IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII “Antoine de Saint Exupéry” IW327003

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry” Ref. IW327003 is a distinguished special edition of IWC’s beloved modern pilot’s watch that blends classic aviator tool-watch design with a tribute to the famed French pilot and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. For the first time in the Mark XVIII family, this edition adopts a tobacco-brown sunburst dial paired with a matching brown calfskin leather strap, giving the watch a warm, vintage-inspired aesthetic that evokes classic cockpit instruments and early flight gear. The 40 mm stainless steel case is paired with a convex sapphire crystal and a timeless pilot’s layout featuring large Arabic numerals, bold luminous hands, and a practical date window at 3 o’clock, making it both highly legible and elegantly proportioned for everyday wear.

Under the hood, the IW327003 is powered by IWC’s Calibre 35111 automatic movement (based on the Sellita SW-300), delivering reliable timekeeping with central hours, minutes, seconds, a date function, and a ~42-hour power reserve. The movement is protected by a soft-iron inner case to enhance resistance against magnetic fields—a practical nod to pilot-watch heritage—and the solid caseback is engraved with an image of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft associated with Saint-Exupéry’s last reconnaissance flight, underscoring the watch’s thematic connection to aviation history. With 60 m water resistance and a design that bridges sportiness and refined simplicity, the “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry” Mark XVIII is a meaningful choice for enthusiasts who appreciate both classic pilot styling and thoughtful storytelling in a modern wristwatch.

Reference: IW327003

Dated: 2020

Bracelet: Brown Leather Strap

Dial: Tobacco Brown Dial

Case: 40mm x 11mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: IWC 35111 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date

Box and Papers: No boxes - includes warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Case has light wear with a couple notable marks on the lugs. Strap has minimal wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.

The International Watch Company (IWC) has a rich history dating back to 1868 when American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the company in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Jones aimed to combine advanced American manufacturing techniques with the skilled craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers. Despite initial challenges, IWC quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality pocket watches and, later, wristwatches. 

Throughout the 20th century, IWC was a force of innovation and expand its repertoire accordingly. In the 1930s, they introduced their first pilot's watches, which would become an enduring part of their identity. During World War II, IWC produced these watches for both civilian and military use. The post-war period saw the introduction of iconic collections like the Ingenieur in 1955 and the Aquatimer in 1967. In the 1970s, IWC collaborated with Ferdinand A. Porsche to create the first watch with a built-in compass. The company's commitment to technical innovation and classic design has persisted into the 21st century, with IWC remaining a respected name in luxury watchmaking.