Short Answer

IW329064 is an IWC reference in the Aquatimer Automatic 42 line. A replica IW329064 is a Chinese-made copy of that dive watch. It copies the 42 mm case shape, the dial layout, and the crown position. It does not use an IWC movement, IWC steel, or IWC quality control. Prices run from about $90 to $700, based on movement and case finish. As of this writing, IW329064 does not appear in IWC's online catalog, so confirm the exact variant before you compare a copy.

What the Genuine Reference Carries

The IW3290 prefix covers the Aquatimer Automatic 42. IWC launched the current case shape in 2014. Core specs for the family:

  • Case: 42 mm diameter, stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 300 m
  • Caliber: IWC 30120, based on a Sellita SW300-1
  • Power reserve: about 42 hours
  • Frequency: 28,800 vph, 25 jewels
  • Bezel: inner 60-minute dive scale
  • Strap: rubber or steel bracelet

Dial colors, hands, and edition text change between references in the range. The case code is what separates one IW3290 number from another.

Where Copies Differ

Three points decide replica quality.

  1. Movement. Most copies use an Asian clone of the ETA 2824-2, sold as the Sea-Gull ST2130 or the Hangzhou 6300. Both run at 28,800 vph with roughly 38 hours of reserve. A real ETA 2824-2 carries ETA stamping on the rotor and bridges. Many listings call the clone a Swiss ETA.
  2. Case and bezel. The Aquatimer bezel is the hard part. Genuine watches link the outer bezel to the inner dive scale. Copies in most cases drive one ring and leave the other fixed. Water resistance claims above 50 m are unverified.
  3. Finish. Brushed and polished surfaces, end link fit, and dial printing separate the $200 tier from the $600 tier.

Price Tiers

  1. $90 to $180. Quartz or low-grade automatic. Mineral glass. Printed dial. Plated case.
  2. $200 to $380. Asian 2824 clone. Sapphire crystal. 316L steel. Rubber strap.
  3. $400 to $700. Decorated movement. 904L steel claims. Inner anti-reflective coating. Bracelet with solid end links.

Inspection Checklist

  • Measure the case. Genuine is 42 mm across, crowns excluded.
  • Check lug width and bracelet fit. Gaps and rattle point to a low tier.
  • Wind the movement. A 2824 clone should start within two turns.
  • Set the date near 9 p.m. and watch for a slow or partial flip.
  • Pressure test before any water contact. Replicas in this class fail between 30 m and 50 m.
  • Ask for a movement photo. Check jewel count, rotor engraving, and ETA stamping.

Service and Value

IWC will not service or authenticate a replica. Independent watchmakers charge $80 to $150 for a clean and regulate on a 2824 clone. Parts for the clone are common. Parts for the case, bezel, and dial are not. A broken bezel spring or a stripped crown tube ends the watch in most cases. Resale value is close to zero.

Legal Note

Counterfeit watches are illegal to import into the United States. 19 U.S.C. § 1526 lets U.S. Customs and Border Protection seize and destroy shipments. The importer can face a civil penalty per item. Selling a watch with a counterfeit IWC trademark is infringement under the Lanham Act. A single watch for personal use carries lower risk, but CBP can still seize the package.