Lot #2769
IWC Big Pilot Monopusher Chronograph IW515202 Le Petit Prince Limited Edition
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Introduction
Launched in 2006 in partnership with the estate of iconic French aviator, diplomat, writer and poet Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the IWC Le Petit Prince collection is a humble nod from IWC to the importance of story-telling in the world of watch-making and a testament to Antoine’s incredible life. A thriving commercial pilot flying airmail routes before joining the French Air Force during WWII, Antoine moved to the US following the French armistice with Germany in 1940 where he tried to convince politicians to join the war efforts. Following 28 months in America, he joined the Free French Air Force and is thought to have died in 1944 while on a recon mission. During his time in America, Antoine wrote books, the best known of which is “Le Petite Prince”, a poetic, philosophical and self-illustrated tale in which a pilot becomes stranded in the Sahara and meets a young prince who falls from an asteroid. Written as a children’s book Le Petite Prince seeks to understand the strangeness of the adult world and all that goes on within it. IWC entered a partnership with the Saint-Exupéry-d’Agay Estate in 2005 to find ways to ensure that Antoine’s ideas would remain alive. With themes of aviation, exploration and dreams being so vivid within IWC and Antoine’s work, it began an organic and long-term relationship that resulted in several incredible timepieces, one of which being the Big Pilot Monopusher Chronograph that we have here. Boasting the Big Pilot’s iconic 46mm stainless steel case and a stunning blue dial that has become a lynchpin of the Le Petit Prince collection with large luminous Arabic numerals, the ref. IW515202 is a stunning combination of pure watchmaking excellence and Antoine’s incredible legacy as a legendary aviator.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
IWC
Dimensions
46mm x 14.6mm
Model
Big Pilot Monopusher Chronograph Le Petit Prince
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 59365
Reference
IW515202
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2021
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box, papers and hang tags
Dial Color
Blue
THE DIAL
Featuring a sunburst blue dial with large applied luminous Arabic numerals, the IW515202 is unmistakable as a member of the Le Petit Prince collection.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Speaking to the Big Pilot's inspiration as a pilot's watch, the IW515202 features a large 46mm diameter case and a large onion-shaped winding crown so as to maximise its legibility and useability for pilots in dark cockpits.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near-mint overall condition. There is only minor wear evident, with a few small marks visible along the bezel.
Our Perspective
An emphatic blend of style, heritage and watchmaking craftsmanship, the Le Petite Prince offers everything IWC's fans have come to want from the aviation-focused watchmaker.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
