Short answer
A knockoff IW5105 is a replica of an IWC reference from the IW5105 group: a hand-wound watch with an eight-day power reserve, small seconds and a power reserve display. Replica sellers list it at $150 to $800. No copy uses the IWC caliber 59210. Top-tier copies use a decorated clone with 96 to 120 hours of reserve. Cheap copies hide a 40-hour movement behind a painted reserve hand.
IWC lists more than one sub-reference under 5105. Case metal, dial color and strap change between them. Pull the exact sub-reference from iwc.com before you compare seller photos.
Price tiers
- $150 to $280: 21-jewel clone, mineral glass, printed dial, 40-hour reserve. The reserve hand does not move.
- $300 to $450: sapphire front, steel case at 44 to 45 mm, working reserve hand that drifts. Caseback engraving is shallow.
- $500 to $800: decorated clone, correct dial print, alligator strap, reserve of 96 to 120 hours on a full wind.
Checks before payment
- Ask for video of the reserve hand at 0, 48 and 96 hours after a full wind. A painted hand stays put.
- Compare the small seconds position to a maker photo. Copies often set the sub-dial 0.5 mm low.
- Read the caseback. Reference, serial and movement number sit in a fixed font. Copies swap digits or print one generic line.
- Weigh the watch. A 45 mm steel case on a strap lands near 90 to 100 g. Copies run lighter by 15 to 20 g.
- Confirm the crown style for that sub-reference. IWC signs some crowns and leaves others plain.
What copies get wrong
Dial print is the first miss. IWC uses thin raised indices. Copies glue flat appliqués and leave adhesive at the base. The date window sits off center on most copies that carry a date. Strap thread, stitch count and edge paint differ from IWC alligator.
The movement is the second miss. IWC rates caliber 59210 at 28,800 vph and 192 hours of reserve. Clone movements run 21,600 or 28,800 vph with 40 to 120 hours.
Top Best Guide to Finding Clone IW5105 Watches Online
Service and resale
Independent watchmakers often refuse replica movements. IWC service centers reject them. There is no resale market beyond private forums. Budget for a replacement movement, not a repair.
Import and legal note
Replica watches carry recorded trademarks. US Customs and Border Protection can seize them at import. Payment by card leaves a chargeback route. Wire transfer and crypto do not.