Regardless of the long-standing reputation of the Large Pilot’s Watch collection and IWC’s standing as some of the prolific pilot’s chronograph makers within the trade, the model has by no means introduced a chronograph complication to the road – till now. Slightly than merely introducing a chronograph complication to the acquainted flieger-style IWC design, the model ensures this first-ever Large Pilot’s Watch chronograph stands out by mixing the ornate aesthetics of the “Le Petit Prince” sub-series with a chronograph execution that harkens again to the early days of aviation. With a good-looking vintage-inspired look and a powerful in-house monopusher chronograph motion, the restricted version IWC Large Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Version “Le Petit Prince” introduces chronographs to the Large Pilot’s Watch line with a placing and memorable execution.
True to its identify, the stainless-steel case of the IWC Large Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Version “Le Petit Prince” measures in at an imposing 46.2mm-wide and 14.6mm-thick. This daring stance ought to convey the brand new mannequin intently in keeping with the basic 46mm Large Pilot’s Watch on the wrist, and IWC retains the broad strokes of its conventional pilot watch type intact on this design. The flat brushed case sides and powerful tapering lugs are easy and athletic in preliminary pictures, damaged up solely barely by a slim tapering polished chamfer. Likewise, the slim, sharply sloping bezel ought to be acquainted to followers of the model, maintaining the unique flieger spirit of the design alive and dedicating as a lot visible house to the dial as potential. It’s the crown, nonetheless, that can draw probably the most consideration right here. The outsized, deeply fluted conical type is carried over from earlier “Le Petit Prince” fashions, however IWC tops this design with a easily rounded signed pusher. Like many early chronograph wristwatch designs, this single pusher at 3 o’clock handles all chronograph features, whereas giving this watch a smooth early twentieth century-inspired look in pictures. IWC finishes the case with a broad sapphire show caseback. As with many IWC pilot’s watch designs, this mannequin’s lack of water resistance works towards its rugged instrument watch repute, managing a ranking of solely 60 meters.
Just like the case, IWC approaches the dial of the Large Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Version “Le Petit Prince” with an eye fixed in the direction of cleanliness and prewar vintage-inspired thrives. The bottom dial intently follows the sample of earlier “Le Petit Prince” fashions in pictures, from its deeply grained sunburst dial in navy blue, to its syringe-tipped rhodium plated flieger handset, to the boldly ornate serif design of its utilized Arabic numerals. For its new parts, IWC retains this sense of antiquity intact, particularly via the break up execution of the outer seconds monitor with its matching printed numerals. The 2-register structure with subdials at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock continues this visible type handsomely, whereas creating glorious visible weight distribution throughout the dial. IWC’s strategy to the subdials themselves deftly splits the distinction between present IWC chronograph designs and the extra embellished strategy of the “Le Petit Prince” assortment. The recessed place and azurage ending of those subdials helps to determine a way of depth and texture in pictures, whereas the scales of each subdials keep it up with a extra ornamental aesthetic. The one main disruptive drive right here in pictures is the three o’clock cutout date window, and with out its white date wheel breaking apart the dial floor the tip end result would probably really feel nearly completely symmetrical.
IWC powers the Large Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Version “Le Petit Prince” with its in-house 59365 handwound chronograph motion. The 59365 is IWC’s solely handwound chronograph motion, and the model showcases this achievement vibrantly via its use of ending. Côtes de Genève and polished chamfers adorn the broad cutout bridges and stability cock, whereas strategically positioned openings showcase a number of the design’s most dynamic options. A broad show cutout shines a highlight on the outsized column wheel actuation system, and one other showcases the gearing behind the eye-catching blued energy reserve indicator hand. Beneath all these featured parts is a motion plate in vivid perlage, which ought to give this motion a dynamic look in altering gentle. The 59365’s efficiency is equally spectacular, with an enormous 192 hour energy reserve at a 28,800 bph beat price. IWC continues the classic aviation look of the Large Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Version “Le Petit Prince” with its strap pairing, mounting the watch on a riveted leather-based pilot strap in deep mahogany brown.
With a refined, balanced look, high-quality ending, and a particularly succesful motion, the restricted version IWC Large Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Version “Le Petit Prince” is a suitably particular first chronograph providing for one of many model’s cornerstone product strains. Solely 500 examples of the IWC Large Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Version “Le Petit Prince” shall be made, and the watch is on the market now via licensed sellers at an MSRP of $16,100. For extra data, please go to the model’s web site.
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