IWC Schaffhausen has recently taken these principles beyond the bounds of Earth, merging its horological expertise with space exploration. The Swiss watchmaker has designed a series of four unique Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn” watches, created to support the Polaris Dawn space mission. These timepieces will accompany the mission into space, returning to Earth to be auctioned in support of the life-saving work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A Mission to the Stars
Polaris Dawn is the first of three privately funded spaceflights planned under the Polaris Program, an ambitious endeavour led by Jared Isaacman, the American entrepreneur and pilot who commanded the Inspiration4 mission in 2021. Inspiration4 marked the first all-civilian crewed spaceflight, but with Polaris Dawn, Isaacman aims to push the boundaries even further.
Launched in summer 2024, Polaris Dawn seeks to reach a record-breaking altitude of 1,400 km—higher than any previous human spaceflight since the Apollo missions. Over five days in orbit, the crew will conduct vital scientific research aimed at advancing human health on Earth and improving our understanding of health during long-duration spaceflights. The mission will also include the first-ever commercial spacewalk, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
The crew, led by Isaacman, includes retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet and SpaceX Lead Space Operations Engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Each crew member will wear a customized IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn,” and these watches will journey with them to the far reaches of space before returning for a charitable auction.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn”
What makes the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn” so special is not only its journey to space but also its meticulous design and craftsmanship. The case is made of crisp white ceramic, giving it a sleek, futuristic appearance that mirrors the technology of modern space exploration. The dial, in a deep space-blue hue, is adorned with countless stars, evoking the vastness of the universe. Each watch is individually engraved with the name of one of the four crew members, making each piece as unique as the mission itself.
The timepieces reflect IWC Schaffhausen’s deep-rooted connection to aviation and its longstanding tradition of producing robust, reliable pilot watches. However, the Polaris Dawn chronographs take this to the next level, blending luxury with the rigours of space travel. These watches are not merely collectibles; they are pieces of history, engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of space.
A Watch with a Purpose
Once the Polaris Dawn mission concludes and the crew returns to Earth, the four unique chronographs will be auctioned, with all proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As a global leader in research and treatment of paediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases, St. Jude is committed to ensuring that no child dies from these devastating conditions.
The auction will give collectors, space enthusiasts, and philanthropists a rare opportunity to own a watch that has travelled to the highest altitudes ever achieved by human spaceflight. More importantly, the funds raised will support St. Jude’s mission to improve the lives of children battling cancer, ensuring that the watches not only witness history but also help create a better future for young patients worldwide.
IWC Schaffhausen has always had a strong connection to aviation, with its Pilot’s Watch series being one of the most iconic in the industry. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn” stays true to this heritage while also embracing the new frontier of space exploration. The watch is designed with the same precision and durability that pilots have relied on for decades, making it the perfect companion for a space mission like Polaris Dawn.
This partnership with the Polaris Program aligns IWC’s values of pushing boundaries and advancing technology. The mission itself is not just about reaching new heights in space exploration; it’s also about scientific advancement and contributing to the well-being of humanity, goals that resonate deeply with IWC’s commitment to innovation and philanthropy.
An Auction Like No Other
The auction of these four space-travelled timepieces promises to be an extraordinary event in both the horological and philanthropic worlds. For collectors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a watch that has not only ventured into space but also holds the potential to save lives. The proceeds from the auction will directly support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which relies on donations to continue its ground-breaking research and provide free treatment to families in need.
With the combination of space exploration, fine watchmaking, and a charitable cause, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn” is set to become one of the most sought-after watches in recent history. The exclusivity of the pieces, coupled with their incredible story, will undoubtedly drive significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike.
IWC Schaffhausen has always been a brand that combines technical precision with artistic elegance. With the creation of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn,” the company has taken that philosophy to new heights—literally. These watches are more than just timepieces; they are symbols of human ingenuity, exploration, and the drive to push boundaries.
By supporting the Polaris Dawn mission and the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, IWC is using its mastery of watchmaking to make a meaningful impact. These four watches will not only bear witness to a historic space mission, but they will also play a role in ensuring that children on Earth have the chance to reach for the stars.
As the world looks forward to the launch of Polaris Dawn, IWC’s chronographs remind us that, whether in space or on Earth, time and innovation are powerful tools in the pursuit of progress and hope.
