A replica IW93879 is a first copy of the IWC watch that sellers list under that code. Most listings describe a stainless steel automatic with a sapphire crystal, a copied IWC dial, and a third-party movement. The code belongs to the seller, not to IWC, so the model behind it changes from shop to shop.
Where does the code IW93879 come from?
IWC writes its references as "IW" plus six digits, such as IW371446 or IW503001. A five-digit string like IW93879 does not fit that pattern, which points to a shop SKU or an internal factory code. Some sellers keep the "IW" letters to make a listing look official.
Ask any seller to name the IWC line and the real reference behind the code. Someone who can point to a Portugieser, Pilot's Watch, Portofino, Aquatimer or Ingenieur model, and name the factory that built the copy, gives you something to verify.
What does a first copy IW93879 include?
First copy sits in the middle of the replica market. It is above the quartz watches sold in tourist markets, and below high-tier builds that clone a movement part for part. Expect these parts on a typical unit:
- Case: 316L stainless steel, polished bezel, brushed lugs
- Crystal: sapphire on better builds, mineral glass on cheaper ones
- Dial: applied markers, printed logo, working date window on most models
- Movement: Japanese or Chinese automatic, quartz on the lowest tier
- Strap: solid-link steel bracelet or leather with a signed clasp
How do replica tiers compare?
Entry tier
Quartz movement, mineral glass, plated alloy case, flat dial print. The second hand ticks once a second. Case back engraving is shallow and the crown often feels loose.
First copy tier
Automatic movement, 316L steel, sapphire or hardened mineral crystal, applied markers, signed case back. Weight and finishing land close to the original at arm's length.
High tier or super clone
A cloned movement built around the original layout, 904L steel as an option, sharper dial print, correct crown and pusher shapes. This tier costs several times what a first copy does.
How do you check a replica IW93879 before paying?
- Ask for the IWC model name and the six-digit reference it copies.
- Request photos of the actual watch, not catalog images, with a timestamp.
- Confirm the case size in millimeters and match it to the original spec on IWC's site.
- Ask which movement is inside and whether service parts exist for it.
- Study macro shots of the dial: thick fonts, crooked markers and wobbly lume plots are common faults.
- Ask about the crystal material and whether it carries anti-reflective coating.
- Ask for the weight in grams. A light watch points to an alloy case.
- Read the return policy and the shipping method before you send money.
What movement sits inside a replica IW93879?
Most first copy watches run on a Japanese Miyota or a Chinese automatic such as a Seagull or Hangzhou calibre. These keep time within a few seconds a day once regulated, and they wind from wrist motion. Cheap versions use quartz, which holds near-exact time but moves in one-second steps.
A chronograph model adds a module on top of the base movement, and that module is the part that fails first. Ask whether the chronograph resets to zero, and treat gritty pushers as a warning sign.
What drives the price?
Three things move the price: the movement, the case steel, and the finishing hours. A quartz watch with a plated case sells for under $100. A first copy with a Japanese automatic and 316L steel sits in the low hundreds. A super clone with a copied movement and 904L steel runs past $300.
Sellers who quote one number without a breakdown are guessing. Ask for the movement name and the steel grade in writing, then compare that with what other shops list for the same build.
Is buying a replica IW93879 legal in the US?
Counterfeit watches are illegal to import into the United States, and Customs can seize a shipment. Selling a watch with a copied IWC logo counts as trademark infringement under US law. Buying one for personal use carries less risk than selling, but a seized parcel means you lose the money.
Payment processors can also freeze or reverse a transaction tied to counterfeit goods. Keep your order records and read the shop's terms before you buy.
FAQ
How much does a replica IW93879 cost?
Most first copy listings land between $120 and $250 depending on the movement and the steel. Quartz versions cost less, and super clone builds cost more.
Does a replica IW93879 keep good time?
An automatic version holds within a few seconds a day after regulation. Quartz versions are more accurate day to day but do not have a sweeping second hand.
How long does a first copy IWC last?
Several years with normal wear, though a service or a movement swap is common along the way. Water resistance is the weak point on most builds, so keep the watch away from swimming and showers.
Can I tell a replica IW93879 from the real watch?
Yes, with close inspection. Check the dial print under magnification, the crown engraving, the case back text and the sweep of the second hand. A watchmaker can open the case and identify the movement in a minute.
Which IWC model is closest to IW93879?
The code does not map to an IWC reference, so compare the listing photos with the current IWC catalog. Match the case size, the dial layout and the crown position, then search that reference on a resale site.