"I think it's to do with functionality. I like a mechanical watch in order to understand the design and engineering behind it. You know you're looking for something which somehow, for some amazing reason, maybe not known at the time of its launch, has become a classic. And I'm more for finding that experience, and being part of that, than looking for the latest and greatest."
— David Coulthard, IWC Racing Team Launch, 2018
Manufacturer: IWC
Year: Circa 2016
Reference No: IW500916
Case No: 6’069’408
Model Name: Big Pilot Watch Edition, Le Petit Prince
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 51111, 42 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel IWC deployant clasp
Dimensions: 46.2mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories: Accompanied by IWC leather watch pouch, and additional leather strap
IWC’s Big Pilot collection, first released in 2002, was inspired by the World War II pilot’s watch named “Beobachtungsuhren”or “Observation”, with an oversized case permitting the use of large dials for high legibility, and a large crown for ease of setting the hacking (or stop-seconds) mechanism. The present Le Petit Prince model was introduced in 2016 featuring a midnight blue dial, and a return to a more vintage-style dial layout. Featuring a luminescent triangle at 12 o’clock with two dots on either side, the design was intended to allow a pilot to immediately orient the watch in any position.
Similar to other IWC pilot’s watches, the model pays homage to Antoine de Saint-Exupery and his legendary book “Le Petit Prince”. The caseback is engraved with the little prince in his coat and with his sword.
David Marshall Coulthard—nicknamed DC—joined the Williams Formula One team as a test driver in 1993, and after competing in eight grands prix for the team in the 1994 season, he became a full-time F1 driver the following year. In 1995 he won the Portuguese Grand Prix and finished third in the championship. In 2005, Mr. Coulthard moved to the newly formed Red Bull Racing team. By the time he retired from Formula One in 2008, he had notched up 535 points, making him the highest scoring British driver of all time.
The connection between racing cars and watches seems natural: it’s all about time and precision. For racing legend David Coulthard, it has more to do with functionality, describing his wristwatches “timeless works of engineering art.”
"I think it's to do with functionality. I like a mechanical watch in order to understand the design and engineering behind it. You know you're looking for something which somehow, for some amazing reason, maybe not known at the time of its launch, has become a classic. And I'm more for finding that experience, and being part of that, than looking for the latest and greatest."
- David Coulthard, IWC Racing Team Launch, 2018
The present watch is in excellent overall condition and was generously donated by Mr. Coulthard, and is being sold to benefit the missions of One Drop and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
The buyer of this lot may be eligible to receive a charitable tax deduction for their purchase. Please see section 10 of this Auction’s Conditions of Sale.