A fake IW329117 V4 is a fourth-generation replica of the IWC Aquatimer Automatic 42 mm dive watch, and the "V4" tag means the seller claims a revised build with corrected case proportions, a better inner rotating bezel, and cleaner dial print. It is not an official IWC designation. The label comes from replica factories and the buyer community that tracks each release, so the tag is only as good as the factory behind it and the specific changes made from V3 to V4.
What does the IW329117 reference actually identify?
IW329117 sits inside IWC's IW3291 family, the Aquatimer Automatic line built around a 42 mm stainless steel case, an internal rotating dive bezel under the crystal, and a screw-down crown. The genuine watch runs IWC calibre 30120, a Sellita-based automatic with roughly 42 hours of reserve and a 300 m water resistance rating. Knowing those baseline specs matters, because a replica is judged against them part by part.
What should a V4 replica get right?
- Case size: about 42 mm wide and roughly 14 mm thick, with a bezel that sits level with the case flanks.
- Inner bezel: the dive scale should rotate smoothly from the crown and line up dead-on at 12.
- Dial: applied indices with crisp edges, lume that reads off-white rather than chalk white, and a date window with a clean bevel.
- Bracelet: solid end links that sit flush with no gaps or rattle, plus screws that take a proper driver.
- Caseback: deep, sharp engraving instead of shallow laser etching.
How do you tell a V4 from an older version?
Compare the inner bezel font first, since early versions used thicker numerals and a slightly off-centre triangle at 12. Check the date wheel font and the depth of the crown engraving next, because those are the two details most often skipped on previous batches. A true V4 should also show tighter tolerances on the end links and a more consistent lume tone across the dial and hands.
Fake IW329117V8 Watch: How to Identify and Avoid
What should you inspect when the watch arrives?
- Wind it fully and set the time, date, and inner bezel through several full rotations.
- Confirm the date flips cleanly near midnight rather than drifting for hours.
- Check bezel alignment at 12 and at the 15, 30, and 45 minute marks.
- Time it on a timegrapher and look for rates inside about plus or minus 15 seconds a day.
- Press lightly on the crystal and caseback to confirm the gaskets seat without movement.
How much should a fake IW329117 V4 cost?
Most solid V4 builds sell in the 350 to 650 US dollar range depending on the factory, the movement, and the bracelet option. Prices far below that usually point to old stock or a lower tier sold under a new label. Prices far above it should come with a documented list of what changed and a real movement upgrade.
Fake IW329117 v7: What the V7 Factory Portugieser Gets Right
Frequently asked questions
Is the V4 movement reliable?
Most versions use an Asian clone of the ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200 family, which is serviceable and easy for a watchmaker to regulate. Long-term reliability depends more on assembly quality than on the design itself.
Does the V4 have a working inner bezel?
Yes. The rotating dive scale is driven from the crown, and a properly built example moves smoothly with no grinding or backlash.
Can a watchmaker tell it is a replica?
Usually within minutes, because movement finishing, caseback engraving depth, and dial printing under a loupe give it away. Replica watches are also restricted or banned in many countries, so check your local import rules before ordering.