IWC Schaffhausen

• IWC-manufactured 89361-calibre mechanical movement, automatic winding system with 68-hour power reserve, 38 jewels • bi-colour brown and white dial, rhodium-plated luminous hands and numerals, outer minute and 1/5 seconds divisions, subsidiary dial for 60-minute and 12-hour register at 12, costant seconds combined with aperture for date at 6 • brown silicon nitride ceramic case, platinum case back secured by 5 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an IWC Schaffhausen ceramic buckle

The present lot is in overall excellent condition as it was especially made for the occasion by IWC Schaffhausen in order to support the Saint Exupéry Foundation. This is a limited edition piece and an extremely rare example made by IWC, the case back is engraved with a representation of Antoine De Sint Exupéry pilot with the mention "Last Flight".
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry dedicated almost his entire life to flying. At the outbreak of WWII he joined the French Air Force flying special reconnaissance missions. After being demobilised he joined the Free French Air Force in North Africa. On July 31^st1944 he departed on his last reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean and was never seen again.

IWC Schaffhausen is commemorating the 70^th Anniversary of the last flight of this legendary pilot through a series of limited edition chronograph pilot watches including the presently offered watch from the very exclusive series of 17 pieces with a platinum case back.

Sotheby’s is honoured to have been given the opportunity to auction the first of these limited edition watches, “The Last Flight” No. 1, through this autumn sale. The proceeds of the sale will be given in their entirety to the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry foundation which works to ensure that the famous Frenchman’s humanist ideas remain alive.

The renowned pilot was also an awarding winning author and is best remembered for his novel ‘The Little Prince’ (‘Le Petit Prince’). The foundation which was created by Antoine Saint-Expéry’s descendants supports the youth of today in troubled areas around the world, particularly in the areas of education and the fight against illiteracy.

IWC Schaffhausen, well known for its almost 80 years’ experience in the manufacture of Pilot’s Watches, decided to pursue a partnership with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s descendants due to their many shared values. They both share a passion for flying, technology and engineering, and have a pronounced sense of social responsibility.

This watch is being sold for charity and therefore has not been given an auction estimate, the current suggested retail price is CHF 32’000.