Audemars Piguet is an icon. An icon of success, craftsmanship, and style. If you've ever held a Royal Oak in your hands, you know it's not just a timepiece. It's an experience. And with prices that range from the mid-thousands to a quarter of a million dollars, buying a real AP is an investment.
An investment in craftsmanship, history, and luxury.
But what happens when that world of precision and beauty is mimicked? When a replica wants to play in the same space?
AP watch fakes have reached an alarmingly high standard. Most fakes are getting so good that even the most experienced collectors could be fooled. Don't worry, though! The war has been fought, and this one is winnable!
The point is this: spotting a fake AP isn't so much about being a watch aficionado. It's knowing all these details that make these watches unique. So, let's dive in and discuss how you can spot a fake Audemars Piguet watch, whether you're the one buying or trying to figure out if someone's got a fake on their wrist.
The Rise of Fake AP Watches: Why it Matters
Before getting to the juicy bits, let's step back and ask why fakes exist in the first place.
The answer, friends, is pretty darn simple. The allure of high-end is just so appealing. We're talking about spending anywhere between $20,000 and $200,000 on a real Audemars Piguet, depending on the piece. And for many, that's simply out of the question. That's where fakes come in: luxury at an affordable price.
But here's the rub — while these fakes may be hard to tell from the real thing at first glance, a trained eye can see through its facade from a mile away.
How To Spot A Fake Audemars Piguet Watch
1. Weight: Feel the Luxury
It begins in your hands.
Real AP watches are crafted using high-end materials, whether stainless steel, 18k gold, or platinum — these weigh a lot and feel dense. When you pick up an authentic Audemars Piguet, it feels like you're holding history in your hands. If it feels light, chances are it's fake.
Why?
Because knock-offs are usually made with cheaper, lighter metals. These fakes might look the part from afar but will never have that weighty luxury feel. A fake AP might shine, but it won't feel like a masterpiece.
So, pick it up, feel the weight, and if it's too light? Walk away.
2. The Dial: Tiny Details, Big Differences
If you’re really going to spot a fake AP, you’ve got to focus on the dial. The dial is where the magic happens.
Take a close look at the logo. On a real AP, the logo will be sharp, crisp, and aligned perfectly. On a fake, you might see it misaligned, overly small, or using a cheap, wrong font. These little things are clues — tiny giveaways that set apart the master craftsman from the mass producer.
But it's not just the logo. Real AP dials are immaculately finished, with sub-dials that are perfectly symmetrical and clean. If you notice anything off, like a sub-dial that's not perfectly aligned or a date window that looks blurry, you're probably looking at a fake.
3. The Royal Oak: An Icon, But Also a Target
The Royal Oak is a symbol. And because of that, it's one of the most counterfeited watches on the market. Fortunately, there are a few dead giveaways that will help you spot a fake.
First up is the bezel. The signature to the Royal Oak is that octagonal bezel with eight screws that have been polished to perfection.
Everything is in the placement. A fake will place these screws incorrectly or make them too small. In comparison, the real Royal Oak has those screws perfectly placed and polished.
Next, the Tapisserie dial. This intricate pattern is part of what makes the Royal Oak so distinct. The texture is subtle but sharp — almost like a finely woven fabric. A fake dial might look similar from a distance, but up close, you’ll notice that the texture isn’t as defined or crisp.
Don't forget to examine the case back. For a genuine AP, its case back should have excellent, clean engravings sometimes showing the logo, serial number, and model number. Normally, the casebacks in AP fake watches look rather indelibly etched or quite messy.
4. Movement: The Heartbeat of a Masterpiece
The movement is the soul of a watch. It's where the real artistry lies. And it's also where fakes tend to break down.
That's just it: Audemars Piguet utilises only the most exceptional mechanical movements. They don't stutter, they just glide.
That smooth, gliding second hand you see on a real AP? That's no illusion of light — it's the result of fine-tuned, high-grade mechanical movement. Counterfeits typically have less expensive movements and often create that ticking second hand with uneven jerky intervals.
Take a moment to look through the case back at the movement. Genuine AP movements are exquisitely made, with fine engravings and a finish that's impossible to replicate. If the movement looks generic or cheaply finished, you're looking at a fake.
5. The Price: If It's Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
Let's be real for a minute: if you see some Audemars Piguet being offered 80 % off, well, that's not a good deal; that's a scam.
Real APs do not go on discount sales. You might find pre-owned or vintage at a lower price but in its fair value according to age and condition. If someone is offering an AP watch for pennies on the dollar, it's probably a knock-off.
In other words, don’t let the price tag trick you. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. And when it comes to AP, those watches hold their value. If you’re getting one for a fraction of its retail price, it’s not a luxury buy — it’s a risky proposition.
6. The Serial Number: Your Secret Weapon
The serial number is one of the easiest ways to authenticate an AP watch. Every original AP has a unique serial number engraved on the case, generally between the lugs or on the case back. If the serial number is missing, not properly engraved, or doesn't match the records in the official books, then it is fake.
You can even cross-check the serial number with the records of Audemars Piguet. AP is meticulous in recording each watch it manufactures.
7. Quality Sound: Listen Closely
Here’s a trick that many overlook: the sound.
Real luxury watches, like AP, are finely tuned machines, and they don’t make noise. Fakes, however, tend to whirr or tick with a mechanical noise that’s a dead giveaway. It’s subtle, but it’s there. Hold the watch up to your ear. If it’s too loud or if the ticking seems too mechanical, you’ve probably got a fake on your hands.
8. Purchase from Reputable Sellers
The surest shot at avoiding getting burned by an AP fake is to buy directly from trusted sources. Authorised dealers, certified pre-owned watch dealers, or even solid luxury boutiques are generally the best places to try. Buying from these kinds of sources ensures that a buyer gets a genuine article, complete with all the requisite documentation and authenticity checks to go with it.
The Devil's in the Details
And so there you have it! Spotting a fake AP watch doesn't mean you need to become a watch connoisseur. It's all in the details, which are loud enough for anyone willing to listen. Luxury AP watches are all about precision, craftsmanship, and luxury. When you learn how to spot a fake Audemars Piguet watch, you avoid getting fooled.
Whether you're buying your very first AP arm candy or just admiring a friend's watch, remember this: a genuine Audemars Piguet has a rich history — always something that no fake could ever replicate.
Have a look at our collection of AP watches at Love Luxury. We have pre-loved, gently used luxury watches that you’d be thrilled to call your own — whether you need an altimeter or are wondering between getting the Rolex Batman vs. Batgirl, we can help you out!
