What Is a Replica IW328013?
A replica IW328013 is a copy of the IWC pilot's watch sold under that reference number, built to match the genuine model in case size, dial layout, and overall shape. Most copies run a generic automatic movement behind a steel case with a date window at 3 o'clock. Prices run from about $150 to $600, set by movement type, dial printing, and case finishing.
The reference sits in IWC's pilot's watch family, a line built around legible black dials, white printed numerals, and slim steel cases. Replica makers focus on the outside of the watch because that is the part buyers see. The movement is the one area where a copy never matches the original.
The Genuine IW328013 at a Glance
The original is a three-hand pilot's watch with an automatic caliber, a date window at 3 o'clock, and a stainless steel case. It follows the design rules IWC has used on pilot's watches for decades: high contrast dial, big printed numerals, and a clean bezel. Copies chase that look and get close on the dial, less close on the movement.
Case and Size
The case is stainless steel with a brushed top and a narrow bezel that leaves most of the dial visible. Lug width sits at 20mm, which matters because a copy with odd lugs will not take standard straps. Diameter lands in the 40mm range, so it wears like a classic pilot's watch and not like a thick dive watch.
Dial and Hands
The dial is matte black with white luminous numerals and baton hands. A date window sits at 3 o'clock, and the brand logo is printed under 12. Replica makers handle this layout well because it is simple, so flaws show up in small places: font weight, date wheel font, and the way lume fills the numerals.
Movement
The genuine watch uses an in-house IWC automatic caliber with a long power reserve. No replica carries that movement, and no seller can source one. Copies use Swiss or Asian automatics that keep the same hand stack and date position.
Replica Grades and What They Cost
Listings for a replica IW328013 fall into three broad tiers. The tier decides how the watch looks from arm's length and how it holds up after a year of daily wear.
- Budget ($80 to $150): plated case, mineral glass, loud rotor, printed dial with soft edges.
- Mid tier ($180 to $300): 316L steel, sapphire crystal, cleaner dial printing, Asian automatic. This is where value sits for most buyers.
- Super clone ($350 to $600): near-genuine dimensions, sapphire with anti-reflective coating, engraved caseback, decorated movement, better strap or bracelet.
What Movement Sits Inside a Replica IW328013?
Sellers name three movements in most listings, and that name drives the price. None of them is the caliber found in the genuine watch.
- Asian 2892 clone: thin, cheap, keeps good time once regulated. Common in mid-tier builds.
- Swiss ETA 2892-A2: smoother winding, better parts support, adds $150 or more to the price.
- Miyota 9015: reliable Japanese movement, used when a maker cannot source a 2892 pattern.
A decorated rotor and fake Geneva stripes look good in photos and do nothing for accuracy. Ask for a timegrapher image if rate and beat error matter to you.
How to Check Quality Before You Buy
- Ask for dial photos taken straight on, not at an angle. Angled shots hide printing flaws.
- Study the date window. The number should sit centered and match the dial font.
- Check the crystal for a blue or purple tint, which means no anti-reflective coating.
- Request a caseback photo. Engraving depth and font quality separate the tiers.
- Confirm lug width and strap type, so a standard 20mm strap will fit.
- Ask for a timegrapher reading and a short video of the seconds hand sweep.
Common Flaws to Expect
Every replica has weak points, and this style has a short list. Knowing them ahead of time keeps you from paying super clone money for a mid-tier watch.
- Date font that is too fat or too thin next to the dial numerals.
- Logo print that sits a touch high or low under 12.
- Crown that is larger than the genuine part and stands proud of the case.
- Lume that glows the wrong tone or fades within an hour.
- Caseback engraving that looks laser etched rather than stamped deep.
Strap and Bracelet Options
A replica IW328013 usually ships on a leather strap, and that is the easiest part to upgrade. A 20mm calf or alligator strap from a third party costs $30 to $120 and changes the look more than any other part of the watch.
Steel bracelet versions add weight and cost. Check that the end links sit flush against the case with no gap, since that is a common weak point on copies. Quick-release spring bars make strap swaps easy, but they also loosen over time.
What a Super Clone Can and Cannot Do
A good super clone passes the handshake test. It looks right on the wrist, the weight feels close, and the dial reads like the real thing from a few feet away. It will not fool a watchmaker with a loupe, who spots movement finish, caseback threads, and crystal edges in under a minute.
Water resistance is the other gap. Most replicas leave the factory with seals that were never pressure tested. Treat every copy as splash resistant at best unless a watchmaker has tested it and serviced the gaskets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a replica IW328013 waterproof?
No. Factory sealing on replicas is inconsistent, and pressure testing happens on very few of them. Swimming with a copy risks water in the movement, which means a dead watch.
How long does a replica automatic last?
A mid-tier Asian automatic often runs three to five years before it needs service or replacement. A Swiss ETA lasts longer and is easier for a local watchmaker to repair.
Can a jeweler tell it is a replica?
Yes, with the watch in hand. Case finishing, movement finish, and caseback engraving give it away. A loupe check is enough for most professionals.
Does a replica IW328013 take genuine IWC straps?
If the lugs measure 20mm and the spring bars sit in the right spot, standard straps fit. Genuine IWC straps cost more than most replicas, so most buyers use aftermarket leather instead.
Bottom Line
A replica IW328013 buys the look of an IWC pilot's watch for a fraction of the price, and the mid tier is where the value sits. Check the date font, the dial printing, and the movement before you pay. Ignore waterproof claims and treat the watch as a fashion piece, not a tool watch.