If you are shopping for a fake IW323708, judge the watch on four things before anything else: case dimensions that track the genuine reference, a movement you can actually name, a dial with clean printing and correctly set markers, and a seller who answers questions in writing. The first photo sells the watch. Those four points decide whether it still looks right a year later.
What to look for on a replica IW323708
Case and proportions
Ask for the measured case diameter, thickness, and lug width, then compare them against the published spec for the reference. A replica that runs a millimeter or two thick is usually the giveaway that a generic case was used. Check the crown action: it should seat flush, thread smoothly, and sit centered between the crown guards.
Movement
Sellers should tell you the exact movement family, not a vague phrase. Common bases in this tier are Swiss ETA or Sellita, Japanese Miyota, and Asian clones of Swiss designs. Any of them can run well. The problem is when a listing claims one family and ships another. Ask for a photo of the movement through the caseback or with the back removed.
Dial, hands, and crystal
Look at index alignment, the weight of the printed text, and whether the date window sits square in its cutout. Hands should reach the minute track. A decent sapphire crystal carries an anti-reflective coat on the inside; cheap ones glare and wash out the dial under indoor light.
Bracelet, strap, and clasp
Squeeze the bracelet and listen. Rattle means hollow links and a short service life. End links should sit tight against the case with no visible gap. On a rubber strap, check that the keeper and buckle hardware are metal, not plated plastic.
Parameter bands worth holding to
- Case diameter: within 0.5 mm of the reference figure.
- Case thickness: within 1 mm; anything more changes how it sits under a cuff.
- Power reserve: 38 hours or better on an automatic.
- Accuracy: within about 15 seconds a day out of the box is reasonable for this tier.
- Water resistance: a stamped rating of 50 m or above, with a screw-down crown.
- Crystal: sapphire with internal anti-reflective coating.
Pitfalls that catch first-time buyers
- Stock photos only. Always request real images with a dated note in frame.
- No movement disclosure. A seller who will not name the calibre is guessing.
- Pressure-tested claims with no mention of how. ISO 22810 sets the framework for water resistance ratings, and a proper test leaves a record.
- Deals far below the rest of the market. That usually means a lower grade movement or a swapped dial.
- Ignoring local rules. In many countries, importing or reselling counterfeit goods is illegal even where personal ownership is tolerated, so check your own situation first.
FAQ
Is a fake IW323708 worth buying?
It can be, if you accept that it is a lookalike rather than an investment. Buy the version with the better movement and the tighter case, and skip the cheapest listing.
How do I tell a good one from a bad one?
Weight, bracelet rattle, and dial printing do most of the work. A heavy case with crisp text and a tight bracelet is a different product from a light case with smudged text.
Will it keep time?
A well-regulated automatic in this tier typically holds within 15 seconds a day. Expect to have it regulated or serviced at some point.
Should I pay before seeing photos?
No. Ask for dated photos of the actual watch, including the caseback and clasp, and get the movement name in writing before you commit.