Short answer
I will not write copy that helps sell counterfeit IWC watches. A fake IW329122 is an unlicensed copy of a trademarked design. What follows is the real spec sheet, real prices, and legitimate watches that fill the same slot for less money.
What the IW329122 is
The IW329122 belongs to the IWC Aquatimer Automatic 42 family, reference line IW3291. IWC lists the line as a dive watch with a 42 mm steel case, about 14 mm thick, 300 m water resistance, and an internal rotating bezel driven by the SafeDive system. The movement is the IWC calibre 30120, an automatic with a 42-hour power reserve. Retail at launch was about $6,000 USD. Used examples list between $3,000 and $4,500. I cannot confirm the exact dial and market variant for the suffix 122 without the IWC catalog page for that reference.
What a counterfeit copy does not give you
- Movement. Most copies use a low-grade automatic or a quartz module. No service network. No parts.
- Case. Dimensions differ from the real 42 mm by 1 mm to 2 mm on many copies.
- Bezel. The SafeDive internal bezel is a two-part system. Copies skip it.
- Water resistance. 300 m claims on a copy are untested marketing, not a rating.
- Legal. US Customs can seize counterfeit imports under 19 U.S.C. 1526.
Closest legitimate alternative: Longines Legend Diver 42 mm
Same layout idea. Internal rotating bezel, 300 m water resistance, steel case, automatic movement. The case is 42 mm, matching the IWC. The movement is the Longines L888.5 with about 64 hours of power reserve. Retail is about $2,500 USD, about 40 percent of the IWC launch price.
Other options, by price
- Seiko Prospex SPB143. 40.5 mm, 6R35 automatic, 200 m. About $1,200.
- Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300. 40 mm or 42 mm, Sellita SW200-1, 300 m. About $1,000.
- Oris Aquis Date 41.5 mm. Oris 733, 300 m. About $2,300.
- Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80. 43 mm, 300 m. About $800.
- Squale 1521. 42 mm, Sellita SW200-1, 500 m. About $1,000.
How to compare before you buy
Check four numbers: case diameter, lug to lug, thickness, and movement service interval. A 42 mm watch with 52 mm lugs wears larger than the IW329122 on a 6.5 inch wrist. Buy from a dealer with a written warranty. A watch you can service in ten years costs less than a copy you replace every two.