GE1304

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Lot 183
  • 183

IWC Schaffhausen

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Description

  • A UNIQUE PLATINUM AUTOMATIC PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES 7-DAY POWER RESERVE INDICATION REF IW502801 BIG PILOT "LE PETIT PRINCE" MADE IN 2013
  • diameter 46 mm thickness 16 mm
• IWC-manufactured 51613-calibre mechanical movement, Pellaton automatic winding system with 7-day power reserve, 18k gold medallion with an engraved image of the little prince integrated to the rotor, 62 jewels • midnight blue dial, rhodium-plated luminous hands and numerals, perpetual calendar with displays for the date, day, month, year in four digits and perpetual moon phase, relief moon phase display with an image of the little prince standing on his planet • platinum brushed and polished case, large screw-in crown, sapphire crystal back display • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum IWC buckle

Condition

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 unique piece and an extremely rare example made by IWC, the moon phases and rotor engraved with specific design taken out of Le Petit Prince original drawings from Antoine de Saint Exupéry's famous novel gives it a unique character for collectors worldwide.
"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."

Catalogue Note

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the first publication of “The Little Prince” it is an immense privilege for Sotheby’s and IWC to be presenting this unique Big Pilot “Le Petit Prince” in platinum in aid of the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation.
The proceeds of the sale of this watch will be given in their entirety to the Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation to contribute to the construction of a school in Cambodia. The work of the foundation is based on the humanist values of Antoine de Saint Exupéry, who was an aviation pioneer and author of “The Little Prince” among other novels. The foundation relies on a vast international charity network which already carries out numerous local projects representing these values.

This watch is being sold for charity and therefore has not been given an auction estimate, the current suggested retail price is CHF 78’000.