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How To Spot Real Vs. Fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Watch
The counterfeiters don't focus on high quality and craftsmanship. They mass-produce to earn quick money, which results in flaws. Paying close attention to details is crucial to authenticating luxury watches.
Do you find it challenging to navigate the world of luxury watches? Our Audemars Piguet Royal Oak fake vs. real guide helps you understand the key characteristics that set them apart.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak's Legacy
- Essential Features of a Genuine Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
- Case Thickness and Dimensions
- Dial Tapisserie Pattern
- Bezel Screws Alignment
- Movement System and Engravings
- Bracelet Quality and Flexibility
- Dial Text Precision
- Crown and Clasp Analysis
- Step-by-Step Guide to Spotting a Fake
- Professional Authentication Services
- The Bottom Line
Understanding the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak's Legacy
Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972, revolutionizing luxury watchmaking. Gerald Genta is a renowned watch designer who is responsible for iconic design. He draws inspiration from the traditional diver's helmet, creating an iconic look.
The recognizable features are what sets this watch apart from the others. The tapisserie pattern. An integrated bracelet and octagonal bezel with exposed screws form the signature aesthetic of this piece.
The Royal Oak was the first luxury watch made from stainless steel. At that time, they were made of gold and other precious metals. However, this iconic watch introduced stainless steel as a luxury material in watchmaking.
Despite the hesitance, the Royal Oak became an example of innovation and creativity. Other brands followed up by experimenting with materials and designs, changing how the watch industry worked.
Why is the Royal Oak often replicated? Exclusive design, symbol of luxury, exclusivity, and high market demand are the factors that influence the appearance of counterfeits.
This watch's innovative design and flawless aesthetic set it apart. It is also important to highlight that it is a symbol of luxury. Not everyone can afford the hefty price tag associated with a luxury watch, so this product is known for its exclusivity.
Replicas offer a similar design and aesthetic but lack the quality, heritage, and fine craftsmanship associated with the brand.
Essential Features of a Genuine Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Octagonal case
The octagonal bezel is one of the signature features of this watch, helping you distinguish between Audemars Piguet royal oak fake vs real. It comes with eight screws which is part of the iconic design.
"Tapisserie" Pattern Dial
The pain comes with an intricate texture that sets the background.
Integrated Bracelet
The case is seamlessly connected to the bracelet for an elegant look.
High-Quality Materials
The classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is very durable and corrosion-resistant. Some variations feature a case and bracelet made of gold and platinum.
Craftsmanship
The finely finished watches come with polished cases and bracelets and skilled watchmakers handcraft the movement.
Branding
The logo and serial number are engraved on the back of the case. Also, the AP logo is displayed on the crown.
Case Thickness and Dimensions
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has an octagonal case. It measures 41mm, and the octagonal bezel is 10.4 mm in modern models.
However, remember that the newer ones are larger than older AP watches. If you're analyzing a vintage piece, please refer to the measurements for the specific year.
The case has a brushed finish with visible vertical streaks. This is part of the iconic aesthetic; any variation can help you identify a fake.
The edges are finely polished to create a remarkable contrast. Again, this is one of the details to spot when differentiating between Audemars Piguet Royal Oak fake vs. real.
The AP watches are finished to perfection using distinct techniques. If you notice flaws such as uneven bevelling, imperfect edges, or a poor finish, this indicates the product is fake.
Dial Tapisserie Pattern
The tapisserie pattern is a distinct feature of the Royal Oak. The fine details and intricacy can help us spot the difference between audemars piguet royal oak fake vs real.
Tapisserie is a French word for tapestry, conveying a woven-like texture. It is made using an engraving process that creates small, repeated geometric shapes in a grid pattern. This creates a textured surface that reflects the light, adding depth to the watch's design.
This engraving method is unique to Audemars Piguet, and no other watchmaker has been able to replicate it. Therefore, expect to notice flaws in replica models.
Bezel Screws Alignment
The bezel showcases the unique craftsmanship and utmost attention to detail. Focus on the shape, screws, and details to make a difference between Audemars piguet royal oak fake vs real.
The bezel has a recognizable octagonal shape with eight screws. If you look up closely, the screws are placed at the same distance for a balanced look.
Also, each screw is well finished, with neat edges and identical shape. What to look for in fake models? Improper spacing and poor finish are the telltale signs that instantly give off a fake product.
Movement System and Engravings
The movement system in AP watches showcases the brand's commitment to quality. Horological experts handcraft and assemble the movements to meet the highest standards.
The movement system comes with branded engravings. Even though the counterfeiters copy the same, the trained eye can spot differences.
First, you can notice how the letters look thick in the fake. Also, the font and engraving quality are quite different.
On the other hand, the AP engraving in the fake model is thinner. Such inconsistencies can help you disguise between a audemars piguet royal oak fake vs real.
Bracelet Quality and Flexibility
Audemars Piguet watches are made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, gold, and platinum. When you hold one, it instantly gives off a luxurious feel.
The bracelet should maintain a sturdy structure but not feel too rigid. Remember that the bracelet can be too stiff or too flexible in fakes.
The bracelet should also show no signs of rust since it is made of top-quality materials. If you notice the slightest signs of rust forming, you have a fake watch in your hands.
Dial Text Precision
We also observe the dial text to identify inconsistencies. Find the "SWISS MADE" text next to 6 o'clock on the dial and look up to spot the crucial details.
The letters should be thin and evenly spaced. In the fake, you can notice thick letters and inconsistent spacing. Also, the poor printing quality is apparent.
Crown and Clasp Analysis
Next, we observe the watch crown to identify the differences. Most AP watches have branded engraving on the crown.
The original AP engraving should be neat and precise and have thin letters. It is darker than the fake model. Also, the A and P letters are connected by a thick line at the top and bottom.
Finally, we move to inspecting the exterior clasp. The AP logo is deeply engraved into the metal and has thick letters. Meanwhile, the fake one is too shallow and comes in thinner letters.
Next, we inspect the interior of the clasp. The Audemars Piguet text is thin and consistent with the branded font. The clasp mechanism is spotless without any traces of rust.
Step-by-Step Guide to Spotting a Fake
- Look up your watch according to the reference number and see if the indicated case thickness matches.
- The tapisserie pattern can be inconsistent.
- The bezel screws won't have consistent size and depth.
- The movement system engravings come in thick letters.
- The bracelet feels low quality and can be too rigid or flexible.
- The "SWISS MADE" on the dial has thick and improperly spaced letters.
- AP engraving on the crown has thick letters and lacks precision.
- Signs of rust on the bracelet and clasp.
Professional Authentication Services
When making a difference between audemars piguet royal oak fake vs real you should docs on the small details, as this is what the counterfeiters usually get wrong. However this might be difficult to the untrained eye.
A professional can quickly identify the key characteristics of the logo and assess the craftsmanship. If you find it difficult to tell if a watch is real or fake, authentication experts can help.
LegitGrails has a dedicated team that is experienced in authenticating luxury goods. They can assess the originality of a product by looking at photos.
Professional authentication services provide peace of mind, ensuring that you have invested in luxury goods that will last.
The Bottom Line
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a luxury watch that reflects the quality and dedication to craftsmanship in every aspect. The original comes with a distinct tapisserie pattern, eight screws, an octagonal case, a comfortable bracelet, a correct logo, and no signs of corrosion.
With many fake products on the market, buyers need to be aware. Be careful when purchasing from online platforms and non-authorized dealers. Always look for the key signs of authenticity and use authentication services to make a final decision.
