Answer first
"Fake pilots automatic 46" describes a replica pilot watch with a 46mm case and an automatic movement. Most listings that carry this keyword copy the IWC Big Pilot's Watch. That case measures 46.2mm. The 46 in the keyword is the case diameter in millimeters, not a model number.
Genuine numbers to compare against
Measure the replica against the reference it copies. For the current Big Pilot's Watch:
- Case diameter: 46.2mm
- Case height: 15.6mm
- Movement: calibre 52110, automatic, 168-hour power reserve
- Beat rate: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
- Water resistance: 6 bar
- Crystal: sapphire with antireflective coating on both faces
- Inner case: soft iron, for magnetic shielding
Older references use other calibres. Ref IW500401 ran calibre 51111 with the same 168-hour reserve. Ask the seller for the reference number before you compare specs.
Where replicas differ
- Movement: Asian automatic, 21,600 vph (3 Hz) on most tiers, against 28,800 vph on the genuine calibre.
- Power reserve: 38 to 48 hours against 168 hours. No replica movement at these prices holds a week.
- Power reserve display: painted or geared to a short spring, so the needle reaches zero long before the watch stops.
- Case height: 1 to 2mm extra, because the replica movement and spacer sit deeper in the case.
- Crystal: mineral glass on low tiers, sapphire on mid and high tiers.
- Lume: weak charge and short glow on most examples.
- Caseback engraving: shallow lines, soft edges.
- Dial print: thicker strokes, wider gaps in the minute track.
Checks to run before you pay
- Ask for a caliper photo of the case across the bezel at 3 and 9 o'clock. Confirm 46.0 to 46.4mm.
- Ask for a movement photo with the caseback off. Count the balance jewels and look at the finish.
- Wind the crown 40 turns, set the watch down, and check it after 48 hours. A movement that stops at 30 hours matches a low tier.
- Set the date and watch the flip at midnight. A slow or half turn points to a cheap date wheel.
- Pull the crown to each position. It should click, not wobble. Winding should feel smooth with light resistance.
- Weigh the watch head. Two replicas of the same model should land within a few grams. A large gap points to a different case material.
- Shake the watch near your ear. A loud rotor is a common sign of a low grade movement.
- Ask for a pressure test result in bar. Most sellers skip this test and most replicas are not sealed for swimming.
Price tiers
Three tiers show up in the market. Entry examples sit near $80 to $150, mid tier near $200 to $350, and top tier near $400 to $700. Prices move with supply, so ask for a current quote. Higher price buys a better movement, sapphire, and cleaner dial print. It does not buy a 168-hour reserve.
Legal status
Replica watches carry trademarks owned by the original brand. In the US, trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 2320, and customs can seize shipments. EU customs rules allow destruction of counterfeit goods at the border. Resale of a replica as a genuine watch is fraud in both regions.
Short version
Fake pilots automatic 46 means a 46mm replica of a pilot watch, most often the Big Pilot. Compare case size, beat rate, power reserve, crystal, and crown feel. Expect 40 hours of reserve, not 168. Buy from a seller who sends photos of the actual watch and a movement shot.