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 Pilot Chronograph ref. IW377714 that we have here. Boasting the Pilot Chronograph’s iconic 43mm 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. IW377714 is a stunning combination of pure watchmaking excellence and Antoine’s incredible legacy as a legendary aviator.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and scuffs, along with a couple of small nicks to the bezel. The case back retains well-defined engravings and the central Le Petit Prince illustration. There are a couple of scratches visible on the pushers. The dial and hands remain near mint. It is fitted with a leather strap and an IWC steel pin buckle showing light marks. Comes with box, travel roll, service warranty card and booklets.

Combining IWC's unmistakable aesthetic with their rugged construction, impressive craftsmanship, and Le Petit Prince inspiration, the IW377714 is a must-have for IWC aficionados.