IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN AT WATCHES AND WONDERS 2026:
New Le Petit Prince
IWC Schaffhausen returns to Watches and Wonders 2026 with a clear focus on refinement, wearability and heritage.
This year marks 20 years of its collaboration with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, celebrated through a collection of Pilot’s Watches inspired by The Little Prince.
Rather than introducing a completely new direction, IWC builds on a design that is already well established.
The result is a range of watches that feel familiar but more considered, with improved proportions, strong legibility and practical features that suit everyday wear.
A Clear Direction for the Le Petit Prince Collection
The Le Petit Prince editions remain one of the most recognisable parts of the IWC Schaffhausen line-up. Inspired by The Little Prince, first published in 1943, the collection reflects the story’s themes of exploration, imagination and human connection—values closely linked to aviation and IWC’s Pilot’s Watches. Over the past 20 years, this collaboration has become a defining element of the brand, with the signature deep blue dial and engraved case backs creating a clear and consistent identity.
For 2026, the approach is simple. Keep the design consistent, refine the details and offer a range of sizes and complications. This makes the collection easier to navigate, whether you are buying your first IWC or adding to an existing collection.
Built for Everyday Wear
The core models in this release are designed with daily use in mind. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX offers a straightforward time-and-date display in a versatile 40mm case, making it one of the easiest watches in the range to wear regularly. For those who prefer a smaller case, the Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 delivers the same design in a more compact format. Both watches focus on legibility, long power reserves and comfort on the wrist, making them reliable, everyday options.
Chronograph Models with Added Functionality
The chronograph models introduce a more technical element while keeping the same design identity. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph offers a bold 43mm case, while the Chronograph 41 provides a more balanced alternative.
Both versions feature precise chronograph movements, clear dial layouts and strong contrast for easy reading. The added functionality makes them more versatile, without making the watches feel complicated or difficult to use.
A Practical Step Forward in Complications
Alongside the core models, the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet highlights IWC’s focus on practical innovation. Perpetual calendars are often complex to operate, but this new system simplifies the process by allowing adjustments both forward and backward using the crown.
This makes a traditionally complicated feature much easier to manage in everyday use. It reflects IWC Schaffhausen’s broader approach—keeping advanced watchmaking functional, accessible and relevant.
A Focused and Wearable Collection
Overall, the 2026 IWC Schaffhausen releases focus on what matters most: clear design, reliable performance and ease of wear.
The Le Petit Prince collection continues to offer a strong visual identity, while the updated models improve how the watches feel and function day to day.
For buyers, this means a well-balanced collection with options for different wrist sizes and preferences, all built around the same consistent design language.