcases the pinnacle of watchmaking skill. The IW504901 also features a hacking tourbillon mechanism, allowing the tourbillon cage to be stopped when the crown is pulled out, enabling the time to be set with down-to-the-second accuracy.



The case of this Big Pilot’s model is a significant feature in its own right. The choice of blue ceramic is not merely for its color; ceramic is a high-tech material prized for its exceptional hardness, scratch resistance, and lightness compared to metal. The 46.5 mm diameter gives the watch a substantial wrist presence, characteristic of the Big Pilot’s line, while the height is 16.1 mm. The aforementioned 18-carat 5N gold for the screw-in crown and case back ring adds touches of warmth and traditional luxury. The watch boasts a water resistance of 10.0 bar, equivalent to 100 meters, making it robust enough for daily wear and unexpected encounters with water.



Delving deeper into the dial, its captivating blue surface provides the perfect stage for the intricate displays. The layout is balanced, with the tourbillon at 12 o’clock acting as a focal point. The perpetual calendar subdials are intuitively placed, offering a clear reading of all their indications. The gold-plated hands and applied numerals are crisply defined, their forms inspired by traditional pilot watch aesthetics for maximum clarity. Protecting this intricate face is a convex sapphire glass, treated with an antireflective coating on both sides to minimize glare and enhance legibility from any angle. Importantly for a pilot’s watch, the glass is secured against displacement that could be caused by a sudden drop in air pressure, a feature that underscores IWC's commitment to functional reliability in its aviation timepieces.



Complementing the deep blue of the case and dial is a blue textured rubber strap. This choice of material offers durability and comfort, conforming well to the wrist. The texture adds a subtle visual interest and a tactile quality to the strap, which is 22.0 mm wide at the lugs, ensuring a secure and proportionate fit for the large case. This modern strap material aligns with the contemporary use of ceramic for the case, while its color maintains the watch's harmonious aesthetic.



Turning the watch over reveals another visual delight through the see-through sapphire glass case back. Here, the IWC-manufactured 51950 calibre is on display, but the most captivating element is the rotor of the Pellaton automatic winding system. Crafted from solid 18-carat gold, the oscillating mass is uniquely designed in the shape of the Little Prince standing proudly on his asteroid, B612. As depicted in Saint Exupéry’s novel, the asteroid is shown covered with the distinctive, wild-growing baobab plants, a whimsical and beautifully executed detail that further strengthens the narrative connection of the timepiece. The movement itself showcases fine finishing techniques such as Côtes de Genève and Perlage, patterns that adorn the bridges and plates.



The technical specifications paint a picture of a highly capable and refined instrument. The automatic winding IWC-manufactured 51950 calibre operates at a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour (2.75 Hz). It contains 54 jewels, which serve to reduce friction at critical points within the movement, enhancing longevity and efficiency. The movement’s decoration, including Côtes de Genève and Perlage, is a traditional hallmark of fine Swiss watchmaking, visible through the exhibition case back, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship within.



The creation of a tourbillon, especially a flying tourbillon, represents an immense challenge in watchmaking. The assembly and regulation of its numerous tiny, lightweight parts require exceptional skill and patience. At IWC, only the most experienced master watchmakers are entrusted with this task. These artisans are typically responsible for the entire process from the initial assembly of the tourbillon cage to its final regulation, ensuring that each mechanism meets the manufacture’s exacting standards of performance and aesthetic perfection.



IWC's legacy in Pilot’s Watches is long and distinguished, dating back to the 1930s when the company began producing timepieces specifically designed for aviators. These watches were characterized by their large, legible dials, robust movements, and features like antimagnetic escapements and resistance to temperature fluctuations. The Big Pilot’s Watch, with its oversized crown and instrument-inspired design, became an icon, and this modern iteration, despite its high complications, retains that fundamental utilitarian spirit, albeit elevated to a level of horological artistry.



The enduring collaboration between IWC Schaffhausen and the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation (FASEJ) is a partnership built on shared values. The Foundation, established in 2009 by the author’s family and admirers, works to improve the lives of young people globally through educational and cultural projects, combating illiteracy and supporting those with disabilities. It embodies the pioneering spirit, commitment, and responsibility that characterized Saint Exupéry himself. The "Le Petit Prince" watches serve as a tribute to his literary legacy and support these philanthropic endeavors.



IWC has long been a pioneer in the application of advanced materials in watchmaking, particularly titanium and ceramics. The blue ceramic used in this Big Pilot’s watch is a testament to their ongoing innovation in this field. Beyond material science, IWC is also committed to sustainable practices, focusing on responsible sourcing of materials and minimizing its environmental impact. This dedication to crafting timepieces built to endure for generations is coupled with a continuous effort to improve every aspect of their manufacturing, distribution, and servicing in the most responsible manner possible.



While the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is a highlight, IWC also presented another model in this series, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince. This version features a platinum case and a flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock, driven by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre. Though distinct, it shares the same commitment to fine watchmaking and the charming Little Prince theme, including a similarly designed rotor. These concurrent releases underscore IWC's dedication to this special collection.



The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW504901) is a highly exclusive offering, strictly limited to just 100 pieces worldwide. This scarcity, combined with its complex mechanics and unique design, positions it as a significant piece for those who appreciate the confluence of high horology and narrative artistry. It speaks to an individual who understands the technical achievements of a perpetual calendar and a tourbillon, and who also connects with the poignant story of "The Little Prince."



The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is priced at EUR 118,000 or CHF 100,000. Given its limited production run of only 100 pieces, prospective buyers would typically need to inquire with authorized IWC boutiques or select retail partners for availability. Such a timepiece represents a significant acquisition, reflecting its intricate complications, advanced materials, and the enduring appeal of its literary inspiration.



Case: Blue Ceramic, Diameter 46.5 mm, Height 16.1 mm. Screwed-in crown in 18-carat 5N gold. See-through sapphire glass back with case back ring in 18-carat 5N gold. Water resistance 10.0 bar.

Movement: IWC-manufactured calibre 51950, automatic winding with Pellaton system. Power Reserve 168 hours. Frequency 19,800 VPH (2.75 Hz). 447 components, 54 jewels. Features perpetual calendar (date, day, month, four-digit year, leap year, perpetual moon phase) and flying minute tourbillon with hacking mechanism. Decorations: Côtes de Genève, Perlage.

Dial: Blue. Gold-plated hands and gold appliques with Super-LumiNova®. Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides, secured against displacement by drop in air pressure. Perpetual calendar subdials; moon phase depicts the Little Prince on his asteroid.

Strap: Blue textured rubber strap. Strap width 22.0 mm.

Price: EUR 118,000 or CHF 100,000.

Reference Number: IW504901.

Notes: Limited edition of 100 pieces. Combines two high complications: a perpetual calendar and a flying minute tourbillon. The solid gold rotor is shaped like the Little Prince standing on his asteroid B612. The perpetual moon phase display will only deviate by one day after 577.5 years.