Perpetual calendars are among watchmaking’s most admired complications, but they have traditionally come with a drawback: complexity of adjustment. Since the 1980s, IWC has approached the complication differently thanks to the work of Kurt Klaus, whose ingenious crown-operated perpetual calendar allowed all indications to be adjusted through a single control. Recently at Watches and Wonders 2026, IWC took that philosophy a decisive step further with the new Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet. Built around an entirely new mechanism, the ProSet system allows the perpetual calendar to be adjusted both forwards and backwards via the crown, creating one of the most intuitive and user-friendly perpetual calendars ever developed.The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet debuts in three references. The Le Petit Prince edition is available in a 42mm stainless steel case (IW329601) and a 43mm white ceramic case (IW339601), while the standard collection model comes in a 42mm pink gold case (IW329602). Thickness measures 14mm for the steel and gold versions, and 14.3mm for the ceramic model. Despite their substantial specifications, the proportions feel more restrained than traditional Big Pilot watches, reflecting the modern trend toward slightly more compact dimensions.
Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire crystal caseback displaying the new calibre 82655. The movement’s architecture and finishing can be appreciated through the transparent back, offering a clear view of the automatic winding system and the innovative perpetual calendar mechanism beneath. The ceramic Le Petit Prince edition pairs its technical movement with a deep blue aesthetic, while the steel and gold versions offer a more classical presentation.
The screw-in crown remains the sole control interface for all calendar functions, eliminating the need for recessed correctors. A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the dial and enhances legibility from multiple angles. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet).
The ProSet collection is offered with three distinct dial executions. The white ceramic Le Petit Prince model features a deep blue gradient dial, while the steel version combines a rich blue dial with rhodium-plated hands and markers. The pink gold model adopts an olive-green dial paired with gold-toned details, creating a warmer and more luxurious appearance.
Despite the complexity of the perpetual calendar, the layout remains remarkably balanced and legible. The display presents the date, day, month and four-digit year, alongside a perpetual moon phase indication calibrated for both the northern and southern hemispheres. Small hacking seconds complete the display, while the large Arabic numerals preserve the unmistakable character of the Big Pilot collection.
Attention to detail reinforces the practicality of the watch. The contrasting colours of the hands and markers ensure excellent readability, while the moon phase display benefits from a newly calculated reduction gear that limits deviation to just one day every 1,040 years. The layered architecture adds depth to the dial without compromising clarity, a notable achievement considering the amount of information presented.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petite Prince
The “IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petite Prince” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 82655 with 34 jewels and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with the innovative ProSet perpetual calendar system, allowing all calendar indications to be adjusted forwards and backwards directly through the crown, as well as a perpetual moon phase display for both hemispheres. Power reserve can last up to 60 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is either a stainless steel bracelet with the EasX-CHANGE system, a white rubber strap, or an olive-green buffalo leather strap depending on the reference.
The quick-change mechanism allows effortless swapping between options without tools, increasing versatility.
Whether paired with steel, ceramic, or pink gold, the strap and bracelet choices complement the modern technical character of the watch while maintaining the comfort expected from a contemporary Big Pilot.
(Ref#: IW329601) - iN Stainless-Steel
MSRP: $38,800.00 USD
(Ref#: IW329602) - iN Pink Gold
MSRP: $54,700.00 USD
(Ref#: IW339601) - iN White Ceramic
MSRP: $41,600.00 USD
View all our current IWC Schaffhausen Pilot watches currently in stock at EiT.
Feel Free To Contact Us For Availability At: