IWC - Big Pilots 43mm IW329501 Le Petit Prince SS/LE Blue Dial RMSF Tourbillon

RMS Factory IWC Big Pilot 43mm Hand-wind Tourbillon 316L SS Best Edition Blue Dial on Black Leather Strap

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince – Comprehensive Review

Design & Aesthetic

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince blends classic aviator style with luxurious materials. The case is a generous 43 mm in diameter (about 14.6 mm thick). Two versions exist: one in 18 ct Armor Gold® (IWC’s proprietary alloy) and one in platinum. Both cases feature a mix of brushed and polished surfaces and IWC’s signature oversized conical crown (for use with gloves). IWC describes the case and crown as made of “18-carat Armor Gold®” with a deep blue sunray-finished dial. The dial’s deep blue sunburst finish is paired with applied Arabic numerals, dots and a triangle at 12 o’clock, all filled with Super-LumiNova. The hands are broad “propeller” shapes, polished and also luminous for legibility. A large circular aperture at 6 o’clock reveals the one-minute flying tourbillon.

• Crystal/Back: Front and rear are sapphire. The front crystal is convex with anti-reflective coating, and the back is a display window to the movement.

• Strap: Both versions come on a brown calfskin leather strap. The precious-metal folding clasp matches the case (platinum or Armor Gold).

• Visual Impression: The overall look is a bold Big Pilot aesthetic – large lume-filled markers on blue, polished bezel, and an open tourbillon dial. The platinum model has rhodium-plated (silvery) indices, while the gold model has gold-tone hands/appliques. The Little Prince theme appears subtly as an engraved motif (the Prince on asteroid B 612) on the winding rotor (visible through the back).

Movement & Technical Specs

• Caliber 82905: An in-house automatic movement with IWC’s Pellaton winding system. It beats at 4 Hz (28,800 vph) and has 25 jewels. The robust 80-hour power reserve is built via bidirectional winding with ceramic components.

• Tourbillon: A one-minute flying tourbillon is mounted at 6 o’clock. The cage is ultra-light (56 parts, ~0.635 g in the platinum model; ~0.663 g in the gold model) and includes a stop-seconds mechanism for precise time-setting.

• Special Features: The pallet lever and escape wheel are treated with IWC’s Diamond Shell™ coating for reduced friction. The rotor is solid 18 ct gold, shaped with the Little Prince standing on his asteroid – a decorative nod visible through the sapphire back.

• Functions: Hours, minutes, and the flying tourbillon (serving as a running seconds indicator). The tourbillon wheel can be “hacked” (stopped) when setting the time, a rarity that allows second-by-second precision. There is no date.

• Case Finishes: Sapphire crystals (AR-coated front, see-through back) and 100 m water resistance, unusual for a complex pilot’s watch, mean robustness is decent despite the luxury focus.

Wearability

• Size & Weight: At 43 mm (about 52.5 mm lug-to-lug) and ~14.6 mm thick, the watch has a significant wrist presence. It is certainly bulky and, especially in platinum or gold, quite heavy. (By contrast, a steel BP 43 is 14 mm thick.) The hefty build is noticeable – one reviewer noted the BP 43 feels “chunky” and “hefty”.

• Comfort: The 43 mm diameter makes it more wearable than IWC’s older 46 mm Big Pilot models. In practice, the soft calfskin strap and well-proportioned design help. Reviewers found the BP 43 “surprisingly wearable” for its size. The broad conical crown is easy to grip, aiding user comfort. Still, on smaller wrists it will have a commanding fit, and the weight of precious metal will be felt.

• Daily Use: This is a luxury statement piece. While technically very legible and water-resistant (100 m), its high value and complex tourbillon make it more of an occasion or collector’s watch. The leather strap adds comfort, but owners should expect a heavy feel.

Pricing & Availability

• Official Price: The platinum model (Ref. IW329501) retails for about CHF 85,000 (≈ EUR 95,200). The Armor Gold model (Ref. IW329502) is priced around $72,000 USD. (Prices may vary by market.)

• Limited Edition: These are strictly limited. The platinum version is 150 pieces; the Armor Gold version is 300 pieces. Once sold out at IWC boutiques, new examples must be found on the secondary market.

• Secondary Market: Owing to the limited run and high demand, resale examples are rare. One listing for the Armor Gold version was around $72,000 (near launch price). Collectors should expect prices close to retail, possibly higher for pristine condition or complete-set pieces.

• Availability: Allocation is tight. Potential buyers must inquire with authorized IWC dealers or boutiques; not all will have these models in stock.

Collector Value

• Exclusivity: With only a few hundred total pieces worldwide, this watch is inherently exclusive. Its place in IWC’s prized “Le Petit Prince” series and the combination of a pilot’s watch with a tourbillon make it a standout.

• Heritage Appeal: IWC has partnered with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s estate since 2006, producing various Le Petit Prince editions. This model celebrates the 10th anniversary of that line and follows earlier high-complication releases (e.g. a 2023 Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon in blue ceramic). Its imagery (the Prince engraving) and story tie-in add collectible appeal.

• In the Lineup: This is one of IWC’s most complex Pilot’s Watches. It sits above the standard Big Pilot (which has only time/date or simple calendar) and alongside the high-end tourbillon/complication pieces. For collectors of IWC or pilot’s watches, it represents a fusion of IWC’s technical prowess (in-house tourbillon caliber) with the brand’s narrative tradition.

• Long-term Value: All limited, complicated IWC editions tend to hold interest among enthusiasts. While future value cannot be guaranteed, the rarity and significance of this model suggest it will remain a notable collector’s item. Its lasting appeal will depend on market trends, but as a flagship Le Petit Prince tourbillon, it is likely to retain strong value in IWC circles.