IWC Pilot’s Watch UTC automatic 39 mm Full Set 2001

The Story

In 1998, IWC expanded its renowned Pilot’s Watch collection with a singular novelty: the Pilot’s Watch UTC, the brand’s first timepiece to feature Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). Adopted in 1972 as the international standard replacing GMT, this time reference became essential for aviators and frequent travelers.

Behind its understated pilot’s watch appearance, the UTC conceals refined engineering. Thanks to a caliber specially developed by IWC from the ETA 2892 base, the timepiece allows independent adjustment of local time and reference time, while also automatically managing the bidirectional date when crossing the International Date Line (IDL). A technical feat at the end of the 1990s, it offered a true tool watch for contemporary pilots and explorers.

Visually, the watch remains faithful to the classic codes of IWC Pilot’s Watches: matte black dial, large Arabic numerals, luminous triangle at 12 o’clock, and sword hands, all designed for maximum legibility. The arched aperture at 12 o’clock, dedicated to the UTC display, instantly became the signature of this model.

The reference IW325102 embodies this pioneering spirit: an elegant and discreet timepiece, yet equipped with a rare and ingenious function that continues to attract collectors seeking authenticity.

The Model

The Pilot’s Watch UTC ref. IW325102 stands out with its 39 mm stainless steel case and 12 mm thickness, boasting classic, comfortable proportions. Entirely brushed, it asserts the utilitarian and robust character of IWC’s pilot’s watches, designed to accompany aviators in all conditions.

The matte black dial remains true to the brand’s visual language: bold white Arabic numerals, luminous triangle at 12 o’clock, and sword hands coated with Super-LumiNova. At 12 o’clock sits the arched UTC display, signature of this reference, indicating the reference time over 24 hours. The layout is completed by the “TZC” (Time Zone Corrector) inscription at 6 o’clock, a nod to the ingenious time zone correction mechanism.

The example offered here is fitted with a 5-link stainless steel bracelet of irresistible neo-vintage charm. At the time, IWC mastered the art of crafting such sophisticated bracelets, combining comfort and refinement. It is secured by a push-button folding clasp, the inside of which reveals a refined perlage finish — proof of the brand’s attention to detail down to the smallest element.

Designed for travel, the watch allows independent adjustment of the hour hand in one-hour increments, without interrupting the running seconds, while the date automatically advances or reverses depending on the direction of adjustment — a rare and forward-thinking feature at the end of the 1990s.

Finally, true to its status as a professional instrument, the UTC features a soft-iron inner cage for anti-magnetic protection and a sapphire crystal secured against decompression, ensuring reliability and robustness under all circumstances.

The Caliber

The Pilot’s Watch UTC ref. IW325102 is powered by the IWC caliber 37526, an automatic movement derived from the ETA 2892-A2 base but extensively modified by the engineers in Schaffhausen.

Its operation is both intuitive and ingenious:

• Crown pulled to the second position → sets the reference time, adjusting the 24-hour disc visible through the arched window at 12 o’clock as well as the hour/minute hands. This is used to define “home time” before departure.
• Crown in the first position → activates the Time Zone Corrector (TZC): the central hour hand can be moved in one-hour jumps, forward or backward, while the seconds hand continues running. This allows instant adjustment to local time upon arrival without disrupting the overall timekeeping.

This system is complemented by a bidirectional date mechanism, developed by IWC through a complex series of gears.

Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.

With this caliber, IWC offered in 1998 a true traveler’s tool watch, capable of managing local time, reference time, and date simultaneously with a level of user-friendliness that was rare at the time.

The Package

This IWC Pilot’s Watch UTC ref. IW325102, dated 2001, is offered Full Set, accompanied by its original box, manual, and warranty card.

In June 2025, it underwent a complete service at IWC, including a full overhaul of the movement, restoration of its water resistance, and satin finishing of the bezel to restore its original luster.

It is now covered by a 2-year IWC warranty, offering peace of mind and confidence to its future owner.