Short answer
A fake IW323762 fails at least one of four checks: the caseback engraving, the movement, the crown action, or the serial number. The genuine watch is an IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 with a titanium case, a caliber 30110 movement, and a 2000 meter depth rating. A copy can match the look. It cannot match all four points at once. Photographs do not settle the question. Open the caseback, or pay a watchmaker to open it.
What the reference number covers
IWC groups watches by family. The 3237 block covers the Aquatimer Automatic 2000. The last two digits of a reference code mark the case metal, dial color, and strap type. IW323762 is one of those combinations. IWC does not publish a complete variant list to the public. Confirm the exact build with IWC in Schaffhausen or an authorized service center before you send money.
Caseback and serial number
- The genuine caseback carries the reference number, a serial number, "International Watch Co.", "Schaffhausen", and "2000 M".
- Engraving is cut into the titanium. It sits below the surface and catches light on the edges.
- Fakes use laser etching. The lines look flat, the font weight is wrong, and the cut depth is even across the whole text.
- Serials run in sequence. Two watches with the same serial cannot both be genuine.
- Look for the movement number. A missing movement number is a red flag.
Movement
Caliber 30110 is a modified ETA 2892-A2. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, holds 21 jewels, and runs about 42 hours on a full wind. The rotor winds in both directions. IWC engraves the rotor with the IWC logo and the caliber number. Copies use stock ETA units, Chinese clones, or printed decals that wear off. Ask for a timed rate check on a timegrapher. A rate outside plus or minus 10 seconds per day on a serviced watch needs an explanation.
Dial, hands, and date
Dial printing stays sharp under 10x magnification. Replica dials show ragged letter edges and thick numeral centers. The date window sits square to the dial. Date disc font weight on a copy is often wrong. Lume on genuine hands and markers glows green and fades over a few hours. A copy glows bright blue or dims in minutes.
Crown, bezel, and water resistance
The crown on a genuine 3237 screws down with a firm stop and about two turns of travel. A copy feels gritty or bottoms out with no resistance. The internal bezel turns with a defined click. The 2000 meter rating depends on gaskets and case finishing, so a pressure test is the only proof.
Verification steps
- Get the serial and reference from the seller in writing.
- Send both numbers to IWC service and ask for a match on model and production year.
- Have a watchmaker remove the caseback and photograph the movement and rotor.
- Run a pressure test if the seller claims water resistance.
- Compare the movement photos to IWC service images of caliber 30110.
Paperwork and price
Box, warranty card, and service papers add to value and are easy to copy. A warranty card with a serial that does not match the case is worthless. Secondary market prices for reference 3237 move with condition, box, and papers. Check completed sales, not asking prices. A price far below the current range, sold with a rushed story, is a warning sign.