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On August 26, the Polaris Dawn mission is set to embark on an extraordinary journey, venturing further into space than any human has been in the past 50 years. The five-day mission will propel its crew of four to a maximum altitude of 870 miles – the highest Earth orbit ever flown. During this groundbreaking expedition, the crew will conduct vital research on behalf of SpaceX and make history as the first private citizens to perform a spacewalk.
While we’re sure the technicians and engineers are busy finalizing the mechanics and checking every nut and bolt ahead of the scheduled launch date, we’re left asking another important question: What will the crewmates be wearing on their wrists during this historic mission?
Fortunately, IWC Schaffhausen has provided the answer. The renowned luxury Swiss watchmaker has designed and donated four exclusive pieces of its Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn,” crafted in striking white ceramic with a space-blue dial.
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A fitting choice for such a pioneering mission, IWC Schaffhausen has gained a reputation for its highly engineered watch cases manufactured from advanced materials. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn” is no exception, with its 44.5-millimeter case made of white ceramic, and dark blue lacquered dials printed with countless stars and the mission logo. Each of the watches’ titanium case backs is engraved with the name of one of the four crew members, adding a personal touch to these extraordinary timepieces.
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The space-themed chronographs will accompany the crewmates throughout their unprecedented expedition, serving as a reminder of their remarkable journey. Upon their return to Earth, the watches will be auctioned at Christie’s New York, with all proceeds benefiting St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the leading institution for treating and curing childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The auction is not only a unique opportunity to own a piece of space history but also supports a noble cause that aims to make a difference.
Sign up for the auction here: iwc.com/polaris-dawn-auction
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