IWC – BIG PILOT’s Watch Monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince”

 

IWC Schaffhausen – BIG PILOT’s Watch Monopusher Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince” 2021

IWC PRESENTS THE FIRST BIG PILOT’S WATCH WITH A CHRONOGRAPH FUNCTION

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Schaffhausen, 25th November 2021 - IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled the Big Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince”, the first Big Pilot’s Watch with a chronograph function. The mechanical stopwatch is controlled via a single push-button which is beautifully integrated into the distinctive conical crown. Limited to 500 pieces, this “Le Petit Prince” edition features the characteristic deep-blue sunburst dial and a stainless-steel case. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Chronographs are a core competence of IWC. The mechanical stopwatch is also a mainstay in the brand’s Pilot’s Watches collection. Now, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer pairs its most iconic aviator’s watch with a chronograph function for the first time.
Christian Knoop, Creative Director of IWC Schaffhausen.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

    “IWC has always been about tackling engineering challenges and finding technically elegant solutions. We have had the idea to present a Big Pilot’s Watch with a chronograph function for some time now. However, one can hardly imagine the unmistakable design with the large case and conical crown with two chronograph pushers on the side of the case. Therefore, we hit upon the surprising and at the same time logical idea to integrate a monopusher chronograph,”

Christian Knoop, Creative Director of IWC Schaffhausen.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The monopusher chronograph is controlled via a single push-button integrated into the crown, making it exceptionally user-friendly and practical. When the button is pushed once, a new timing starts. Pressing the button a second time stops the timing. Stop times of up to one hour are displayed on the totaliser at 12 o’clock. When the button is pushed a third time, the chronograph is reset to zero.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

In the tradition of IWC’s special editions in honour of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world-famous novel,the Big Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince” features the signature deep-blue sunburst dial. It is complemented with a stainless-steel case and rhodiumplated hands. In addition, the hands, indices, and applied numerals have been coated with luminous material to make the dial easier to read at night.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The IWC-manufactured 59365 calibre is one of three in-house chronograph movements from IWC. 

Alongside the movements from the 69000 and 89000 calibre families, it underscores the comprehensive expertise that IWC has acquired in the design and manufacturing of chronographs. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

In addition, it is also the brand’s only chronograph movement that is wound manually: 70 revolutions of the crown are enough to build up the maximum power reserve of eight days. A power-reserve indication on the back of the movement, which can be seen through the sapphire-glass case back, shows the energy remaining in the mainspring.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Fitted with a brown calfskin strap with a folding clasp, the Big Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince” is available through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online on IWC.com. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care programme and can benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

 ========================
TECHNICAL SPECIFICITIES

Collection : BIG PILOT’s Watch

 Model    BIG PILOT’s Watch Monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince”

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

 Ref  IW515202
 

FEATURES

• Chronograph function with minutes and seconds
  ⚠️Power reserve display on reverse side
  Date display
  Glass secured against displacement by drop in air pressure
  Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
  Small hacking seconds 
• Limited to 500 pieces

MOVEMENT
IWC manufacture calibre 59365
Frequency 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Automatic, self-winding  
Power-reserve 〽️indication on the back of the movement
281 Components
Côtes de Genève, perlage
Jewels 36
Power reserve 192 h
WATCH
Materials: Stainless steel case
Diameter: 46.0 mm
Height:  14.60 mm
Brushed with polished accents
Sapphire crystals front and caseback 
Screw-in crown
Glass: See-through sapphire glass back
Water-resistant: 6 bar (-60m)
DIAL
Deep-blue sunburst dial with luminescence
Applied stylized Arabic numerals and hands filled with luminescent material
STRAP
Brown calfskin strap
Strap width 22 mmStainless steel pin buckle

Edition
Limited edition of 500 timepieces 

 

PRICE  - CHF 16,900 Excl. Sales Tax

 

Register now to become a member of My IWC and benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Year: Available from 2021

 

 ------------------------------
Press releases - 2021
------------------------------
 IWC Schaffhausen
Uwe Liebminger
Department Manager Public Relations
Mobile  +41 (0)79 957 72 52
E-mail  uwe.liebminger@iwc.com
----------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - IWC Watches
-------------------------------------------------
www.iwc.com

LOUIS MOINET – Mechanical Wonders ASTRONEF Edition

 

LOUIS MOINET – Mechanical Wonders ASTRONEF Double Tourbillon Limited Edition 2021 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

A true marvel of contemporary mechanical watchmaking, ASTRONEF combines ancestral know-how with futuristic technology.

The complex dial of ASTRONEF is made from a plate measuring a total 0.6mm thick, from which 0.2 mm is then hollowed out to reveal the numerals and a rack, in order to create a depth effect facilitating readings. The ensuing deep black DLC treatment creates a striking contrast with the rhodium plating and endows it with a two-tone hue. Finally, a circular satin-brushed finish is applied to instill it with undeniable strength of character.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The case of ASTRONEF incorporates a sapphire container mounted on an 18K gold frame, open-worked lugs and case middle and a sapphire dome and its applied inner bezel ring.

THE ESSENCE OF DESIGN

"Produce an excellent and curious effect": this maxim upheld by Louis Moinet (1848) was our starting point for designing ASTRONEF. The idea is to push back known limits, just as Louis Moinet did in his time – notably by inventing the chronograph in 1816.  

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The ASTRONEF mechanism required more than three years of research. Given its totally innovative character, its development was even considered impossible at various stages of research and almost discontinued. The fact that ASTRONEF was finally able to see the light of day was due to the concerted efforts of the finest watchmakers and engineers.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

This mysterious horological mechanism is hidden in the base of the frame, which is only 3.75 mm thick. The advantage of this construction is that it clears the stage to enhance the magic of the show being staged. The spectacular design linked to the complexity of the mechanism is marked by its control tower – or central column – which transmits the orders to the tourbillons and hands.

Today, one can safely state that ASTRONEF is one of the most important superwatches.

A COMPLEX DIAL

 

The dial is made from a plate measuring a total 0.6 mm thick, from which 0.2 mm is then hollowed out to reveal the numerals and a rack, in order to create a depth effect facilitating readings.
 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The ensuing deep black DLC treatment creates a striking contrast with the rhodium plating and endows it with a two-tone hue. Finally, a circular satin-brushed finish is applied to instil it with undeniable strength of character.

SUPER-LIGHT

 

The curved crystal of ASTRONEF reveals the powerful mechanism and its power is accentuated by the lightness of its gold frame and sapphire container. This maximum transparency enables observers to admire a unique sight. The technical construction of the case is unusual: a sapphire container mounted on an 18K gold frame openworked lugs and case middle a sapphire dome and its applied inner bezel ring

TECHNOLOGY SERVING AESTHETICS

 

ASTRONEF showcases recently introduced technology involving two tourbillons rotating in opposite directions at high speed. They cross paths 18 times per hour (every 3 minutes and 20 seconds) and are built on two different levels.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

This gives life to a captivating animation, which unfolds before the wondering gaze. In all, six distinct elements are in motion: two satellite tourbillons rotating around the dial, as well as their two cages and their two counterweights.

 

ASTRONEF has been designed to instil a sense of movement, whatever the angle from which it is viewed. Fluid on the outside, original on the inside, it features an absolutely unique and distinctive aesthetic.

A MYSTERIOUS MECHANISM

 

The mechanism is hidden in the base of the frame, which is only 3.75 mm thick. The advantage of this construction is that it clears the stage to enhance the magic of the show being staged.
 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The spectacular design linked to the complexity of the mechanism is marked by its control tower – or central column – which transmits the orders to the tourbillons and hands.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Finally, the mechanical part is ennobled by a powerful and modern engine that endows it with a very high level of performance, making it even more efficient than a single tourbillon.

ASTRONEF is limited to only eight pieces.

--------------------------------
Technical Specifications  

Collection: Mechanical Wonders Unique Edition

Model:  ASTRONEF Edition

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

  Ref.  M-105.50.60

Movement
Calibre LM105
Manufacture Calibre with flying satellite double tourbillon
Manual winding
Double tourbillon for enhanced accuracy
For enhanced accuracy
Perfect rotation and poising of the rotating elements
Five ball-bearing mechanisms with seven ceramic bearings
One ball-bearing mechanism with nine ceramic bearings
Two barrels
Each supplies its energy to the tourbillon
Ultra-complex mechanism
471 components
Virtuoso assembly
A single movement crafted per month
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz)
Jewels: 56
Power reserve: 48 hours 
Dial
Openwork Dial
Display
Hours and minutes
Case
Material:
Ø 43.5mm - 18k Rose Gold frame
Sapphire container, diameter: 41.6mm
Water resistance: 10 metres
Caseback: Sapphire crystal and back, engraved with individual number and Louis Moinet markings
Crystals: Two anti-reflective sapphire crystals
Patent-pending crown guard
Width between lugs: 24mm
Strap
Alligator strap with folding clasp

SPECTACULAR TOURBILLONS
The tourbillon cages are geometrically shaped. The weight of a cage is only 0.25 grams, in order to guarantee the correct speed through fine poising. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Each cage rotates in 60 seconds and requires perfect poising, which also relies on an 18K gold counterweight weighing 0.4 grams. 

ORIGINAL TIME-SETTING
Placing the selector on the back of the case enabled a gain in volume and this device plays two distinct roles: time-setting or winding. The crown is no longer pulled out; it is used to set the hands or to wind the mechanism.
Like every detail of ASTRONEF, this function expresses technicality, elegance and exclusivity based on of a unique mechanism stemming from extensive research experience.

A THEMED PRESENTATION BOX

A presentation box is specially made for each ASTRONEF. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Finely crafted by an artisan, it notably features a straw marquetry motif in various shades and the buyer can choose from several different graphic design alternatives. 

 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

ASTRONEF, AN EXCLUSIVE CREATION
 

Only eight ASTRONEF watches will emerge from Ateliers Louis Moinet in Saint-Blaise, a number meaning that only eight owners will jealously safeguard this elite embodiment of contemporary watchmaking technology.

Limited Edition  to only 8 pieces

---------------------------------
Press Release - 2021
----------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
 www.facebook.com - Louis Moinet
------------------------------------------------------------------
www.LouisMoinet.com