In 1976, legendary Geneva artist and watch designer Gérald Genta created the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832. Revolutionary for its purity of form and the boldness of its presence, it announced the birth of an entirely new product category within the watch industry. Half a century on, the stainless steel luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet has lost none of its luster.

In 2023, IWC Schaffhausen brought back Gérald Genta’s visionary design with the Ingenieur Automatic 40. While honoring the original’s distinct aesthetic, the model was comprehensively re-engineered to meet the highest standards of ergonomics and finishing. The Swiss luxury watchmaker has since then continuously expanded the collection. A milestone came with the Ingenieur Automatic 35 – a more compact model in a 35-millimeter case size. Now, IWC Schaffhausen adds a new chapter with a surprising Pool-colored dial.

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324902) features a 35-millimeter case and integrated bracelet crafted in robust and durable stainless steel. Its centerpiece is the dial in a fresh new color called Pool. As it is characteristic of the Ingenieur, the dial carries the signature “Grid” pattern consisting of small lines and squares that lends it striking visual depth. Rhodium-plated hands and applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova® provide elegant contrast and ensure easy legibility in low light conditions. The distinctive bezel, another defining design code of the Ingenieur, is secured to the case ring by five functional screws. Finally, the bracelet, which attaches via the middle links, improves the ergonomics and offers a supple and comfortable fit on the wrist. The “Probus Scafusia” featured on the crown underlines IWC’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence.

“Our new Pool color is a fresh, radiant aquatic shade that feels made for summer – and it brings a surprising and vibrant new expression to the Ingenieur. The dial captures light in a beautiful way, and it perfectly complements the clean lines and the refined proportions of the Genta-inspired integrated bracelet design,” explains Christian Knoop, Creative Director at IWC Schaffhausen.

A FASCINATING PLAY OF LIGHT ACROSS EVERY SURFACE

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 leaves nothing to be desired in terms of finishing. The watch skillfully combines different surface treatments to achieve a beautiful interplay of light during the day and at night. Both the case and bezel feature satin-finished and polished surfaces, while the bracelet’s center links are polished against satin-finished H-links. A sapphire crystal case back reveals the Caliber 47110 within. The automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve is decorated with circular graining and Geneva stripes and also features a gold-plated oscillating mass.

THE 35-MILLIMETER COLLECTION NOW SPANS SIX MODELS

At Watches and Wonders in Geneva, IWC introduced the Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324911) with a diamond-set 18-karat 5N gold bezel, and the Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324907) with a deep blue dial. These three models complete a collection that originally comprised the Ingenieur Automatic 35 in stainless steel with a silver-plated dial (Ref. IW324901) and a black dial (Ref. IW324906), as well as one edition crafted entirely in 18-karat 5N gold and featuring a gold-colored dial (Ref. IW324903).

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IWC Schaffhausen boasts 90 years of experience in crafting tool watches that are purpose-designed to meet the requirements of aviation. In recent years, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has gained first experiences in space through participating in the Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn human spaceflight missions. However, every watch that has traveled to space to date has essentially been a modified terrestrial aviation watch. As commercial space exploration enters a new era, IWCSchaffhausen is now pushing the limits with the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive (Ref. IW328601). This milestone marks the first IWC watch that has been designed and engineered from the ground up for the unique and challenging demands of human spaceflight.

“When our engineering division XPL developed the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive, they did not simply adapt an existing watch design for use in space. They took a blank sheet of paper and worked to define from scratch what a tool watch for astronauts would have to offer in terms of functionality, ease of operation, time display and material execution. Every single detail of this watch has been single-mindedly optimized for the unique requirements of human spaceflight and timekeeping in space. It was crucial for us to put the final watch into the experienced hands of real space professionals. After undergoing rigorous testing by our partner, Vast, the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is the first IWC watch that has received certification for spaceflight,” explains Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

“The new space age is shaped by innovative and ambitious companies that push the boundaries of science and technology. These emerging players operate much like brands, deliberately harnessing the power of design to inspire people and spark enthusiasm for their bold visions. To reflect this, we have chosen a forward-looking, dynamic and beautifully minimalist design expression for the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive. With its rounded edges and black and white color scheme, it embodies our vision of a modern space watch and carries IWC’s tool watch legacy into the 21st century,” adds Christian Knoop, Creative Director at IWC Schaffhausen.

DESIGNED FOR OPERATION WITHOUT A CROWN
The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive features an innovative, patent-pending rotating bezel system that allows all watch functions to be controlled without the use of a crown. Inspired by the scenario of astronauts wearing a space suit during spacewalks (EVA, or Extravehicular Activity), the ultimate exploration moment, the watch is designed to be able to be operated while wearing gloves.

The movements of the bezel are transmitted to the winding stem through an efficient clutch system known as “Vertical Drive.” A rocker switch on the side of the case enables the wearer to change between various functions, including winding the movement or setting the two different time zones. The watch can be wound using the integrated oscillating mass or by rotating the bezel anti-clockwise. This hybrid winding system ensures efficient operation both on Earth and in microgravity or zero-gravity environments.

DISPLAYING THE MISSION’S REFERENCE TIME IN 24-HOUR FORMAT
The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive boasts a matte black dial that is reduced to the absolute essentials and avoids light reflections. With highly legible markings, it displays two different times. The mission’s reference time is indicated by the central hour and minute hand, and also in 24-hour format by a dedicated hand on the outer dial scale, which runs from 00:00 to 24:00.
The necessity for a 24-hour display comes from the fact that a spacecraft or a space station completes an orbital cycle around the Earth roughly every 90 minutes. This means astronauts experience as many as 16 sunrises and sunsets within a 24-hour period. To manage this rapid sequence of day and night, they adhere to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). These formats retain the familiar 24-hour rhythm of Earth time, enabling the crew to keep a consistent routine with work and sleep times while in space.

The central hour and minute hands are normally synchronized with this reference time. If required, however, the hour hand can be moved in one-hour increments to display a second time zone. An astronaut in space can use this function, for example, to show the home time in any location on Earth. After returning to Earth, the second time zone feature transforms the watch into the quintessential companion for frequent flyers: with a simple turn of the bezel, it can be set to display the time at the destination of travel.

The edges of the black triangular hour and minute hands are coated with green Super-LumiNova®, while the arrow-shaped tip of the 24-hour hand glows blue in the dark. The blue second hand points to the inner scale, which features a thin ring in the same shade of blue. The color is a nod to Earth’s oceans as seen by astronauts from space.

This dual-time display is made possible by the newly engineered IWC-manufactured 32722 caliber, an efficient automatic movement with a 120-hour power reserve that includes an integrated GMT module. There is also a date indication at 3 o’clock.

EXTREME ROBUSTNESS AND PERFORMANCE
When ascending to space on a rocket, the engines generate powerful vibrations and astronauts experience acceleration forces of up to 4g, which is equivalent to four times the force of gravity on Earth. In space, hardware is exposed to vacuum, radiation and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Temperatures can exceed 100 °C in direct sunlight and plummet to -150 °C in the shade.

To ensure high robustness and reliable operation during all phases of a mission, the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is crafted entirely from advanced performance materials. Its case is made of white zirconium oxide ceramic. With a Vickers hardness rating second only to diamond, ceramic ranks among the hardest substances on Earth. The rotating bezel and case back are crafted from Ceratanium®. Developed by IWC, Ceratanium® combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch resistance similar to that of ceramic. The combination of these two materials makes the watch not only highly robust and resilient but also immune to temperature fluctuations and corrosion. The case back features an engraving that symbolically evokes a space vehicle, reflecting humanity’s curiosity and spirit of exploration.

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is fitted with a white integrated FKM rubber strap. FKM (fluorinated rubber) offers excellent thermal insulation and is resistant to UV radiation, ensuring extreme durability.

TESTED AND CERTIFIED FOR SPACEFLIGHT BY VAST
The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive has undergone extensive type testing by IWC’s brand partner, Vast. Vast is building Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station. Haven-1 will inform Haven-2, a multi-module, continuously crewed station that is the proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS). Haven stations are state-of-the-art, human-centric innovation labs for both private astronauts and government missions. For Haven-1’s inaugural mission, four crew members will embark on a short duration journey which will include opportunities to conduct advanced science, research and in-space manufacturing. Haven-1 will not support EVAs however its missions will lay the groundwork for future capabilities.

“IWC’s dedication to engineering excellence, delivering uncompromising accuracy, reliability, and astronaut-focused design, aligns perfectly with Vast’s human centric approach to developing Haven-1. We’re thrilled to see this tool watch go from design and testing to launch,” added Max Haot, Vast CEO.

At their headquarters in Long Beach, California, engineers at Vast conducted thorough evaluations of the watch, assessing its resistance to vibrations and pressure changes, as well as the compatibility of its materials with the Haven-1 environment. The vibration tests, for example, exceeded the typical forces that astronauts experience during ascent. The watch was secured to a platform that generated rapid directional changes, exposing it to forces of up to 10g. After each test, the engineers verified that the watch remained intact and fully functional.

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive has successfully met all the testing criteria required for Haven-1 spaceflight environments and crew usage, earning an official certification for spaceflight from Vast.

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Since it was first published over 80 years ago, “The Little Prince” has remained immensely popular with both children and adults. The enchanting story follows a Little Prince as he embarks on a journey through space to faraway planets, gaining valuable insights along the way. In his most famous literary work, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry explores profound philosophical themes such as love, loss, and friendship. One of the book’s iconic quotes is, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” It serves as a potent reminder that true understanding and beauty come from emotions and feelings, rather than merely seeing. IWC Schaffhausen now introduces its first Le Petit Prince edition in the Portofino collection.

The Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW459806) features a compact 34-millimetre case crafted in durable stainless steel. The design of this elegant and timeless dress watch is complemented with a deep blue dial with gold-plated hands and appliques. These dials, which are treated with an elaborate sunray finish, are a signature feature of IWC’s special editions honoring Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale.

A highlight of this watch is the day-and-night indication at 6 o’clock, which visualises the continuous transition between day and night and completes one full rotation every 24 hours. At noon or at midnight, either the sun or the moon appears in the upper section of the small disc, indicating whether it is currently day or night. As a charming design detail, the Little Prince is depicted standing on the moon, gazing at the starry night sky. The stainless steel case back also features an engraving of the Little Prince.

This watch is powered by the Calibre 35180, which features an automatic winding system and has a power reserve of 50 hours. It is paired with a hand-coloured blue calfskin strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni, which is equipped with a quick-change system and a butterfly folding clasp.

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In 1986, IWC Schaffhausen introduced its first wristwatch with a case crafted from black zirconium oxide ceramic. Over the past four decades, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has continuously expanded its expertise with this highly engineered material. Ceramic offers compelling advantages such as its light weight, hardness and scratch-resistance. After introducing the first Ingenieur in black zirconium oxide ceramic last year, IWC complements the collection with a new model crafted entirely from dark olive green ceramic, underscoring its coloured ceramic expertise.

The Ingenieur Automatic 42 (Ref. IW338902) features a case ring, bezel, case back ring and crown protection made of dark olive green ceramic. Coloured ceramic is made by mixing zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides in a precisely defined mixing ratio. As the colour changes during the sintering process, it is highly complex to achieve a uniform shade across different components. The integrated ceramic bracelet is attached to the case ring via its middle links, making it sit ergonomically on the wrist. As ceramic is lighter than steel, the bracelet offers excellent wearing comfort. The “Grid”-patterned dial features the same green hue as the ceramic components. The new Ingenieur Automatic 42 is also distinguished by golden accents. Its crown is crafted from 18-carat 5N gold. The screws that secure the bezel to the case ring are made of 18-carat Armor Gold®, a material with significantly higher hardness values than conventional gold alloys. The hands and appliques are gold-plated and both filled with Super-LumiNova®.

A MULT I – PA R T C E R A M I C C A SE C ON S T R U C T I ON

The manufacturing of ceramic watch cases and components represents a true feat of engineering. One of many challenges is that the parts shrink by about one-third during the sintering process. This loss in size must be factored in already during the design phase. The new Ingenieur Automatic 42 is a true-to-proportion ceramic execution of the Gérald Genta-derived integrated bracelet design. IWC achieves this with a multi-part ceramic case construction, which eliminates the need for a movement container. A thin titanium ring secures the movement, holds the functional screws from both the front and the back, and ensures a high water resistance of 10 bar. The sapphire crystals and gaskets are pressed directly into the case and case back ring, respectively. This innovative approach yields a case construction that remains perfectly faithful to the original stainless steel design.

T H E C H A LLE N G E S O F F IN I SHING C E R A M I C

With a value of about 1300 on the Vickers scale, ceramic ranks among the hardest materials on Earth. After sintering, the material can only be processed further and machined using special diamond tools. With the Ingenieur Automatic 42, IWC once again underscores its expertise in ceramic finishing by combining satin finishing, sandblasting and polishing on the same watch. The case and bracelet components are satin-finished, and a delicate polishing is applied around their edges. Finally, a smooth sandblasting is added on top to achieve a refined look and just the right level of light reflection.

H I G H – EN D M OV EM EN T W I T H C E R A M I C C O M P O N E N T S

The Ingenieur Automatic 42 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82110 calibre, featuring a Pellaton winding system and a 60-hour power reserve. Initially conceived by IWC’s former Technical Director, Albert Pellaton, during the 1950s, this efficient winding system utilises rotations of the oscillating mass in both directions to wind the mainspring. Parts that are subject to high stress are manufactured from zirconium oxide ceramic, making them essentially immune to wear and tear. The automatic wheel and the clicks are crafted from black ceramic, while the central rotor bearing is made of white ceramic. The balance wheel oscillating at 4 Hertz ensures a high level of precision. Elaborately decorated and finished with Geneva stripes, the movement can be viewed through the transparent sapphire glass case back.

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The Ingenieur Automatic 35 is a highly ergonomic automatic model with a case diameter of 35 millimetres and a thickness of just 9.4 millimetres. Despite its compact size, it retains all the characteristic design elements from the Gérald Genta-inspired Ingenieur. Key features include the distinctive bezel with five functional screws, an integrated bracelet attaching via its middle links and a “Grid” dial with applied metal markers. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now adds two new models to the collection.

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324911) is the first model in the current Ingenieur collection to feature diamonds. Its screw-on bezel, made from 18-carat 5N gold, is embellished with 45 white diamonds weighing a total of
0.7 carats. The edges of the bezel are polished, creating an elegant frame for the diamonds. This luxury sports watch boasts a stainless steel case and an integrated bracelet, complemented by a silver-plated “Grid” dial. The hands and appliques are gold-plated, and both are filled with Super-LumiNova® for enhanced legibility.

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 (Ref. IW324907) introduces IWC’s signature blue dial colour to the 35-millimetre Ingenieur collection. IWC has been producing watches with blue dials since the late 1960s, with one of the earliest models being the Ingenieur Automatic, Reference 866AD.

Today, blue is among the most sought-after dial colours. This new model combines a stainless steel case and bracelet with a deep blue “Grid” dial. The rhodium-plated hands and appliqués are filled with Super-LumiNova®.

The Ingenieur Automatic 35 impresses with its highly detailed finishing, which combines satin-finishing and polishing on the case and the bezel. Its bracelet pairs satin-finished H-links with beautifully polished middle links.

SE E – T H R O U G H S A P P HIR E G L A S S C A S E B AC K

Both new models feature transparent sapphire glass backs that showcase the 47110 calibre, which offers automatic winding and a power reserve of 42 hours. Finished with circular graining and Geneva stripes, the movement also features a gold-plated oscillating weight.

The two novelties complement the existing Ingenieur Automatic 35 collection. Previously, it included the Ingenieur Automatic 35 in 18-carat 5N gold with a gold-coloured dial (Ref. IW324903), as well as the Ingenieur Automatic 35 in stainless steel with a silver-plated dial (Ref. IW324901) and a black dial (Ref. IW324906).

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With the new Ingenieur, IWC Schaffhausen revisits the bold and visionary design created by Gérald Genta in the 1970s, pairing it with enhanced ergonomics and a highly detailed finishing. Since the launch of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in 2023, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has continuously extended the collection with new sizes, materials and complications such as the emblematic crown-controlled perpetual calendar from Kurt Klaus. IWC now introduces an exclusive new model featuring the undisputed “queen of complications” in fine watchmaking, the tourbillon.

Limited to 100 pieces, the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 (Ref. IW345901) features a 41.6 millimetres case and an integrated bracelet crafted from 18-carat 5N gold. The characteristic bezel, crown protection and crown are also made of this precious metal. Securing the bezel to the case back ring, the five functional screws are made of 18-carat Armor Gold®, a material with significantly higher hardness values than conventional gold alloys. Featuring the characteristic “Grid” pattern, the structured dial is a hallmark feature of the Ingenieur and adds a stunning level of texture and depth. Its dark olive green hue beautifully contrasts the gold. The hands are gold-plated, and the appliques, which are individually set by hand, are made of solid gold. As it combines various techniques, the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 also boasts a high level of detail in its finishing. The case, bezel and bracelet links are satin-finished and

feature polished edges. Gold brings out the intricate lines and angles of the Ingenieur particularly well, underscoring the sculptural beauty of the Gérald Genta-inspired design.

S TAT E – O F – T H E – A R T T O U R B I LL O N AT 6 O ’ CL O CK

The tourbillon places the balance wheel and the escapement inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. This continuous rotation counteracts the effects of gravity on the oscillating system, contributing to a highly accurate rate. The flying minute tourbillon of the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 is placed at the 6 o’clock position and suspended from gold-coated bridges, providing a stunning visual spectacle. Consisting of 56 individual parts, the delicate mechanism weighs just 0.635 grams. Due to the high number and minuscule size of its components, the tourbillon ranks among the most complex complications for a watchmaker to assemble. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete halt, allowing the watch to be set with down-to-the-second accuracy. The pallet lever and the escape wheel are treated with Diamond Shell® technology, an innovative coating that reduces friction and enhances the flow of energy in the movement.

H I G H – EN D M OV EM EN T W I T H P E L L AT ON W IN D ING

The Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre. Its highly efficient Pellaton winding system utilises the rotor’s movements in both directions to reliably build up a power reserve of 80 hours in the mainspring. Components of the winding system that are subject to high stress are manufactured from virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. Among these are the automatic wheel and the clicks, which are crafted from black ceramic, while the rotor bearing is made of white ceramic. The movement also features a high level of detail in the finishing. As an example, the automatic bridge and the rotor are both gold-plated and decorated with Geneva stripes. The oscillating mass features an integrated “Probus Scafusia” medallion, crafted from solid gold and symbolising IWC’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

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In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s popular novel, “The Little Prince,” the young prince leaves his home asteroid, B-612, to explore the universe. During his journey, he visits various planets and meets their inhabitants, learning profound lessons about love, loss, and friendship. IWC Schaffhausen has been celebrating this timeless story with special-edition watches. Their signature feature is their deep blue dial with a sunray finish, reminiscent of the vastness of space. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer is now introducing its first “Le Petit Prince” edition made from white ceramic.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW389410) features a 41-millimetre case made from white zirconium oxide ceramic. This advanced material is lighter and harder than steel, scratch-proof, and has a smooth, velvety surface, making it an excellent choice for wristwatches. The white ceramic case beautifully contrasts with the deep blue dial, which has a sunburst finish and a distinctive colour gradient. The emblematic bold indices and numerals are printed in white. The hands in the subdials, as well as the hour and minute hands, are rhodium-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova®

to enhance legibility. The titanium case back is adorned with an engraving depicting the Little Prince. Additionally, the watch is equipped with the practical EasX-CHANGE® strap change system, allowing the white rubber strap to be changed at the touch of a button.

HI G H – P E R F OR M A NC E C H R ONO G R A P H MOV E M E N T IN S ID E

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69381 calibre. Engineered with a focus on performance, reliability, and precision, this mechanical chronograph in a classic column-wheel design allows the wearer to accurately measure stop times of up to 12 hours. The hours and minutes are displayed in two totalisers at the 9 o’clock and 12 o’clock positions. According to the IWC-typical vertical dial layout, the stopped minutes are placed directly at 12 o’clock, enhancing readability. The movement features a bidirectional pawl-winding system, which reliably builds a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring.

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Titanium is characterised by its low weight, high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Its matte grey colour also makes it an attractive material for use in wristwatches. Over more than four decades, IWC Schaffhausen has acquired comprehensive expertise in machining and finishing this metal. With the introduction of the Gérald Genta-inspired Ingenieur in 2023, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer also presented an automatic model with a case and bracelet crafted from grade 5 titanium. This year, IWC launches a new model that blends this signature case material with a complication equally emblematic of the brand: the crown-controlled perpetual calendar from Kurt Klaus.

The Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 (Ref. IW344904) combines the Gérald Genta-derived integrated bracelet design with an execution in titanium for the first time. It features a grade 5 titanium case measuring
41 millimetres in diameter and an integrated titanium bracelet. The bracelet is attached to the case via its middle links, offering excellent ergonomics. As titanium is about 45 percent lighter than steel, the watch feels very comfortable on the wrist. The characteristic round bezel, a hallmark feature of the Ingenieur, is secured to the case ring with five functional screws. This titanium

watch is further distinguished by its high-end finishing. The case, bezel, crown protection, and bracelet links are sandblasted, with their edges lightly polished, while the crown is sandblasted. A satin finish on the sides of the case and the bracelet accentuates the intricate lines and angles of the Gérald Genta-inspired Ingenieur design.

E L ABO R AT E LY F I N I S H E D D I AL C O MP L E ME N T S T HE T I TA N IU M L O O K

The matte grey dial blends harmoniously with the titanium case and bracelet. Having the same colour as the metal, it lends the watch a strikingly monolithic look, almost as if it had been carved out of a solid block of titanium. The dial features the characteristic “Grid” structure, consisting of small lines and squares, adding depth and texture to it. The subdials displaying the calendar information are treated with a circular satin finish and feature a refined azurage on their edges. In the subdial at 6 o’clock, the single moon disc boasts a detailed azurage background. Both the applied metal markers and the hands are filled with Super-LumiNova®, ensuring excellent legibility.

T H E P E R P E T U A L C A L E N DA R O F F E R S A HI G H D E G R E E OF AU T ONOM Y

Developed in the early 1980s by IWC’s former head watchmaker, Kurt Klaus, the perpetual calendar is mechanically programmed to account for many of the Gregorian calendar’s irregularities. It will automatically recognize the different lengths of the months and also insert a leap day every four years at the end of February. The date is displayed in the subdial at 3 o’clock, the month at 6 o’clock, while the day of the week is shown at the 9 o’clock position. The moon phase has been integrated into the subdial at 6 o’clock. Thanks to a special reduction gear train, it will only deviate from the moon’s actual orbit by one day after 577.5 years. The counter at 9 o’clock also features a small leap-year indicator that counts down the years to the next leap year.

A M E C HAN I C AL P OW E R H O U S E W I T H C E R A M I C C O M P O N E N T S

Inside the titanium case, the IWC-manufactured 82600 calibre is at work. This high-end automatic movement features a Pellaton winding system, which uses movements of the oscillating mass in both directions to wind the watch. The mainspring stores a power reserve of 60 hours. Components of the movement that are subject to high stress are crafted from zirconium oxide ceramic. Ceramic is, like titanium, a signature IWC material. It is hard and virtually wear-free, making it a suitable choice for the automatic wheel and the clicks. The balance wheel oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring accurate timekeeping. Visible through the sapphire glass case back, the movement is decorated with Geneva stripes, circular graining and blued screws.

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For 20 years, IWC Schaffhausen has been collaborating with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, honoring the French pilot and author’s humanist values and literary legacy with numerous special editions. The mesmerising blue-dial editions inspired by “The Little Prince” have been a defining element of the partnership. Celebrating Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most famous literary work, which has been translated into more than 600 languages and dialects, these editions have become a beloved signature within the IWC’s Pilot’s Watches collection. The timeless tale follows a young prince as he leaves his tiny asteroid and embarks on an epic journey through the cosmos to distant planets. Through his conversations with their inhabitants, he uncovers enduring truths about profound themes such as love, loss and friendship. To commemorate two decades of partnership, IWC introduces five anniversary edition Pilot’s Watches dedicated to the Little Prince, in a broad spectrum of case sizes ranging 36 to 43 millimetres.

The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW328301) features a 40-millimetre case, a crown and a case back ring made of 18-carat 5N gold. Its deep blue dial with a sunray finish beautifully contrasts the gold. The appliques are crafted from solid 18-carat 5N gold, while the hands are gold-plated and filled

with Super-LumiNova®. This distinctively elegant Pilot’s Watch is equipped with a blue rubber strap featuring an 18-carat 5N gold pin buckle and the EasX-CHANGE® system for quick and easy strap changes. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW328221) is housed in a 40-millimetre stainless steel case. It features a deep blue dial with a sunray finish, printed with white indices and numerals. The gold-plated hands are filled with Super-LumiNova® for enhanced legibility. This watch also comes with a blue rubber strap featuring the EasX-CHANGE® system. Both models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 32112 calibre, featuring an automatic winding system and a power reserve of 120 hours. The 18-carat 5N gold version boasts a tinted sapphire glass case back showcasing an illustration of the Little Prince. In contrast, the stainless steel version has a solid steel case back engraved with the same drawing.

T WO C H R ONO G R A P H S IN T R IB U T E T O T H E L I T T L E P R I N C E

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Le Petit Prince
(Ref. IW378011) and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph
41 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW388120) are both crafted from stainless steel. The former has a case diameter of 43 millimetres, while the latter measures 41 millimetres.

Both models are characterised by deep blue dials with a sunray finish, a hallmark of IWC’s special editions dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous novel. The dials feature indices and numerals printed in white. As a signature design element, the chronographs feature gold-plated hands filled with Super-LumiNova®. The tinted sapphire glass case backs showcase The Little Prince, surrounded by the characteristic “Le Petit Prince” lettering, a moon and two stars. The chronographs are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design storing a power reserve of 46 hours. The watches are fitted with durable blue rubber straps. The integrated EasX-CHANGE® system allows wearers to change the straps quickly and easily without tools.

The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW458802) features a 36-millimetre stainless steel case and a deep blue dial with a sunray finish. The indices and numerals are printed in white, while the gold-plated hands are filled with Super-LumiNova® for enhanced legibility. The stainless steel case back is adorned with a detailed engraving of the Little Prince. This automatic model is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32102 calibre, which boasts a power reserve of 120 hours. It is fitted with a blue calfskin strap secured with a stainless steel pin buckle.

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In 2024, IWC Schaffhausen introduced new design codes to its Portugieser collection, including a range of new signature colours. Called Horizon Blue, Dune, Obsidian and Silver Moon, these colours reflect the eternal cycle of day and night and the constant flow of time. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now presents a new model with three complications featuring an Obsidian-coloured dial.

Limited to 100 pieces, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph (Ref. IW394009) features a case, pushers and crown meticulously crafted from 18-carat Armor Gold®. Thanks to an improved microstructure, this material boasts significantly better hardness values than conventional gold alloys. The Obsidian-coloured dial is manufactured in a complex process comprising 60 individual steps. Fifteen layers of transparent lacquer give it an incredible optical depth and an almost three-dimensional effect. The dial is complemented by gold-plated hands and solid gold appliques. The watch is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni with an 18-carat Armor Gold® folding clasp.

A STATE-OF-THE-ART FLYING MINUTE TOURBILLON
The tourbillon is one of the most spectacular complications in fine watchmaking, both for the complexity of its design and its striking visual appeal. This intricate mechanism places the pallet lever and the escape wheel inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. The continuous rotation reduces the effects of gravity on the watch’s oscillating system and contributes to a more precise rate. Weighing only 0.675 grams in total, the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock consists of 56 individual parts. With the integrated tourbillon stop, it can be brought to a complete halt and the time set with down-to-the-second accuracy. The pallet lever and the escape wheel are made of silicone and coated using IWC’s proprietary Diamond Shell® technology. This special coating reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, contributing to the generous power reserve of 68 hours.

RETROGRADE DATE DISPLAY AND FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH
In addition to the flying minute tourbillon, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph also features a retrograde date display located at 9 o’clock on the dial. A small hand points to the current date on an arch-shaped scale ranging from the 1st to the 31st. After reaching the end of the month, the hand will jump back to the starting position. The third complication is the flyback chronograph, displaying the stopped hours and minutes combined in a totaliser at 12 o’clock. The flyback chronograph enables very rapid restarting of the chronograph function while it is running. When the chronograph button is pushed, the chronograph hands will immediately reset to zero and start a new timing.

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre, a highly sophisticated automatic movement comprising a total of 375 individual parts. Elaborately decorated with Geneva stripes and circular graining, the movement can be observed through the sapphire glass case back. The oscillating mass of the automatic winding system is crafted from solid gold.

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In 2018, IWC created the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” in collaboration with instructors based on Naval  Air Station Leemore   in California. Featuring a case made of black ceramic and the iconic TOPGUN patch on the dial, the rugged chronograph is available exclusively for graduates of the Navy Fighter Weapons School.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI”, limited to 1500 pieces, takes inspiration from the acclaimed “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor“ watch. It follows the tradition of IWC’s TOP GUN watches. It is made with extraordinarily robust materials to withstand the extreme strain that pilots experience in the cockpit of supersonic jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

The large 44-millimeter case is made of black zirconium oxide ceramic. With a Vickers rating second only to that of a diamond, ceramic ranks among the hardest substances on earth. It is extremely scratch-resistant and its stealthy black color is totally anti-reflective. The case back and chronograph pushers are made of Ceratanium®, a recent innovation from IWC’s materials engineers. This new material is as light and durable as titanium but at the same time as similarly hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic. Thanks to the combination of ceramic and Ceratanium®, the chronograph boasts an entirely matte black design. The tactical look is completed by a black dial and black hands coated with luminescence. The small second hand and the tail of the chronograph second hand, which takes the form of a jet, add a touch of red to the instrument-style dial.

Ticking away inside the sturdy case is the IWC- manufactured 69380 calibre. The robust chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design ensures precise timekeeping and the measurement of stopwatch times of up to 12 hours. Another function is a date and weekday display. The sporty timepiece is fitted with a green textile strap.

https://www.iwc.com/en/watch-collections/pilot-watches.html

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At the Watches &Wonders exhibition in Shanghai, IWC Schaffhausen presented the iconic Portugieser Chronograph on a stainless steel bracelet for the first time. Thanks to this new bracelet option, the elegant and sporty chronograph becomes even more versatile and apt for a whole new range of adventures.

The high-quality stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly folding clasp is also available as an accessory for all new models of the Portugieser Chronograph. With the Portugieser Chronograph, IWC established a sportier design expression in the Portugieser family more than 20 years ago.

Thanks to the clear and open dial with the two recessed totalisers at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, as well as the inner flange printed with a quarter seconds scale, the timelessly modern chronograph has turned into one of the most popular models from Schaffhausen.

Now, the Portugieser Chronograph becomes even more versatile; for the first time, IWC has launched a version of this iconic timepiece with a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is beautifully detailed and elaborately finished with polished and satin-finished surfaces. Thanks to the butterfly folding clasp, it sits ergonomically on the wrist and provides excellent wearing comfort.

“Stainless steel is robust and practical for everyday use, but also corrosion-resistant and unaffected by moisture, sweat and seawater splashes. With this new bracelet option, the Portugieser Chronograph becomes the timepiece of choice for even more activities and adventures, and an extremely versatile companion on the wrist,” explains Christoph Grainger Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

The new reference with a stainless steel bracelet (Ref. IW371617) features a stainless steel case, a silver plated dial, as well as blue hands and appliques. Ticking away inside is the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre. The robust and precise chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design is visible through the sapphire glass back. An efficient, bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours. The new stainless steel bracelet is available as an accessory for all new models of the Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW3716).

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