The reference IW329013 sits inside IWC's Aquatimer Automatic 42 line, a 42 mm stainless steel dive watch with 300 m water resistance, an automatic movement and IWC's SafeDive bezel. A fake IW329013 is any copy of that watch not made by IWC, and copies range from crude knockoffs to high grade first copy builds that look convincing in a photo. The tells that matter are the caseback engraving, the bezel and crown action, the dial printing, the weight, and the movement you can see through the back.
What does the genuine IW329013 look like?
IWC reference numbers work like this: IW3290 identifies the Aquatimer Automatic 42 platform, and the trailing digits mark the dial, bezel and strap combination. That means an IW329013 shares its case, movement and dimensions with every other watch in the family. Buyers should confirm the case size, lug width and strap system against IWC's own specification sheet rather than trusting the seller.
- Case: 42 mm stainless steel, roughly 14 mm thick, screw down crown
- Water resistance: 300 m, with the inner dive scale driven by the outer bezel
- Strap: IWC quick change system, so bracelets and rubber straps swap without tools
- Crystal: sapphire with anti reflective coating on both faces
How can you spot a fake IW329013?
Start with the parts that are expensive to copy well. A genuine caseback has crisp, deep engraving with consistent letter spacing, and the reference number matches the paperwork and the seller's listing.
- Caseback and engravings: shallow laser etching, fuzzy letters or a mismatched reference number are the most common failures.
- Bezel action: the SafeDive bezel should turn with firm, even clicks and move the inner scale in step. Loose or gritty rotation is a warning sign.
- Dial printing: check the brand text under 12, the depth rating, and the date window alignment at 3.
- Lume: genuine markers glow evenly and fade slowly. Cheap copies glow patchy and dim within minutes.
- Weight and feel: a steel dive watch should feel dense and slightly top heavy. Hollow, light cases usually mean a cheap build.
- Movement: open the back or ask for a movement photo. Generic movements with wrong rotor engraving give copies away fast.
What do first copy IW329013 watches get right?
Better first copy watches focus on what buyers see first: case shape, bezel insert, dial layout, hands and bracelet finish. Many use 316L or 904L stainless steel with sapphire crystal, so the look and the wrist presence feel close to the original. The gap normally shows up in the movement, the date change mechanism and long term serviceability.
Why do cheap fakes fail so quickly?
Low price copies cut costs in three places: the case, the crystal and the movement. Mineral glass scratches, plated finishes wear through, and unregulated movements drift by minutes a day. Water resistance claims on cheap copies are also unreliable, so swimming with one is a real risk.
What should you check before buying a first copy?
- Ask for real photos of the actual watch, not catalogue renders
- Request a close up of the caseback and the crown threads
- Confirm the movement type and whether it has been serviced
- Check the returns policy and the shipping method
- Compare the price with other sellers, since a very low price usually signals a lower grade
Are first copy watches legal to buy?
Rules vary by country, and in the United States importing a watch that copies a protected trademark can lead to seizure by customs. Selling a copy as an original is fraud in most jurisdictions, whatever the quality. Buyers should also know that an authorized dealer will not service a copy or supply parts for it.
FAQ
Is IW329013 a real IWC reference?
Yes. The number follows IWC's standard format and points to a configuration within the Aquatimer Automatic 42 family.
How much does a genuine IW329013 cost?
Genuine Aquatimer Automatic 42 watches sell in the low four figures on the secondary market, and fakes are usually priced well below that.
Can a watchmaker tell a first copy from the real thing?
Yes. A watchmaker who opens the case can identify the movement and the finishing within minutes.