IWC Schaffhausen, the Swiss watch manufacturer, a committed patron of the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation.
IWC and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Since the beginning of this partnership in 2006, IWC has created a fine collection of pilot’s watches in tribute to the passionate pilot, gifted author and committed humanist Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Each watch model is related to a novel written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and produced in a limited edition, and is accompanied by a unique timepiece in platinum that is auctioned, together with a special edition of a rare book by the author, for a good cause.
The intended purpose of the proceeds is decided in each case in consultation with the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation to reflect the spirit of the aviation pioneer and renowned poet.
The two organisations have launched a number of joint international projects in the areas of education, culture, health and social welfare.
“To be a man is, precisely, to be responsible.
It is to know shame at the sight of poverty which is not of our making.
It is to be proud of a victory won by our comrades.
It is to feel, as we place our stone, that we are contributing to the building of the world.”Wind, sand and stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Auction of IWC Pilot’s Watches Edition Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Benefits Children’s Charities.
For more information, please visit the Official Website of IWC Schaffhausen
Argentina, 2006
Creation of workshops for disadvantaged children
Pilot’s Watch Chrono-Automatic Edition Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Produced in a limited edition of 1,931 pieces to mark the 75th anniversary of Saint-Exupéry’s novel Night Flight (Vol de Nuit), first published in 1931.
The proceeds from the auction of the Pilot’s Watch crafted in platinum, a one-of-a-kind timepiece, were donated to support the activities of the French organisation Vol de Nuit/Vuelo Nocturno in Argentina.
Mali, 2007
Creation of a school for Tuareg children
Pilot’s Watch Automatic Edition Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Produced in a limited edition of 1,929 examples, which corresponds to the publication year of Saint-Exupéry’s first novel Southern Mail (Courrier Sud).
A unique and coveted platinum Pilot’s Watch Automatic Edition Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was auction by IWC. The proceeds of the charity auction allowed the creation of the “Ecole des Sables – Antoine de Saint Exupéry” Tuareg school in the West African country of Mali. The school, located in Taboye, provides education for the children of the Tuareg, a wandering, nomadic people.
Cambodia, 2008
Building of the library of San Kor
Pilot’s Watch UTC Edition Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Produced in a limited edition of 1,939 pieces, the timepiece honours the name of the French author and his famous book Wind, Sand and Stars (Terre des Hommes), published in 1939.
IWC auctioned a single platinum piece of this third pilot’s watch paying homage to Saint-Exupéry to support the French-Cambodian organisation, SIPAR, based in Cambodia. For 25 years, the organisation has been providing schools with libraries and translating children’s books into the national language. In fact, the first book translated by SIPAR turned out to be The Little Prince by Saint-Exupéry.
Madagascar, 2010
Global programme for children’s protection
Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Antoine de Saint-Exupéry The fourth and final homage to the French aviator and author was in the form of an IWC pilot’s watch in a limited edition of 1,900 pieces, which pays tribute to the life’s work of Saint-Exupéry.
The auction proceeds of the rare and unique platinum watch were donated to the French organisation, Children of the World – Human Rights (EMDH), for its worldwide efforts to protect children and their rights, in particular for its involvement in educational, health care and social welfare projects on the African island of Madagascar.