Quick answer
There is no IWC reference called "v6." The v6 in "fake IW328044 v6" is a version tag used in the replica trade. It means the seller claims to offer a sixth revision of a copy built to match IWC reference IW328044. No brand, factory registry, or standards body controls that number. Two sellers can both advertise "v6" and ship different watches. Treat it as a marketing label, not a specification.
What the version label does and does not tell you
A version tag tells you what the seller wants you to believe: that flaws from earlier batches were corrected and the current run sits closer to the original. It does not tell you which workshop made the case, which movement is inside, whether the dial came off the same printing plate as the last batch, or whether the watch you receive matches the photos in the listing. Version numbers drift. Some sellers bump the number when a new shipment lands. Others invent a higher number to look newer than a competing listing.
Prerequisites
- The published specs for IWC reference IW328044 from IWC or an authorized dealer: case size, thickness, lug width, crystal type, movement caliber, power reserve, and strap or bracelet reference.
- Clear photos of the genuine watch from at least three angles.
- A digital caliper and a scale if you will handle the watch in person.
- Knowledge of your local rules on buying, importing, and reselling trademarked copies.
How to evaluate a v6 IW328044 copy
- Ask the seller to name the workshop behind the batch and the month it was assembled.
- Request timestamped photos of the exact unit for sale, with a card or coin in frame.
- Measure case diameter and thickness with a caliper, then compare both numbers to IWC's published specs.
- Compare dial printing under 10x magnification: font weight, letter spacing, logo placement, and the alignment of the model text.
- Check the date aperture if the reference has one, looking at window edges, numeral font, and disc alignment at 12 and 6.
- Inspect the crown, tube, and any pushers for machining marks and for correct engraving depth on the logo.
- Ask for a sharp photo of the movement with the caseback off, then match rotor engraving and finishing to the caliber IWC lists.
- Examine bracelet or strap end links for fit gaps, and compare clasp engraving against photos of the genuine clasp.
- Weigh the complete watch and compare the figure to the published weight of the genuine piece.
- Confirm the return window in writing before you pay.
- Pay with a method that allows a chargeback or dispute.
Version-claim red flags
- A v7 or v8 appears within weeks of the v6 listing, with no note on what changed.
- The listing never names the workshop.
- Photos are stock images reused across several sellers, or show a different dial color than the one advertised.
- The price sits far below the range for other listings of the same reference.
- The seller refuses to photograph the movement.
- Payment is requested by wire, gift card, or crypto with no refund path.
Legal and ownership limits
In the United States, importing counterfeit goods is prohibited, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments. Selling a copy as a genuine watch is trademark counterfeiting and can carry criminal penalties. IWC service centers will not authenticate, service, or repair a replica, and they may refuse to return it. Resale value for a replica sits near zero, and a version tag does not change that.
FAQ
Is v6 better than v5?
Only if that specific batch is better. The tag alone proves nothing. Compare the actual unit against published specs and against photos of the prior batch before you accept the claim.
Can a jeweler tell a v6 from the genuine watch?
Often yes, on a bench inspection. Case finishing, dial printing, movement architecture, and crystal clarity are the usual tells. A watchmaker with an IWC parts account can also check the serial and reference against the brand's records.
Will IWC service a replica IW328044?
No. Authorized service centers work only on genuine watches and may require proof of purchase. Replica owners typically rely on independent watchmakers for basic regulation and battery-free mechanical service, and many independents decline the work.