Except that the blue Le Petit Prince models are some of their more recognizable special editions, Hands-On IWC has no lacking of aviation-related partnerships and associations. Nevertheless, also in cooperation with the Antoine de Saint-Exupery Youth Foundation, IWC published the tobacco with brown dial IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Edition “Antoine De Saint Exupery” watch to gain the honor of watch with the Little Prince. Soon recognizable as an IWC Pilot’s replica watches but with a subdued twist, it’s also the only rattrapante, aka double chronograph, in the pilot’s watch line, which gives it a plenty of watch nerd points. Luckily and thankfully, this watch also abandons the triple date window that was discarded last year, opting for a day/date indicator.
For anyone who has no idea precisely about how a split seconds chronograph works, the watch features two chronograph hands as opposed to one. Both hands begin simultaneously when the chronograph is motivated, but the pusher at 10 o’clock stops just the second chronograph hand. Pushing this again moves the second chronograph hand to immediately synch up with the first one. With full function, the split seconds chronograph permits you to measure two events. 
I was so happy to find that the case measurement for this watch was a calming 44mm, the same as its Le Petit Prince model sibling (which still is saddled with the triple date window). However, I still pleasantly hesitated between the sizes of 38mm – 42mm for most of my daily watches. I feel that 44mm wide cases can generally offer a nice experience for most individuals. Another stunning feature is the way the double-AR-coated sapphire crystal appears almost invisible over the pilot chronograph’s high-contrast slate dial. This is a trait IWC is known for and something that’s playfully stressed by that blueish hue resulting from the AR coating that we know all too well.
Compared to the graceful and gorgeous elements you’d find on IWC’s Le Petit Prince models, the tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupery on this replica watch is rather subtle. Inside of the sub-dial at 6 o’clock, you’ll find a single letter A. that is also a recurring theme in other Antoine de Saint-Exupery watches within the IWC line. It’s unobtrusive, tasteful, and is classically out of sight unless you really pay attention to it. Aside from the features outlined above, IWC also includes a soft iron cage under the hood, which serves to provide shock resistance and anti-magnetic shielding. There’s also just one strap option, and that’s the brown calfskin Santoni strap that looks beautiful.
As a whole, when talking about the point of design, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Edition “Antoine De Saint Exupery” is a success, as far as I am concerned. It’s completely exciting or revolutionary in any way, but it’s a collector’s piece and a prestige item for IWC, who certainly payed attention to the details. Just for some context, another 2017 release like the Sinn 910 Anniversary Limited Edition Split Second Chronograph serves up some pretty steep competition for IWC in terms of value but that’s not what the purchaser of this watch cares about.