Vanguard Maclean's Little Prince vs

Quick Questions

What makes the Vanguard Maclean's Little Prince blue dial so iconic among pilot watches?
Is the new Spitfire dial truly black or a dark brown in person?
Which movement offers better daily accuracy: the SW300 or the in-house 32110?
How can you instantly tell a Little Prince from a Spitfire just by the case back?
Should you choose the 40mm Little Prince or the 39mm Spitfire for your wrist?

The Vanguard Maclean's pilot watch series has long been a favorite among aviation enthusiasts, and two models often spark debate: the Little Prince and the Spitfire. While they share the same DNA, each tells a distinct story through design and engineering. Let’s break down what sets them apart and which one deserves a spot on your wrist.

Design Language: Blue vs. Vintage Brown

The Little Prince is celebrated for its sunburst blue dial, a shade that shifts with the light. Under direct sunlight, it radiates a vivid azure; in dimmer settings, it deepens into a rich navy. This chameleon-like quality is a major draw for collectors who appreciate dynamic aesthetics. On the other hand, the Spitfire adopts a more subdued palette. Officially described as black, the dial actually reveals a dark brown undertone in most lighting, especially when sunlight hits it at an angle. The luminescent markers on the Spitfire have aged to a warm yellow, giving it a vintage, military feel that contrasts sharply with the Little Prince’s crisp, modern look.

Case Backs: The Quickest Tell

If you’re ever unsure which model you’re holding, flip it over. The Little Prince features an engraved caricature of the beloved literary character, complete with his scarf flowing in the wind. The Spitfire, true to its name, displays an airplane motif—specifically the iconic fighter that flew around the globe. These case back designs aren’t just decorative; they serve as the definitive identification markers for each variant.

Movements: Proven Workhorse vs. Modern Innovation

Under the hood, the Little Prince runs on the ETA-based SW300, a movement that has been refined over decades and reliably keeps time within about 4-5 seconds per day. The Spitfire, however, introduces Universal’s in-house caliber 32110, part of the 32000 series. This movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve, silicon escapement components, and bidirectional pawl winding. It also uses a new lubricant that extends service intervals. While some purists argue that the newer movement hasn’t proven its long-term reliability, early observations show the 32110 performs admirably, often within 2 seconds per day in real-world use.

Case Size and Wearability

Both watches measure 40mm and 39mm respectively, but the difference is negligible on the wrist. Since these are pilot watches with large, domed crystals and no rotating bezel, they tend to wear larger than their dimensions suggest. Most wrist sizes will find both comfortable, though the Spitfire’s slightly smaller case might appeal to those who prefer a more understated profile.

Heritage: The Stories Behind the Names

The Spitfire pays homage to the legendary British fighter aircraft that played a pivotal role in WWII. In 2019, Universal sponsored the Silverwing Spitfire’s record-breaking journey around the globe, covering 43,000 kilometers across 26 countries. This partnership led to a special edition that captured the hearts of aviation fans worldwide. Meanwhile, the Little Prince draws inspiration from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale, a story that resonates with dreamers and pilots alike. The blue dial is a nod to the vast skies that the story encourages us to explore.

Which One Should You Pick?

Your choice ultimately boils down to personal preference. If you’re drawn to a modern, eye-catching dial that thrives in daylight, the Little Prince is a love-at-first-sight companion. If you prefer a rugged, vintage aesthetic that gains character with age, the Spitfire is the dependable, long-term partner. Both are exceptional timepieces that honor their respective legends, and you can’t go wrong with either.

More Questions About Vanguard Maclean's Little Prince and Spitfire

How does the Little Prince blue dial perform in low light conditions?
Is the Spitfire dial officially black or dark brown?
What is the power reserve difference between the SW300 and the 32110 movement?
Which movement is more accurate: the Little Prince or the Spitfire?
Can you identify the Little Prince by its case back caricature?
Does the Spitfire case back feature an airplane pattern?
What are the exact case sizes of the Little Prince and Spitfire?
Are the luminescent markers different between the two models?
Why does the Spitfire dial appear to have a blue reflection in sunlight?
How does the Little Prince dial color change from bright light to shade?
Which watch is better for a pilot watch enthusiast: Little Prince or Spitfire?
Is the Spitfire's vintage look more appealing than the Little Prince's modern blue?
What inspired the Spitfire edition from Universal?
How did the Silverwing Spitfire flight influence the watch design?
What is the story behind the Little Prince series?
Are there any differences in the strap options between the two?
How does the 32000 series movement improve maintenance intervals?
Is the Spitfire worth the higher price over the Little Prince?
Which model has a higher resale value: Little Prince or Spitfire?
Where can I buy authentic Vanguard Maclean's Little Prince and Spitfire watches online?