Tracing their impact on airborne wristwatches as far back as WWII, IWC has evolved into the watchmaker best-known for legible timepieces designed with the practicalities of being a pilot in mind, and this IW3251-002 is no different. Launched in 1998 and produced until 2005, this 39mm beauty retains the wearability of a civilian-sized watch, but with approach of a pilot’s watch, as evidenced by its black dial’s design. While GMT watches are rare from IWC, the ref. 3251 places its second time-zone within its very own dedicated aperture at 12 o’clock that ensures its three local-time hands are undisturbed by a fourth GMT hand as is often used as a solution for GMT timepieces by other watchmakers. Made of stainless steel and offered on a stainless steel bracelet, a rarity for IWC, this timepiece blends the subtle sophistication that they are capable of delivering with the rugged construction required for a true tool watch. Featuring bright tritium-powered luminous Arabic hour markers, as denoted by the “T T” that surrounds its “SWISS MADE” at 6 o’clock, and clearly visible chapter ring, the ref. 3251 champions legibility and clarity above all else, which makes its compact and wearable execution all the more impressive and enjoyable on the wrist, particularly when paired with a stainless steel bracelet.

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case exhibits some wear, including some small marks and scratches visible along the case, bezel and bracelet. Tritium dial in near-mint condition with matching hands. Bracelet has 19 links fitted with an additional 5 included on the side.

Merging comfortable wearability with practical utility, the ref. 3251 reveals that a pilot's watch doesn't have to be huge to offer its wearer a host of useful functions like a legible display, a second timezone, a date window and automatic winding.