THE JOURNAL
Swiss timing and Italian style meet in the perfect pilot’s watch.
A horology expert with nearly 150 years’ experience in crafting durable and exquisite timepieces, IWC Schaffhausen has been making watches since before aeroplanes were invented. But ever since the first IWC Pilot’s watch left its Schaffhausen factory in 1936 (IWC also created timepieces for the Royal Air Force in the 1950s), aeronautical designs have held a special place in the brand’s history.
Today, IWC boasts an extensive range of 36 Pilot’s watches, but at this moment in time we at MR PORTER are shining our navigation lights on this particularly smart one – a special-edition chronograph style from IWC’s series of “Le Petit Prince” watches. Inspired by the daring spirit of French aristocrat, pilot and author, Mr Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the watch features an engraving of the titular character from Mr Saint-Exupery’s 1943 novella “Le Petit Prince” on the back of the case, and an inky blue face inspired by the night sky.
While these whimsical reference points are charming, they accompany a marvel of technical precision. The timepiece, incorporating a 79230 calibre chronograph movement, is finished with three sub dials inspired by cockpit controls, while its steel and soft iron casing protects against external magnetic fields to ensure accuracy. Handy for frequent flyers, the watch permits the wearer to select a new time zone with just a turn of the bezel, after which the hour hand, 24-hour display, and the date, all change accordingly.
But that’s not all. In fact, adding to this classic watch’s already considerable aesthetic charms, this particular edition, exclusively available on MR PORTER, has been produced in partnership with storied Italian shoemaker Santoni, incorporating a new navy leather strap and matching leather belt of the finest quality. In short, it’s an appealing package of Swiss expertise and Italian craftsmanship, and so, in our humble opinion, deserves a place on your wrist whether, like Mr Saint-Exupery, you find yourself frequently hurtling skyward or not.