If you have a love of literature and fine watches, then we have the auction for you. Mark your calendars! On November 12, 2013, Sotheby’s Geneva is hosting an auction called Important Watches, and the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” in platinum is going to be included. 70 years after the first publication of “The Little Prince” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s bestselling novel, Sotheby’s and IWC will join forces to support the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation. All the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Foundation and contribute to the construction of a school with a library in Cambodia. This auction presents potential buyers with a unique opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind timepiece. This exceptional distinguishing feature is even indicated on the timepiece by the inscription “Unique Piece” engraved on the rotor. An 18-carat gold medallion set in the rotor bears an engraving of the Little Prince with the shock of blonde hair and fluttering scarf standing on his tiny planet – a depiction that is repeated in the moon phase display at 12 o’clock.
Continuing IWC’s longstanding tradition of producing pilot’s watches, this outstanding piece in platinum with a midnight blue dial will be sold together with a limited re-edition of the first printed copy of The Little Prince in English and a facsimile of the original manuscript in French. Published in New York in 1943, during Saint-Exupéry’s forced exile, The Little Prince has proved the most popular and enduring work by the French writer and aviation pioneer. Published in 270 different languages, it is today one of the most translated books in the French language and has sold over 150 million copies around the world.
Commenting on the forthcoming sale, Geoffroy Ader, Head of Watches, Sotheby’s Europe said: “Saint-Exupéry created books of seemingly great simplicity that disguised a lengthy process of composition. This quest for perfection is very similar to the work of the greatest watchmakers and is reflected in this unique IWC piece. We are thrilled to have been entrusted with this sale and thereby contribute to the projects of the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation”.
Georges Kern, IWC Schaffhausen’s CEO added: “Saint-Exupéry’s life and work are inseparably connected with the history and the romance of aviation. This is also the case with IWC Schaffhausen, as we have been manufacturing professional timepieces for pilots since the mid-1930s. Since then, we have launched several special editions of Pilot’s Watches in honour of the illustrious aviation pioneer, legendary writer and adventurer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. As a globally successful company with a keen sense of social responsibility, we work closely with the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation in the quest to help fight illiteracy. We are proud to be donating the proceeds from the auction of our unique Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition ‘Le Petit Prince’ and thus making a significant contribution to the construction of a school and a library in Cambodia.”
Olivier d’Agay, Director of the Saint-Exupéry-d’Agay Estate said: “We depend largely on the goodwill and invaluable contributions of companies like IWC Schaffhausen who share our concerns and values. In the words of the man who continues to be a source of inspiration to us all: they are helping us to enable the future.”
