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IWC’s Antoine de Saint Exupéry Pilot’s Watch

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April 2012


Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was already a legend in his own lifetime. People are fascinated as much by his books, which have been translated into more than 50 languages, as by his adventurous life as a pilot. In 2012, the year of the Pilot’s Watches, IWC Schaffhausen dedicates to this passionate humanist a chronograph that unites the aspirations of those pioneering days of aviation with modern watch technology.

IWC's Antoine de Saint Exupéry Pilot's Watch

Famed for its 70-year tradition in the manufacture of Pilot’s Watches, IWC Schaffhausen is using the anniversary of Antoine de Saint- Exupéry’s memorable first flight as an occasion to dedicate its sixth special edition to his memory: the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition Antoine de Saint Exupéry in 18-carat red gold (Ref. 387805) in a limited edition of 500 watches.

For connoisseurs, the tobacco-coloured dial and calfskin strap with its cream-coloured quilted stitching immediately identify the chronograph as a typical “Saint Ex”. The elaborate surface finish featuring polished, silky-matte and structured elements enhances the overall quality of the watch’s appearance. This impression is underscored by the sun-pattern finish on the dial.

IWC's Antoine de Saint Exupéry Pilot's Watch

The sapphire glass has antireflective coating on both sides and is secured against drops in air pressure. Developed and manufactured exclusively by IWC, the 89361-calibre movement is a technical masterpiece. It displays long periods of times on a single subdial. A special engraving embellishes the back of the watch. It depicts the last aircraft Antoine de Saint-Exupéry ever flew, a Lightning P-38. It was on 31 July 1944 that “Saint-Ex” took off in a machine like this to carry out a reconnaissance mission over occupied France and never returned. In 2003, wreckage from his Lightning was salvaged from the Mediterranean Sea near Marseille.

The sixth tribute to the French aviator and poet Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in the form of a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph is a limited edition of 500 watches in 18-carat red gold.

www.iwc.com