Answer
A replica IWC mechanical watch is a counterfeit case and dial fitted with a mechanical movement. The movement is either an Asian clone of an ETA caliber or a copy of an IWC in-house caliber. Most run at 28,800 vibrations per hour and hold 38 to 44 hours of power reserve. Prices run from about $60 for a basic three-hand model to $400 or more for a chronograph with a cloned IWC caliber.
Movement types
Three movement families cover most replica IWC watches.
- Asian 2824-2. A copy of the ETA 2824-2. 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, 38 hour reserve. Fits Mark XVIII, Portofino and Ingenieur replicas.
- Asian 7750. A copy of the Valjoux 7750 chronograph. 28,800 vph, 44 hour reserve. Used in Portuguese Chrono and Pilot Chrono replicas. Rotor noise is loud on cheap versions.
- Clone IWC calibers. Copies of the 69370, 89361 and 52850. These add a working power reserve indicator or an annual calendar, but they cost more and need service.
Common models and case sizes
IWC publishes the original dimensions. Replica builders copy them.
- Portuguese Chrono: 41 mm wide, 13.5 mm thick.
- Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII: 40 mm wide, 11 mm thick.
- Big Pilot: 46.2 mm wide, 15.4 mm thick.
- Portofino Automatic: 40 mm wide, 9.5 mm thick.
Cases are 316L stainless steel. Some Big Pilot replicas use titanium. Crystals are sapphire with anti-reflective coating on one or both faces. Case backs are solid on models that hide the movement and open on models with decorated rotors.
What to check before buying
- Beat rate. A timegrapher reading should show 28,800 vph. A 21,600 vph reading means a lower grade movement.
- Accuracy. Plus or minus 15 seconds per day is a normal range for an unregulated clone.
- Date alignment. The date should sit centered in the window. An off-center date points to a mismatched dial and movement.
- Hand stack. Hour, minute and second hands should sit parallel and clear of each other.
- Water resistance. Most replicas have gaskets that were never pressure tested. Keep them out of pools and showers.
Price tiers
Entry replicas cost $60 to $120. They use undecorated movements and mineral glass. Mid tier replicas cost $150 to $300. They add sapphire, AR coating and a 316L case. High tier replicas cost $350 and up. They use clone IWC calibers, closer dial fonts and closer case profiles.
Legal status in the United States
Replica watches are counterfeits. U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit goods at import. The Trademark Counterfeiting Act allows criminal penalties for trafficking. Buyers face seizure of the shipment and get no refund from the seller.