IWC Celebrates 20 Years of Its Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Tribute Collection

For the past twenty years, IWC Schaffhausen has partnered with the heirs of the French author by creating special editions of its iconic Pilot's Watches. To mark this anniversary at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, the Swiss manufacture has unveiled five new references, including a particularly remarkable creation: the first Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 The Little Prince featuring a white ceramic case.

A Tribute to Both the Aviator and the Writer

IWC's choice is no coincidence. Before becoming the author of The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a passionate pilot. Aviation shaped much of his work, from Night Flight to Wind, Sand and Stars, and of course The Little Prince, in which the young prince travels from planet to planet discovering friendship, love, and the meaning of life. This dual identity as both aviator and writer finds a natural connection with IWC's Pilot's Watches collection, inspired by the cockpit instruments of historic aircraft.

A First Edition in White Ceramic

The standout novelty this year is undoubtedly the Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 The Little Prince (Ref. IW389410), the first model in the collection to feature a white zirconium oxide ceramic case.

Measuring 41 mm in diameter, this cutting-edge material brings a fresh personality to the collection. Lighter than steel, highly scratch-resistant, and exceptionally comfortable on the wrist, it beautifully highlights the signature sunburst blue dial that has become synonymous with The Little Prince editions. Its gradient finish evokes the vastness of the sky and space explored by Saint-Exupéry's beloved character.

Large white numerals, rhodium-plated hands coated with Super-LumiNova®, and a white rubber strap equipped with the EasX-CHANGE® quick-change system further reinforce the watch's contemporary character.

On the titanium case back, an engraved illustration of the Little Prince offers a discreet reminder of the poetic universe this timepiece celebrates.

A Movement True to IWC's Spirit

Beneath its refined exterior beats the in-house Calibre 69381. This automatic column-wheel chronograph measures elapsed times of up to twelve hours and offers intuitive readability thanks to IWC's signature vertical subdial layout. Its bidirectional winding system provides a 46-hour power reserve, combining robustness, precision, and reliability.

A Five-Piece Anniversary Collection

Unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, the collection comprises five new The Little Prince editions. Alongside the white ceramic chronograph, IWC introduces new Pilot's Watch Mark XX models, two stainless steel chronographs, and a Pilot's Watch Automatic 36.Each embraces the collection's distinctive design language, featuring sunburst blue dials, meticulous finishing, and an engraved depiction of the Little Prince on the case back.

Together, these watches continue the aesthetic codes that have defined the collection's success: sky-inspired blue dials, elegant hands coated with Super-LumiNova®, and the iconic Little Prince motif engraved or displayed on the reverse of the case.

A Story That Stands the Test of Time

Some watches simply tell the time. Others tell a story. For the past twenty years, IWC's The Little Prince editions have celebrated far more than a literary character. They pay tribute to a man who was at once a pilot, explorer, and writer, whose values of curiosity, courage, and humanity continue to resonate today. On this June 29, the anniversary of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's birth, this new white ceramic edition feels especially fitting—a creation where fine watchmaking meets poetry, reminding us that the greatest journeys are measured not only in miles, but also in emotions.

Discover the Little Prince collection