IWC auctions unique piece and builds a school in Cambodia

The full proceeds of CHF 173,000 will be used to finance the construction of a new school building with integrated library in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia

A unique piece by the Swiss luxury Replica Watches manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen was among the timepieces under the hammer at the Sotheby’s Geneva auction of Important Omega Replica Watches. The unique Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” in platinum (Ref. IW502801) was sold for CHF 173,000. Together with the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation, IWC is using the proceeds to support the construction of a school with a library in Cambodia, thereby contributing to the fight against illiteracy.

Seventy years following the first publication of “The Little Prince”, the most successful work by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, IWC Schaffhausen has again made a special contribution to supporting the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation. The Swiss luxury Rolex replica watches manufacturer put the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” in platinum with midnight blue dial up for sale as part of an auction held by Sotheby’s Geneva. The unique timepiece was auctioned together with a limited reissue of the English first edition of “The Little Prince” and a reproduction of the original French manuscript. The full proceeds of CHF 173,000 will be used to finance the construction of a new school building with integrated library in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia, which is already under way. “This auction is a sign of our respect for the Foundation’s commitment to fighting illiteracy. As a glob- ally successful company, we take our social responsibility seriously and have since 2006 maintained a collaborative relationship with Saint-Exupéry’s heirs and the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation, which is based on the humanistic values of the renowned pilot and author,” comments Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, re- garding the auction.

Together agains t illiteracy

Olivier d’Agay, great-nephew of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Director Saint-Exupéry – d’Agay Estate, is delighted with the result of the auction: “Not only did the highest bidder acquire a precious unique timepiece, they can also rest assured that their contribution will be put to good use. With the proceeds of the auction we will help provide Cambodian children with a school education and thus a better future. Reading is key to their development and self-realization.” The Foundation works closely with the non-governmental organization Sipar, which combats illiteracy in Cambodia. More than 200,000 children have benefited from access to books and literacy activities through the creation of libraries and education centres. Mobile libraries bring reading material to remote areas, and every month Sipar publishes books in the national language Khmer, including “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Thanks to this cooperation and with the support of IWC Replica Watches Schaffhausen, a new school building with five classrooms and a library is currently being built in the village of Roluos in the province of Siem Reap. The school is scheduled to be opened in spring 2014.

“Without the commitment of strong partners such as IWC Schaffhausen, we would be unable to fulfil our mission,” emphasizes Olivier d’Agay. “IWC has close links with the world of aviation, and shares the values of Saint-Exupéry. We are working together to help young people to build their own futures, and encourage them to take responsibility and adopt an active role in society. We are delighted to be able to offer young people a perspective for the future thanks to the significant proceeds from this auction,” adds the great-nephew of the world-famous author.