Quick answer
A replica IW329045, the first copy version of the IWC Aquatimer Automatic 42, stands or falls on four points: case size and thickness, the internal rotating bezel, dial printing, and the movement inside. A solid first copy hits the 42 mm case, keeps the profile close to 14.5 mm, and moves the inner bezel with a firm, clicky action. A weak one sits too thick, sleeps on the wrist with a loose or gritty bezel, and shows soft or doubled text on the dial. Check those four points on video or in hand before you send money.
What the IW329045 reference is
The original is a stainless steel dive watch from IWC Schaffhausen with a 42 mm case, a black dial, applied markers with lume, and an internal bezel driven by the outer ring through the SafeDive system. IWC rates it to 30 bar, roughly 300 m, and fits it with the 30120 caliber family, a movement built on a Sellita base. The bracelet uses a quick-change system, so straps swap with a thumb press rather than a spring bar tool.
Before you shop
- Measure your wrist. A 42 mm diver with a thick case wears large on anything under about 6.75 in.
- Decide the dial and strap combo you want, since first copy sellers stock far fewer variants than the brand.
- Set a budget range and treat anything far below it as a warning, not a bargain.
- Read the seller return window before ordering, and confirm who pays return shipping.
- Check your country import rules for watches, since duty and seizure risk sit with the buyer.
How to evaluate a first copy IW329045
- Ask for the exact case measurement with calipers. The replica should read 42 mm across without the crown, and the lug to lug span should stay near 50 mm.
- Request a side profile photo next to a ruler. Thickness should land near 14.5 mm. Anything past 16 mm means a thick movement spacer and a clunky fit under a cuff.
- Have the seller rotate the inner bezel on video. It should turn with a ratchet feel, hold position, and line the triangle up with 12 o'clock cleanly.
- Zoom in on the dial text and the date window. Look for crisp serif lettering, even spacing, and a date that sits centered in the aperture.
- Check the lume. Ask for a dark room shot after a flashlight charge. Markers and hands should glow evenly rather than in patches.
- Inspect the crown action. Winding should feel smooth, and the crown should screw down without cross threading.
- Ask which movement is fitted. Common options are a Seiko NH35, a Miyota 9015, or a Sellita clone. Ask for a timegrapher reading if the seller has one.
- Confirm the bracelet or strap hardware. The quick-change ends should seat without play, and the clasp should close with a solid snap.
- Test water resistance before you trust it. A jeweler pressure test is cheap. Never swim with a first copy until it passes.
- Keep the payment traceable and the chat history saved in case you need to open a dispute.
Red flags
- Seller refuses a bezel video or sends stock photos only.
- Case listed as 44 mm or larger, which points to a generic diver body.
- Printed text that looks painted on rather than applied.
- Price far under the market for the movement claimed.
- No stated return address or a policy that voids returns after unwrapping.
Care and expectations
Treat a first copy IW329045 as a fashion piece with a mechanical heart, not as a dive instrument. Service it every few years, keep it away from hot showers and salt water, and store it on a soft surface. Accuracy within about 15 seconds a day is normal for the movements used at this tier.