www.blajournal.com

IWC Unveils New 'Le Petit Prince' Anniversary Watch Collection

April 13

Commemorating two decades of its enchanting 'Le Petit Prince' series, IWC Schaffhausen proudly introduces a new collection of five Pilot's Watches at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026. This special release honors the enduring legacy of French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and his beloved novella, offering a blend of IWC's renowned watchmaking prowess and the whimsical narrative of the Little Prince.

The collection draws inspiration from Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece, a tale translated into over 650 languages and selling approximately 140 million copies globally. IWC's connection to aviation dates back to its founding in 1868, with its first Pilot's Watch, the Mark IX, appearing in 1936. This rich history in creating professional-grade pilot's timepieces now beautifully converges with the imaginative world of the Little Prince, characterized by its cosmic deep blue dials. The anniversary lineup spans various sizes, from 36mm to 43mm, featuring both classic three-hand models and sophisticated chronographs.

Among the offerings are three elegant three-hand pilot's watches: two 40mm Mark XX models, available in 18-carat 5N gold or stainless steel, both featuring deep blue sunray dials and gold-plated hands, along with a 36mm Pilot’s Watch Automatic. The 5N gold Mark XX boasts a matching gold crown and solid gold appliques, while the stainless-steel version offers a subtler aesthetic with printed indices. Powering these pieces are IWC-manufactured calibres, specifically the 32112 and its no-date counterpart, the 32102, both providing an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Each watch features a unique caseback illustration of the Little Prince, either visible through a tinted sapphire crystal or engraved on stainless steel. Additionally, two chronographs, measuring 41mm and 43mm, are part of this anniversary series, each equipped with the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, a mechanical column-wheel chronograph with a 46-hour power reserve. These chronographs also sport the distinctive deep blue sunray dial and gold-plated hands, complemented by custom blue rubber straps with IWC’s EasX-CHANGE quick-change system.

The IWC 'Le Petit Prince' Anniversary Editions are a magnificent tribute to a literary classic, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and thematic depth. The elegant contrast of gold-plated hands against the deep blue backdrop of the dials is particularly striking, enhancing the collection's appeal. While pricing details are yet to be announced, these timepieces are poised to captivate enthusiasts with their unique blend of technical excellence and poetic storytelling, reminding us of the profound connections that shape our lives and the universe around us.

latest news

Jaeger-LeCoultre Unveils New Master Control Chronometre Date Power Reserve: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
April 13

Jaeger-LeCoultre Unveils New Master Control Chronometre Date Power Reserve: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces the Master Control Chronometre Date Power Reserve, a new addition to its esteemed Master Control collection. This timepiece features an integrated bracelet, a refined in-house movement (caliber 738) with date and power reserve complications, and the brand's revitalized High Precision Guarantee (HPG) seal, emphasizing enhanced accuracy and performance. Designed for enthusiasts, it balances classic aesthetics with modern watchmaking advancements.

Cartier Roadster Collection Reborn: A Return to Automotive-Inspired Elegance
April 13

Cartier Roadster Collection Reborn: A Return to Automotive-Inspired Elegance

After a fourteen-year absence, Cartier revitalizes its automotive-inspired Roadster collection for 2026. This relaunch introduces refined designs in gold, two-tone, and steel, available in medium and large sizes. The new models preserve the original's essence while incorporating modern enhancements, including a redesigned bracelet with a QuickSwitch system and updated automatic movements.

Rolex Unveils Day-Date 40 in New 'Jubilee Gold' Alloy
April 13

Rolex Unveils Day-Date 40 in New 'Jubilee Gold' Alloy

Rolex introduces a new Day-Date 40 model featuring 'Jubilee Gold,' an innovative 18-karat gold alloy developed in-house. This timepiece combines the brand's signature elegance with a subtly refined metal, celebrating the Oyster case's 100th anniversary. It maintains Rolex's commitment to precision and functionality while offering a fresh aesthetic.

IWC Unveils Revolutionary Bi-Directional Perpetual Calendar ProSet
April 13

IWC Unveils Revolutionary Bi-Directional Perpetual Calendar ProSet

IWC Schaffhausen introduces the innovative ProSet perpetual calendar, building on Kurt Klaus's legacy. This new module offers unprecedented bi-directional adjustment via the crown, eliminating the need for traditional correctors and complex reset procedures. Featuring a fully synchronized, gear-based design and a centralized program wheel, the ProSet significantly enhances user-friendliness and precision in perpetual calendar watches, marking a major advancement in horological technology.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126502 in Rolesium: A Masterpiece of Enamel and Platinum
April 13

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126502 in Rolesium: A Masterpiece of Enamel and Platinum

Rolex has unveiled a new iteration of its iconic Daytona, the reference 126502, featuring a unique Rolesium construction with a 'Grand Feu' enamel dial and a grey Cerachrom bezel. This innovative timepiece combines stainless steel with platinum accents, an open caseback, and a patented new bezel technology. It draws inspiration from historical 'Albino' and 'Porcelain' Daytonas while pushing boundaries in material science and traditional enameling techniques. Despite its high price point, this model is a significant advancement for Rolex, showcasing its commitment to subtle yet profound innovation in watchmaking.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater in a New 37mm Size
April 13

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater in a New 37mm Size

Bulgari introduces a 37mm version of its Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater at Watches and Wonders 2026. This new model, reference 104250, features a sandblasted titanium case for enhanced acoustics and ergonomics. Powered by the ultra-thin manual-winding caliber BVL 362, it offers a minute repeater function and a 72-hour power reserve. Limited to 20 pieces and priced at $192,000, it showcases Bulgari's commitment to pushing horological boundaries.