IWC Schaffhausen has announced its involvement in the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission, slated for launch on 26th August 2024. The Swiss watchmaker has crafted and donated four special editions of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, tailored for the Polaris Dawn crew. These timepieces will journey to space before being auctioned at Christie’s New York to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, a leader in pediatric cancer treatment and research.
Polaris Dawn Mission Overview
The Polaris Dawn mission marks the first of three planned spaceflights under the Polaris Program, an initiative aimed at advancing human spaceflight capabilities. Departing from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission will involve a crew of four, including mission commander Jared “Rook” Isaacman, retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah “Cooper” Gillis and Anna “Walker” Menon. The team will conduct 38 scientific projects designed to enhance understanding of human health in space, contributing to the broader goal of preparing for future deep-space missions.
IWC Schaffhausen’s Contribution
IWC Schaffhausen has created the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn” (Ref. IW389111) to support this mission. Each of the four watches features a 44.5-millimeter case made from white ceramic and a space-blue dial adorned with star patterns and the mission’s logo. The titanium case backs are individually engraved with the names of the Polaris Dawn crew members, making each watch a unique piece of history. These timepieces will accompany the crew on their journey into orbit before being auctioned to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
Auction to Benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Upon their return to Earth, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn” watches will be auctioned at Christie’s in New York. The proceeds will support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, a Memphis-based institution that has been at the forefront of pediatric cancer research and treatment since its founding in 1962. St. Jude’s pioneering work has significantly improved survival rates for childhood cancer and continues to share its discoveries globally, ensuring that children everywhere receive better care.
About Polaris Dawn and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
The Polaris Dawn mission is part of a broader effort to test new technologies and conduct research critical to future human space exploration, including missions to the moon and Mars. This first mission aims to achieve the highest Earth orbit ever flown, perform the first commercial spacewalk, and test Starlink laser-based communications. Meanwhile, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital remains committed to its mission of finding cures for life-threatening diseases. Its work has transformed the landscape of pediatric care, pushing survival rates for childhood cancer from 20% to over 80%.
Conclusion
The collaboration between IWC Schaffhausen, the Polaris Dawn mission, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital exemplifies the intersection of cutting-edge technology, human exploration, and philanthropy. By creating these unique timepieces, IWC supports both the advancement of space exploration and the lifesaving work conducted by St. Jude. Those interested in participating in the auction or learning more about the Polaris Dawn mission can find additional information on the official websites of IWC Schaffhausen and the Polaris Program.
For further details and to stay informed about the upcoming auction, visit IWC Schaffhausen’s official website.
