iwc schaffhausen mark xviii le petit prince | mark xviii edition

The IWC Schaffhausen Mark XVIII Le Petit Prince is more than just a watch; it's a story on your wrist. It represents a significant chapter in IWC’s illustrious history of pilot's watches, interwoven with the poignant narrative of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved novella, "The Little Prince." This timepiece, first unveiled at SIHH 2016, is a continuation of IWC's ongoing partnership with the Saint-Exupéry estate, creating watches that celebrate both the spirit of aviation and the philosophical depth of the literary classic.

This in-depth article will delve into the intricacies of the Mark XVIII Le Petit Prince, examining its design, functionality, and the unique elements that make it a standout piece within the IWC Pilot's Watch collection. We'll explore its historical context, technical specifications, and provide a comprehensive analysis of its appeal to watch enthusiasts and fans of "The Little Prince" alike. We'll also draw upon hands-on impressions and original photos from SIHH 2016 to offer a truly immersive experience.

A Legacy of Aviation and Literary Inspiration

The IWC Pilot's Watch lineage is deeply rooted in the early days of aviation. Since the 1930s, IWC has been producing robust and reliable timepieces specifically designed for pilots, adhering to the stringent requirements of cockpit instrumentation. These watches prioritized legibility, accuracy, and durability, becoming essential tools for navigating the skies. The Mark series, a direct descendant of the legendary Mark XI, represents the pinnacle of this heritage.

The partnership between IWC and the Saint-Exupéry estate began in 2006 and has resulted in a series of special edition watches, each paying tribute to different aspects of the author's life and works. These collaborations are not simply cosmetic exercises; they are thoughtful interpretations of the themes and values present in "The Little Prince," translated into the language of horology. The Mark XVIII Le Petit Prince stands as a prime example of this successful synergy.

The Mark XVIII: A Refinement of the Modern Pilot's Watch

The Mark XVIII represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the Mark XVII. While retaining the core DNA of the Mark series, the XVIII introduced subtle yet impactful changes that enhanced its overall aesthetics and wearability. Key improvements included:

* A More Balanced Dial: The Mark XVIII reverted to a more traditional dial layout, eliminating the triple date display that had been a point of contention for some enthusiasts on the Mark XVII. This return to simplicity resulted in a cleaner and more harmonious design, reminiscent of classic pilot's watches.

* Improved Legibility: The hands and hour markers were redesigned to enhance legibility, crucial for a pilot's watch. The use of luminous material ensured excellent visibility in low-light conditions.

* Enhanced Proportions: The case size was slightly reduced, making the Mark XVIII more comfortable on a wider range of wrists.

* A Focus on Heritage: The Mark XVIII embraced a more vintage-inspired aesthetic, reflecting the timeless appeal of IWC's historical pilot's watches.

The Le Petit Prince Edition: A Touch of Literary Magic

The Mark XVIII Le Petit Prince takes the already compelling Mark XVIII platform and infuses it with the charm and philosophical depth of "The Little Prince." The most distinctive feature of this edition is its stunning midnight blue dial. This rich, deep blue is not just a color choice; it's a deliberate reference to the night sky, the backdrop for the Little Prince's interstellar travels.

The dial's sunburst finish adds another layer of visual interest, catching the light and creating a dynamic interplay of shadows and highlights. The crisp white Arabic numerals and indices provide excellent contrast against the blue background, ensuring optimal legibility. The signature "Le Petit Prince" inscription, usually found on the case back, subtly reminds the wearer of the watch's literary inspiration.

A Closer Look at the Design and Features

* Case: The Mark XVIII Le Petit Prince features a stainless steel case, typically measuring around 40mm in diameter. This size strikes a balance between presence on the wrist and comfortable wearability. The case is finished with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, adding to its overall refinement. The soft-iron inner case provides protection against magnetic fields, a crucial feature for pilot's watches.

* Dial: As previously mentioned, the midnight blue dial is the defining characteristic of the Le Petit Prince edition. The sunburst finish and crisp white markings create a visually appealing and highly legible display. The hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions.

* Hands: The hands are typically rhodium-plated and feature a classic pilot's watch design. The sword-shaped hour and minute hands are easy to distinguish, while the seconds hand provides a clear indication of the watch's running status.

* Movement: The Mark XVIII Le Petit Prince is powered by the IWC Caliber 35111, a reliable and robust automatic movement based on the Sellita SW300-1. This movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and features a central seconds hand and a date display (though the Le Petit Prince edition typically forgoes the date for a cleaner dial).