Fake IWC 1002 watches imitate a vintage Pellaton-wound automatic movement and the mid-century cases built around it. Caliber 1002 was made by IWC from 1955 into the 1960s and powered the Ingenieur reference 666 family plus several gold dress automatics. Replicas target it because originals are scarce, expensive, and simple enough in dial design to copy from photos.
What Is the IWC Caliber 1002?
The 1002 is a self-winding movement that uses the Pellaton ratchet system, a cam-and-pawl design that winds the mainspring in both directions of the rotor swing. Factory specifications list 21 jewels, roughly 18,000 vibrations per hour, and about a 44 hour power reserve. IWC finished it with Geneva striping, blued screws, and Probus Scafusia markings.
Which IWC Models Used Caliber 1002?
The best known host is the Ingenieur reference 666, sold from 1955 and later offered as the 666A and date-equipped 666AD. Those cases measure about 36 mm, use a soft iron inner shield for antimagnetism, and close with a screw-down caseback. Several gold-cased IWC automatics of the same period also carried the 1002.
How Can You Tell a Fake IWC 1002 From a Genuine One?
Movement beat rate
A genuine 1002 runs at 18,000 vibrations per hour, which is five beats per second. Most replicas use a modern Miyota or ETA-style clone running at 21,600 or 28,800 vibrations per hour. A timegrapher reading of eight ticks per second instead of five is the quickest tell.
Winding system and rotor
The real movement winds through an eccenter with two pawls, not a ball-bearing oscillating weight. Replica rotors show shallow laser etching where originals carry deep engraving with crisp serif lettering. Jewel count and plate finish are usually wrong on close inspection.
Case and dial
Genuine 666 cases sit near 36 mm with sharp bevels and a thin profile, while replica cases often run 38 to 40 mm and feel heavy on the wrist. Original dial text is thin and precise, whereas copies show thick lettering, uneven spacing, and lume plots that sit off-center. Stamped caseback references and the fish hallmark are pressed into the metal on genuine watches, not printed.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Replica IWC 1002?
- Ask for a timegrapher photo showing beat rate, amplitude, and rate deviation.
- Request movement photos that include the rotor underside and balance assembly.
- Confirm case diameter, lug width, and thickness against the 36 mm specification.
- Compare dial font, hand length, and lume color against auction archive photos.
- Verify the return window and whether the seller services the movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IWC 1002 the same as the Ingenieur?
No. Caliber 1002 is the movement, while the Ingenieur is the watch model that used it most famously.
How much does a fake IWC 1002 cost?
Replica pricing typically ranges from about $200 for basic builds to $600 or more for versions fitted with a Swiss-made movement. Genuine examples sell at auction for several thousand dollars.
Does a replica IWC 1002 hold value?
No. Replicas resell for a fraction of their purchase price, and auction houses and IWC service centers will not authenticate or service them.