Chronographs are at the core of IWC and feature broadly in the manufacture’s Pilot’s Watches collection.

Now the Swiss watchmaker has paired its most iconic aviator’s watch – the Big Pilot’s Watch – with a chronograph function for the very first time.

The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince” is a stylish and utterly functional piece that  —as you may be able to discern from its full name — sees the mechanical stopwatch controlled via a single push-button which is beautifully integrated into the distinctive conical crown.

The use of the monopusher makes the watch not only precise but ergonomic and user friendly without detracting from the iconic aesthetics of the Big Pilot with unnecessary pushers.

Pressing the pusher down allows a new timing to start while pressing the button a second time stops the timing. Stop times of up to one hour are displayed on the totaliser at 12 o’clock. Pushing the button a third time resets the chronograph to zero.

Further, the watch features a signature deep-blue sunburst dial complemented with a stainless-steel 46.2mm case. Within the dial, the watch features rhodium-plated hands which – alongside the indices and applied numerals – have been coated with luminous material to make the dial easier to read at night.

The IWC-manufactured 59365 calibre powers the watch and boasts a maximum power reserve of eight days – which is indicated on the back of the movement visible through the sapphire-glass case back.

Fitted with a brown calfskin strap with a folding clasp, the watch is available through IWC boutiques and is limited to 500 pieces.

$25,200; iwc.com