Short Answer
A replica IW329064 is only worth the money when three things line up: the case measures the same as the genuine reference, the movement is a known caliber you can service, and the seller will document both before payment. Ask for caliper photos of the case, a clear shot of the movement or caseback, and a written return window. If any of those is missing, walk away, no matter how good the photos look.
What the Replica Has to Match
Start with the published specification for the reference, then compare it line by line to what the seller is offering. Case diameter and thickness matter most, because a replica that is 1.5 mm thicker than the original wears differently on the wrist and is the first thing anyone notices in person. Dial printing weight, index alignment, hand length, and date wheel font are the next checks. Photographs taken straight on hide depth problems, so request angled macro shots.
Finishing is where replicas separate into tiers. Look at the brushing direction on the case flanks, the polish on the bezel edge, and the fit of the end links against the lugs. Gaps at the lugs and a clasp that does not sit flush are common on budget builds.
Vetting Steps Before You Pay
- Pull the official specification for the IW329064 and write down case diameter, thickness, lug width, crystal type, and water resistance rating.
- Request caliper photos of the case diameter and thickness from the seller, with the tool visible in the frame.
- Ask which movement is installed and request a photo of the movement or an engraving shot of the caseback.
- Request angled macro photos of the dial, the date window, and the crown side of the case.
- Ask whether the watch was pressure tested and what rating the seller claims, then treat any claim above 50 m as unverified until you have it tested yourself.
- Confirm bracelet or strap details: end link fit, clasp engraving, and whether spare links are included.
- Get the return window, restocking terms, and payment method in writing in the order thread.
- Pay with a method that offers dispute resolution, and keep the listing screenshots.
Movement Options You Will See
Most replicas of this reference ship with one of three movement families: a low-cost Asian automatic, an Asian clone of a Swiss automatic, or a decorated movement built to look closer to the original from the back. The first is cheap to replace, the second can be serviced by most watchmakers, and the third often uses the same base as the second with cosmetic plates added. Ask for the movement name, not the marketing description. A seller who cannot name the caliber is reselling, not building.
Price Bands and What They Buy
- Under $100: usually quartz or a rough automatic, weak finishing, gaskets of unknown quality.
- $150 to $300: Asian automatic, acceptable dial printing, basic bracelet.
- $350 to $600: better case finishing, clone Swiss automatic, closer dial and hand geometry.
- Above $600: diminishing returns; at that level, confirm the movement and serviceability before paying a premium.
Flaws to Check on Delivery
- Date wheel font and centering in the window.
- Applied index alignment at 12, 6, and 9.
- Hand length relative to the minute track.
- Crown threading, winding feel, and setting smoothness.
- Rotor noise and timekeeping rate over the first 48 hours.
Care and Expectations
Have any replica opened and resealed by a watchmaker before swimming with it, and replace the gaskets if the watch is more than a few years old. Keep it away from steam and hot showers. Service intervals for a clone automatic run about every four to five years, and a local watchmaker is usually the cheapest route. Treat the watch as a cosmetic piece first: no replica should be relied on for dive safety or for resale value.
Legal and Practical Note
Counterfeit goods carrying a trademark are subject to seizure at the border in the United States, and buying one carries risk of loss of both the item and the payment. Confirm the seller describes the watch as a replica in writing, keep the transaction record, and do not expect brand service or warranty support.