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The IWC Big Pilot “Le Petit Prince” is a reference-dependent watch: the archived stainless-steel IW500908 and IW500916 share a 46.2 mm case, blue dial and seven-day power reserve, but differ in documented strap and caseback details. Check the reference before treating any review detail as applying to both. IWC identifies these as past-collection models, so this is a specifications-led review, not a claim about current availability, price or hands-on performance.
Which IWC Big Pilot “Le Petit Prince” is this?
The title alone does not identify a single reference. IWC’s archived product pages document two similar stainless-steel versions: IW500908 and IW500916. The model number is the safest way to connect a specification, strap or caseback description to the right watch.
Both archived pages list a blue dial, stainless-steel case, 46.2 mm diameter, 15.7 mm height, 6 bar water resistance, 22 mm strap width and IWC-manufactured Calibre 51111 with a 168-hour reserve. The details that distinguish the documented versions are their strap descriptions and, for IW500916, IWC’s caseback description.
What is the difference between IW500908 and IW500916?
| Detail | IW500908 | IW500916 |
|---|---|---|
| Case and dial | Stainless steel; blue dial | Stainless steel; blue dial |
| Diameter and height | 46.2 mm × 15.7 mm (IWC archived product page) | 46.2 mm × 15.7 mm (IWC archived product page) |
| Strap | Brown calfskin; IWC’s page does not name a maker | Brown Santoni calfskin |
| Caseback description | Not stated on the archived product page | Special engraving of “The Little Prince,” according to IWC |
| Movement and reserve | Calibre 51111; 168 hours | Calibre 51111; 168 hours |
| Water resistance and strap width | 6 bar; 22 mm | 6 bar; 22 mm |
IWC’s IW500916 specification sheet rounds the dimensions to 46 mm diameter and 16 mm height, while its archived product page gives 46.2 mm and 15.7 mm. Those are different levels of precision for the same reference, not evidence of a different case; the table uses the archived product pages consistently.
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#1 Best Overall
- Fit for IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Edition “Le Petit Prince” (Ref. IW500908)
- Also fit most watches with 22mm standard watch lug.
- Width: 22mm (22/18) | Total Length: 190mm (135/55) | Thickness: 4.5mm-2mm
- Made of genuine leather, embossed alligator grain. With hypo-allergenic silver plated stainless steel buckle.
- Free set of matching spring bars included.
How large is it, and is the Big Pilot too big?
At 46.2 mm across and 15.7 mm high, either documented stainless-steel reference has substantial stated dimensions. Those figures establish the case size, not how it will sit on a particular wrist. Wrist shape, strap fit and personal preference affect the impression, and no measured wrist-fit test is established here. If size is a concern, try the exact reference on rather than relying on diameter alone.
What does the Calibre 51111 do?
IWC lists the automatic, IWC-manufactured Calibre 51111 for both references and states a 168-hour (seven-day) power reserve. The specification means a fully wound watch is designed to run for that stated duration without further winding; it is not an accuracy rating or a guarantee of real-world running time in every use pattern.
Rank #2
- 100%brand new and quality,easy to adjust the length to fit the wrist,one size fits everyone.
- Made Italian cowhide material ,environmentally friendly and healthy,Softness is moderate, wear very comfortable.
- Softness is moderate, wear very comfortable,Compression molding, sturdy and durable,Wearable strap/wrist strap,suitable for original watch.
- Easy to insert and remove,very suitable for your watch.
- Exquisite craftsmanship and stylish design are perfect gifts for friends and family.
For IW500908, IWC also lists Pellaton winding, date display, central hacking seconds and a power-reserve display. Its page specifies a soft-iron inner case for magnetic-field protection and convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. These are manufacturer-listed features, not independent test results.
What strap fits the IW500908?
IWC lists a 22 mm strap width for IW500908 and a brown calfskin strap. That nominal width is a useful starting point for a replacement, but does not establish that every generic 22 mm strap will attach correctly or work with the watch’s original hardware.
Rank #3
- Fit for IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Edition “Le Petit Prince” (Ref. IW500908)
- Also fit most watches with 22mm standard watch lug.
- Width: 22mm (22/18) | Total Length: 190mm (135/55) | Thickness: 4.5mm-2mm
- Made of genuine leather, embossed alligator grain. With hypo-allergenic silver plated stainless steel buckle.
- Free set of matching spring bars included.
- Confirm the exact reference and the strap’s attachment or lug-end shape.
- Check spring-bar dimensions or whether the fitting is proprietary.
- Verify compatibility with the buckle and its 18 mm buckle width, as listed by IWC for IW500908.
For IW500916, IWC specifies a brown Santoni calfskin strap and a 22 mm strap width. Do not assume another strap’s maker or attachment details from the IW500908 listing apply to it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the “Le Petit Prince” edition adds—and what it does not prove
The defining documented distinction is the edition’s connection to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s story. For IW500916, IWC specifically describes a special “The Little Prince” caseback engraving. IWC’s April 14, 2026 announcement describes the broader Le Petit Prince family as combining instrument-like design with an emotional story; that is the company’s positioning, not an independent assessment of the watch’s performance or a detail that should be assigned to every reference.
Rank #4
- The strap is made of crocodile leather with wear-resistant cowhide sole, durable and stable, waterproof and sweatproof, not easy to deform, effectively prolonging the use of time.
- The cowhide sole is both comfortable and sporty, and the leather is soft and comfortable.
- Available in a variety of colours, depending on the dial colour, you can choose from classic colours such as black and dark brown, or bright colours to create a personalised match.
- Dedicated connector, quick release steel strap and beak, lug size and strap length should be verified according to the watch model to ensure accurate fit.
- This product does not come with a buckle and lugs, please use the original buckle and lugs.
The announcement introduced additional, distinct Le Petit Prince models and said IWC was marking 20 years of collaboration with the author’s descendants. Those newer watches are not the archived IW500908 or IW500916, and their specifications should not be carried over to these references. See IWC’s April 14, 2026 collection announcement for that context.
What this review can—and cannot—establish
The manufacturer’s specifications support a clear account of dimensions, listed functions, strap material and nominal width. They do not establish how comfortable the watch feels, how legible it is in changing light, how accurately an individual example runs, or whether a particular used watch is in good condition. No current market price or inventory is established here either. For a purchase decision, verify the reference on the watch and assess the specific example, its condition, fit and price independently.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
