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IWC BIG PILOT “Antoine de Saint Exupéry” – 46 mm Limited Edition of 1149 Pieces | Ref. 5004-22 | Box & Papers | 2010 | Excellent Condition

Offered for sale is the distinguished IWC Big Pilot Antoine de Saint Exupéry, reference 5004-22, a highly collectible limited edition of only 1,149 pieces worldwide. This example is a full set with original box and papers, dated 2010, and is preserved in excellent condition.

Housed in the iconic 46 mm stainless steel Big Pilot case, this model features the characteristic oversized crown and a striking brown sunburst dial, exclusive to the Saint Exupéry editions. A particularly charming and meaningful detail is the letter “A.” printed above the 9 o’clock position, a direct reference to Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s signature, often signed simply as “A. de Saint-Exupéry.” This subtle dial marking adds a poetic and highly collectible touch, reinforcing the personal connection to the legendary aviator.

Large luminous Arabic numerals, the classic triangle with two dots at 12 o’clock, and the bold power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock ensure exceptional legibility—true to the historic Big Pilot design language.

Powering the watch is the impressive IWC-manufactured Calibre 51111, delivering a remarkable 7-day power reserve along with outstanding reliability and precision. The watch is fitted with a high-quality brown leather strap, perfectly complementing the warmth of the dial and emphasizing its vintage aviation character.

This special edition pays tribute to Antoine de Saint Exupéry, the pioneering French aviator, author, and poet best known for The Little Prince. As a trailblazer of early long-distance aviation, Saint Exupéry symbolized adventure, technical mastery, and humanist philosophy—values deeply embedded in IWC’s aviation heritage. IWC’s Big Pilot history dates back to the 1940s, when oversized, ultra-legible timepieces were developed for military pilots. The Saint Exupéry editions honor this legacy while adding emotional depth through distinctive design elements such as the brown dial and the symbolic “A.” signature, combined with strictly limited production.

This reference 5004-22 is accompanied by:

- original presentation box and outer box

- manual booklet

- IWC cleaning cloth

- guarantee booklet

- original warranty card, Germany 2010

A rare and evocative Big Pilot that seamlessly blends aviation history, literary legacy, and mechanical excellence.