IWC Portofino Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince Review

In recent years, IWC has regularly released models in collaboration with the Le Petit Prince theme, especially within the Pilot collection.

If you were looking for a watch with a blue dial in the Pilot series, it was likely the Le Petit Prince model - a successful combination of the brand and the famous work by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Such collaborations never completely disappeared, but with the release of the Mark XX Pilot model, IWC introduced updated watches with a blue dial without mentioning Le Petit Prince. In 2026, the brand returns with a new line of Le Petit Prince models, including a new version of the Portofino Day & Night, which interestingly ties astronomical and more playful elements of the novel.

Design and Technical Specifications of IWC Portofino Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince

The new IWC Portofino Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince model is based on the Portofino Day & Night 34 platform, released in 2022. The case diameter is 34 mm, thickness is 8.9 mm, and the lug-to-lug distance is 16 mm, with quick-release spring bars, making the watch compact and convenient for everyday wear.

The centerpiece is a sunburst blue dial, complemented by gold-plated hands and indices. The hour markers are baton-shaped, and a Roman numeral XII is positioned at 12 o'clock. At the 6 o'clock position, there is a day/night indication disc with a matte blue finish, adorned with golden images of the sun, moon, and stars. Additional sparkle is provided by diamond indices located on the outer minute track next to the hour markers. Visually, this creates associations with the interaction between the Astronomer and the Little Prince from the story.

The dial is protected by a convex sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating, ensuring excellent readability in any lighting.

Movement and Functionality

Inside the case is an automatic IWC caliber 35180. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (bph), contains 24 jewels, and has a power reserve of 50 hours. In addition to traditional functions - hours, minutes, and seconds, the movement features a hacking second hand, manual winding, and a day/night indicator. The caliber 35180 is based on the SW300-1 base and modified to IWC standards.

The case back is made of steel and is not transparent, but instead of a view of the movement, it is engraved with the cover of the Le Petit Prince book, adding uniqueness and thematic depth to the model.

Strap and Attachment

The watch is equipped with a hand-painted blue calfskin leather strap. For convenience, quick-release spring bars are provided, and the clasp is a steel butterfly clasp, ensuring secure fastening and comfort when worn.

Final Impressions of the Model

Despite market trends, I was not a fan of exclusively blue dials, but the absence of new Le Petit Prince models was regrettable, as this collaboration has always been interesting and original for IWC. It is pleasing that the brand has returned to this theme and expanded it beyond the Pilot collection. The new Portofino Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince is clearly aimed at a female audience, but its compact size and elegant design will suit any lover of small watches. If the Pilot models are associated with the storyteller, this version seems to be created for the Little Prince himself.

Technical Specifications and Availability of IWC Portofino Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince

The IWC Portofino Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince is a harmonious blend of classic, elegance, and thematic design, expanding the IWC Le Petit Prince line and introducing new astronomical motifs to the collection.