A fake Big Pilot IW5105 is a replica copy of the IWC Big Pilot's Watch reference family: a 46mm pilot's watch with a large conical crown, a domed sapphire crystal, and a 7-day power reserve in the original. Replica makers start with the case shape, dial layout, and strap, then pick a movement that fits the budget. Quality covers a wide range, from quartz look-alikes to automatic copies that get the proportions close.
Because the IW5105 is a big, simple dial with few places to hide, small mistakes stand out fast. That makes it a good reference to study if you want to judge replica quality in general.
Why the IW5105 gets copied so often
The Big Pilot is one of the most recognizable pilot watches ever made, and its design is mostly flat surfaces and bold markers. That works in a replica's favor:
- Simple dial. Printed numerals, a triangle at 12, and wide hands are easier to reproduce than a busy chronograph layout.
- Big case. A 46mm case gives more room for machining and finishing, so the shape is easier to get right.
- Strong demand. The genuine watch is expensive and hard to find at retail, which pushes buyers toward replicas.
- Easy strap swaps. The wide lugs fit aftermarket pilot straps, so owners can change the look without touching the case.
Movements inside a replica IW5105
The genuine watch runs an in-house calibre with a 7-day power reserve. No replica at any price matches that. What you usually find is one of three options:
- Quartz. Cheapest tier. The seconds hand ticks, the case is often thinner than it should be, and the crown usually does nothing but set the time.
- Asian automatic. The common middle option. Sweeping seconds, a date function, and a power reserve of roughly 36 to 48 hours. Decoration plates are sometimes added so the back looks closer to the original.
- Swiss or Swiss-style automatic. The top tier on most replica sites. Smoother winding, quieter rotor, and better timekeeping, though still nowhere near a 7-day reserve.
Ask for the movement name in writing before you order. A seller who cannot name the movement is guessing.
How to inspect a fake Big Pilot IW5105
Work through this list in order. The first three items tell you most of what you need to know.
- Case size and thickness. It should measure close to 46mm across. A noticeably thin case is a quartz build.
- Dial printing. Look at the numerals at an angle. Sharp edges and consistent thickness are the goal. Fuzzy or uneven paint is a budget tell.
- Lume. It should sit inside the printed markers, not spill over the edges. Uneven lume is one of the most common flaws.
- Crystal. Sapphire with anti-reflective coating gives a slight blue or clear sheen. Mineral glass scratches fast and reflects more.
- Hands. The hour and minute hands should be flat, matte, and aligned at 12.
- Crown. The conical crown should be crisp where it meets the case, with no gaps and no wobble when you wind it.
Strap, crown, and caseback details
The strap on a replica IW5105 is often the weakest part out of the box. Genuine pilot straps are thick, soft, and stitched with tight, even spacing. Cheap copies use stiff leather with wide or crooked stitching. Since the lugs are wide and standard, a replacement strap is a cheap upgrade that lifts the whole watch.
On the caseback, check the engraving depth. Laser etching looks shallow and grey under light, while proper engraving catches a shadow. Reference numbers, case numbers, and text spacing should all line up straight. If the lettering drifts or the fonts change size, that case was not finished with care.
What to ask before you buy
- Which movement is installed, and what is its power reserve?
- Is the crystal sapphire or mineral glass?
- What is the exact case diameter and thickness?
- Are the photos of the actual watch you will receive?
- What is the return policy if the watch arrives with a defect?
Living with a replica Big Pilot
A 46mm pilot watch is a presence on the wrist, and the replica version wears the same way. Give it a few days before you decide on fit. Automatic replicas benefit from being worn regularly, since sitting in a drawer drains the mainspring. Keep it away from strong magnets, avoid leaving it in direct sun, and have it serviced or regulated if it starts running fast or slow.
Treat the fake Big Pilot IW5105 as a design exercise rather than an investment. Buy the best movement and finishing your budget allows, plan on a strap upgrade, and judge the watch by how it looks on your wrist, not by the logo on the dial.