Short answer

A replica IW329170 is a copy of the IWC Aquatimer Automatic, a 42 mm dive watch. Copies sell for $150 to $500. The price tracks three parts: the movement, the crystal, and the bezel. A $150 copy runs a 21,600 vph Chinese movement behind mineral glass. A $400 copy runs a 28,800 vph movement behind sapphire and clicks through 60 bezel positions with no back-play.

The last two digits of an IWC reference mark dial and strap codes. Confirm the variant from caseback photos before you pay. If a listing shows a case size other than 42 mm, treat the reference number as wrong.

What the genuine watch is

The Aquatimer is IWC's dive line. The 42 mm reference carries a steel case, a rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal. IWC lists 300 m (30 bar) of water resistance on Aquatimer Automatic 42 mm variants. The dial uses applied markers with Super-LumiNova fill.

Buyers pick this case size because 42 mm fits wrists from 6.5 to 7.5 inches. Copies aim at the same footprint.

Price tiers

  • $120 to $180: mineral crystal, DG2813 movement, stamped clasp, painted markers.
  • $200 to $320: sapphire crystal, Miyota 9015 or Seagull ST2130, solid end links, screw-down crown with tight threads.
  • $350 to $500: Swiss ETA 2824 or a top clone, anti-reflective coating inside the crystal, better lume, deeper caseback engraving.

Checks before you pay

  1. Movement rate. Ask for a timegrapher photo. Target range: -10 to +10 seconds per day, amplitude 250 to 310 degrees, beat error under 0.5 ms.
  2. Date alignment. The date sits centered in the window on a correct date wheel.
  3. Bezel. 60 clicks, no back-play, triangle lined up at 12.
  4. Crown. Threads catch in under one turn. No wobble when pushed in.
  5. Crystal. Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9. A steel file marks mineral glass and leaves sapphire alone.
  6. Lume. Charge the dial under a phone light for 30 seconds. Check in a dark room.
  7. Caseback. Look at engraving depth and font. Shallow laser etching is the common flaw.
  8. Bracelet. End links sit flush with the case. No rattle when you shake the watch.

Movement options

Miyota 9015: 28,800 vph, 42 hour power reserve. A watchmaker can source parts.

Seagull ST2130: ETA 2824 layout, 28,800 vph. Swiss parts fit the same bridges.

DG2813: 21,600 vph. The seconds hand stutters. Parts do not interchange with ETA.

ETA 2824-2: 28,800 vph, about 38 hours of reserve. A service runs $100 to $200 at an independent shop.

Water resistance

The genuine watch is rated to 300 m. A replica has no rating you can trust. Gaskets, case tube fit, and caseback torque change from batch to batch. ISO 22810 sets the classification standard, and a copy ships with no test certificate. Two options: keep it dry, or pay a watchmaker $30 to $60 for a pressure test at 3 bar.

Legal note

Counterfeit goods carry a trademarked logo. U.S. Customs can seize shipments at import. Resale of counterfeit goods is a separate offense. Check the rules in your country before you order.