Have I bought a Replica. Can anyone help?

I have purchased a pre-owned Pilots Mark XVI, which is my first IWC. It looks genuine but it does run 30 sec a day fast which has put doubts into my mind. Can anyone give me any guidance as to whether or not 30 secs is acceptable or any obvious signs to look for regarding authenticity. Thanks.

30 seconds per day is outside the accuracy specification target for IWC watches. There can be serval reasons for a watch running fast...the mainspring magnetized or the watch simply needs an adjustment, etc. Take your watch to an IWC AD or a competent watchmaker to have it adjusted. It is not possible to diagnose servicing issues here as you can imagine.

It is also not possible to comment on whether or not your watch is a replica without pictures. Even then, it may be difficult to diagnose. Here is how to post a picture, if you are not familiar with how to do it.

Good luck.

What is the IMG code link? The url address?

I'm not sure I understand the question. You simply copy the photobucket IMG code and paste it into the message box. That's an easy way to post pictures.

Thanks for the advice.
I am trying to upload a photo of the watch

www.dropbox.com/s/k0yrrxq9n2i7rso/IWC%201.jpg

It looks like you are trying to use Dropbox as your image server. It looks like that does not work. Google Photobucket and open an account. It's free for limited picture storage and works perfectly. Your image has to have [IMG]http://xxxx.jpeg[IMG], not the code you are showing.

Hi Bill,
I hope this works.

I have opened a photobucket account so I will try again. Cannot see how to preview the photos though!

Looks good! :)

Let the watch run, take some time, if the problem persists, go to the closer watchmaker (I should say AD).

99%, it's nothing.

I'm always happy to give good news! :)

You do not say where you are based. However, at a first glance the watch looks genuine enough - and I would suggest to take it by an AD (Authorized IWC Distributor)or boutique.

30 Seconds is way of the mark for any contemporary IWC and your watch will need to be regulated / serviced. Failing that, and if the watch is not under warranty, you could have any competent watchmaker open it and see if he can regulate it. BTW - my MK XVI is still the most accurate watch in my collection, so no reason to not have yours serviced. It's a very handsome timepiece too.

On a more positive note, know that most fakes are fitted with quartz movements and they are generally fairly accurate. Of course, most of those watches also cease to work within the shortest period of time, and most don't survive a little swim in the pond either :~)

After you enter all the text and codes in the message box, click on the green check mark above the message box. A preview will pop up. From there post your comment.

Hi Mark,
I live in South West Scotland and the IWC AD in Glasgow said it would cost £355 for a service which is 25% of what I paid for the watch! I am not too concerned about having the watch serviced immediately as long as I know it is genuine and that the time keeping issue is not a symptom of a problem that needs fixing immediately.
Thanks very much for your help
Paul

After you enter all the text and codes in the message box, click on the green check mark above the message box. A preview will pop up. From there post your comment.[/QUOTE]

Hi Bill,
Thanks for the lesson, I think I know what to do now.
Paul

I have some doubts. There are excellent replica's of the Mark XVI available, almost 1:1 copies. The strap doesn't look original to me. Only way to tell for sure is to have the watch opened and have the movement examined.

regards and good luck...
Norbert

Hi Norbert,
The strap is not original so I guess the back will have to coms off to be sure it's not a replica! You have got me worried now after feeling that it was 99% genuine from previous posts.
Thanks
Paul

Hi Bill,
I need to get the back of my watch and I notice that looking at Mark XVI's on Ebay none of the listings show the movement whereas most other listings for other types of watch do. I just wondered if getting the back off is difficult or to be avoided. I do have one of those 3 pronged opening tools.
Thanks,
Paul

Greetings Paul,

The MARK XVI was my first IWC and I enjoy it today as much as the day I bought it. As previously mentioned by Mark on it's accuracy, I too can confirm that it is the most accurate piece in my collection. The movement is a IWC modified ETA 2892-A2 which is often referred to as a "workhorse".

From your pic's, the watch looks authentic and the style of the strap appears to be OEM but since you bought it used, perhaps a after-market fresh strap was fitted to make it market ready. BTW, did you purchase this from an individual or a AD that also sells estate/pre-owned watches? Of course, once opened and verified, you will then know it's authenticity. If it turns out to be a replica, at least you can say it's a good one as far as replica's go, but no substitute for the real deal.

Follow-up with us on how things turn out. Always nice to hear the outcomes.

Best,

Andy

Dear Suka47. Please don't use that 3 prong case opener you described in your forum enquiry-these tools make a complete mess of the keys on the case back.If
the watch turns out to be genuine,then your are going to regret opening the case back.Take the watch to a competent jeweller,and make certain that they have the correct tool. A new case back will cost you money.

Hi Andy,
Thanks for your response which I really appreciate. As you say, the new strap was fitted for its sale and the watch was purchased from a luxury watch dealer not an IWC AD.
Thanks again
Paul

Hi Kenneth,
Thanks for your quick response. I will take your advice and leave it to an expert when I find one as there are not too many around in S.W. Scotland. May have to visit Glasgow.
Thanks again.
Paul

Thankyou Paul for your commentary.I should further add:If you do take your watch to the IWC people in Glasgow for a visual appraisal,then by rights,a senior staff member will tell you there and then if your watch is a genuine IWC.Which I sincerely hope that it is.Please feel free to contact me on my email site.
Good luck.
Kenneth.

Hi Norbert, the watch was opened and it was good to see a dust cover! The picture is not great but this is what we saw. Looks genuine - I think!!
Thanks, Paul