IWC - UTC TZC Spitfire Automatic 39mm - IW3251 - Men - 1998

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Pasquale Picca
Expert
Selected by Pasquale Picca

Expert and certified watch technician with over 15 years of experience, author and founder of CHLB

Estimate  € 3,100 - € 3,500
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IWC UTC TZC Spitfire Automatic 39mm, reference IW3251, a men’s steel pilot watch from 1998 with a black dial, automatic movement, 39 mm case, 180–200 mm band, never-polished case with original factory brushing, shipped with an IWC Leather Travel case.

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Description from the seller

Offered here is an exceptional IWC Pilot’s Watch UTC Ref. IW3251, one of the most charismatic and increasingly collectible pilot watches of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
This example embodies everything that makes the reference so sought after: complete originality, untouched case geometry, and the honest character that serious collectors value above all else

The IW3251 is not just another pilot watch—it is one of the purest expressions of IWC’s modern aviation heritage. The bold matte black dial, oversized luminous numerals, and the distinctive arched UTC display at 12 o’clock create a design that is both highly functional and instantly recognizable.

What elevates this watch is its untouched, never-polished case. The original factory brushing remains visible, and the lugs preserve their sharp, correct proportions. In today’s market, truly unpolished examples have become increasingly difficult to find and command a significant premium among discerning collectors.
The watch shows only the honest signs of careful use expected from an original piece of this age—exactly the kind of authenticity that experienced buyers look for

Goes with original IWC Leather Travel case

Offered here is an exceptional IWC Pilot’s Watch UTC Ref. IW3251, one of the most charismatic and increasingly collectible pilot watches of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
This example embodies everything that makes the reference so sought after: complete originality, untouched case geometry, and the honest character that serious collectors value above all else

The IW3251 is not just another pilot watch—it is one of the purest expressions of IWC’s modern aviation heritage. The bold matte black dial, oversized luminous numerals, and the distinctive arched UTC display at 12 o’clock create a design that is both highly functional and instantly recognizable.

What elevates this watch is its untouched, never-polished case. The original factory brushing remains visible, and the lugs preserve their sharp, correct proportions. In today’s market, truly unpolished examples have become increasingly difficult to find and command a significant premium among discerning collectors.
The watch shows only the honest signs of careful use expected from an original piece of this age—exactly the kind of authenticity that experienced buyers look for

Goes with original IWC Leather Travel case

Details

Brand
IWC
Gender
Men
Model
UTC TZC Spitfire Automatic 39mm
Reference number
IW3251
Band material
Textile
Shipped insured
Yes
Band length
Regular (180–200 mm)
Period
1990-1999
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Automatic
Dial colour
Black
Case material
Steel
Original box included
No
Original papers included
No
Original warranty included
No
Case diameter
39 mm
Condition
Good - visible signs of wear
Year
1998
BelgiumVerified
181
Objects sold
Private

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