IWC Pilot’s Watch UTC Edition Antoine de Saint Exupéry in platinum. © IWC

The exclusive Pilot’s Watch UTC Edition Antoine de Saint Exupéry in platinum went under the auctioneer’s hammer for US$ 46,700

Schaffhausen, 16 December 2008 – The hammer has fallen: Following the high bid of US$ 46,700, the exclusive platinum Pilot’s Watch UTC Edition Antoine de Saint Exupéry from IWC Schaffhausen has a new owner. Many watch aficionados around the world followed the conclusion of the IWC online benefit auction with feverish excitement. After enthusiastic bidding, the exclusive watch, which has been donated, is going to an owner in the Czech Republic. The proceeds of this charity auction will benefit the association Sipar, which aims to eradicate illiteracy in Cambodia in particular by publishing books for children and by setting up school libraries.

The minimum offer was high. US$ 39,000 had to be beaten if someone wanted to enter the bidding to own these two sought-after rarities. And the temptation was great: Besides the Pilot’s Watch UTC Edition Antoine de Saint Exupéry, a first-class, much-coveted and truly unique platinum timepiece, an edition of his novel “Terre des Hommes” (“Wind, Sand and Stars”) personally signed by the author was also put on the virtual auctioneer’s podium. This may have led to watch lovers and enthusiasts of the French writer keeping their eyes on the development of the auction on www.iwc.com between 8 and 14 December somewhat more frequently. With numerous bids, watch aficionados from all around the world bid on the two desirable items in memory of Antoine de Saint Exupéry. A bid from the Czech Republic won the bidding.

IWC Schaffhausen will donate the entire proceeds to the French association Sipar, which has set for itself the goal of increasing the educational level of children in Cambodia by publishing books and promoting reading, and with these efforts it aims to eradicate illiteracy in that country. IWC CEO Georges Kern is excited by the positive result of the auction: “I congratulate the owner of this truly unique watch.”