Answer first
A replica IW329173 is a copy of an IWC reference in the IW3291 block. Public listings place that block in the Aquatimer Automatic 42 line: a 42 mm steel dive watch with an internal rotating bezel, sapphire crystal, and a screw down crown. Replica quality runs from $90 builds with stamped dials to $600 builds with Swiss supplied movements. Two parts decide the result: the movement and the case finishing. Neither one shows in a seller's stock photo.
One caution. IWC codes carry a case number plus a two digit variant number for dial, strap, and finish. Confirm the IW329173 configuration with IWC or an authorized dealer before you buy. Seller listings copy codes with errors, and a wrong code means a wrong dial color.
Case and dial points
- Bezel alignment at 12 o'clock. A 0.5 mm offset is visible at arm's length.
- Lume fill: even depth, no overflow onto the dial, no yellow tint on a new watch.
- Printing: indices at equal radius, sharp edges on the IWC wordmark, no ink spread.
- Crown threads: smooth engagement. Grit points to a soft steel tube.
- Caseback engraving depth, and serial and reference numbers that match between caseback and card.
- Weight: a 42 mm steel watch on a bracelet sits near 150 to 180 g. A 110 g watch has a hollow case.
Movement tiers
- Under $120: unbranded 2813 grade, no hacking, slow date change, 21,600 vph.
- $150 to $300: Miyota 9015 or Seiko NH35 in a steel case. Reliable, and parts are easy to source.
- $300 to $600: Asian 2824 or 2892 clone, decorated rotor, 28,800 vph. A service often costs more than the watch.
- Above $600: Sellita SW200 or a rebuilt ETA, better finishing, and a written warranty from some sellers.
Checks before paying
- Ask for dated photos of the unit you will receive, not catalog images.
- Ask for a short video of the seconds hand and the date flip.
- Confirm case diameter and lug width in writing.
- Confirm the return address and the return window.
- Pay by a method with a dispute process.
On arrival
- Time the rate over 24 hours. More than 15 seconds a day calls for adjustment.
- Check the date change between 22:00 and 02:00.
- Wind 40 turns and listen for rotor rub.
- Do not swim with it. Water resistance claims on replicas do not carry a test record, and a failed seal ruins the movement.
Legal position in the US
Importing counterfeit goods is illegal. Customs and Border Protection seizes such shipments at US ports, and a seizure means the money is gone with no refund from the carrier. Selling replicas as genuine watches carries criminal exposure under federal law.
What is unknown
IWC does not publish a public spec sheet for every variant code. Confirm dial color, strap type, and case finish for IW329173 with the brand before you compare seller photos.