How to Tell if an Audemars Piguet is Real
1. Examine the Weight and Feel
Authentic Audemars Piguet watches are made from high-quality materials like platinum, gold, or stainless steel. These materials give the watch a distinct weight. If your watch feels lightweight or flimsy, it’s likely a fake. Real AP watches also have a solid feel, and you should notice this immediately when you hold the timepiece.
2. Study the Movement
One of the most telling features of any Audemars Piguet watch is its movement. Audemars Piguet watches are known for their meticulous, hand-finished Swiss movements. If you have access to the watch’s movement, check for the smooth sweeping motion of the second hand. Counterfeit watches often exhibit a ticking movement, particularly in quartz replicas. Additionally, the movement should be marked with the AP insignia, which is often visible through the case back.
3. Inspect the Dial
Pay close attention to the details on the dial. Audemars Piguet watches, particularly the Royal Oak series, are known for their intricate “tapisserie” pattern, which is a series of tiny squares or checks that give the dial texture. This pattern is finely crafted, whereas in fake watches, it may look blurred or uneven. The brand's logo, which should be sharply printed and perfectly aligned, is another point to focus on. Counterfeit dials often have misaligned or poorly printed logos.
4. Check the Serial and Model Numbers
Authentic Audemars Piguet watches have distinct, engraved serial and model numbers. These are located on the case back and are deeply and neatly engraved. In contrast, fake watches often have shallow, roughly engraved numbers that can be difficult to read. Additionally, you can contact Audemars Piguet directly to verify the serial number, ensuring that it matches their records.
5. Examine the Case Back
Audemars Piguet watches have intricately designed case backs, particularly for models like the Royal Oak Offshore and Royal Oak. The case back is usually see-through, allowing you to admire the watch’s movement, or engraved with fine details, including the model name and brand logo. If the case back looks plain or poorly made, it’s a red flag.
6. Look for the Proper Hallmarks
Many authentic Audemars Piguet watches are made from precious metals like gold or platinum. These will have the appropriate hallmarks stamped on the case, which confirm the material. These hallmarks are typically found on the side of the case or lugs. In counterfeit watches, these stamps are often missing or incorrectly placed.
7. Test the Chronograph Functions
If your Audemars Piguet has a chronograph function, test it. Real AP chronographs have smooth pushers and a flawless reset mechanism. When you push the buttons, they should operate crisply, and the hands should reset to exactly 12. Fake watches often struggle with this, showing delays or improper alignment.
8. Observe the Crown and Screws
Authentic Audemars Piguet watches, especially the Royal Oak, are famous for their hexagonal screws that secure the bezel. These screws should be perfectly aligned and seated within the bezel. Counterfeit models often have poorly aligned screws, and the slots may look uneven. Similarly, examine the crown for precise engraving of the AP logo.
9. Listen to the Watch
Luxury mechanical watches produce a soft, smooth ticking sound, while fake quartz watches often produce a louder, irregular ticking noise. Listen closely to your Audemars Piguet to check for authenticity. Additionally, real Audemars Piguet watches with self-winding movements make a subtle sound as the rotor moves.
10. Verify with an Expert
Perhaps the most foolproof method is to bring your watch to an expert. Authorized dealers or certified horologists are well-versed in distinguishing real Audemars Piguet watches from fakes. They can quickly spot inconsistencies in weight, materials, and movement that you might not notice.
Why the Rise in Counterfeits?
Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world, creating high demand for their timepieces. With the increase in demand, counterfeiters have improved their methods, making it more difficult to spot fakes. However, while some fakes may look convincing at first glance, deeper inspection usually reveals flaws in craftsmanship and details.
Counterfeit AP Watches: A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
The counterfeit luxury watch industry is booming, with annual revenues estimated to reach billions of dollars. Audemars Piguet is one of the most commonly counterfeited brands, especially models like the Royal Oak. Given the high resale value of authentic watches, counterfeiting has become a lucrative market for criminals. These fakes often flood online marketplaces, where unsuspecting buyers fall victim to their allure.
Here’s a breakdown of some key areas where counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches typically fail:
| Feature | Authentic AP | Counterfeit AP |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Movement | Smooth | Ticking |
| Dial | Detailed | Blurry |
| Serial Numbers | Engraved | Printed |
| Crown & Screws | Precise | Misaligned |
| Case Back | Intricate | Plain |
Conclusion
Owning a luxury watch like an Audemars Piguet is an investment. As such, ensuring that your timepiece is genuine is crucial. By paying attention to the small but critical details—from the weight and feel to the movement and case back—you can protect yourself from falling into the counterfeit trap. For serious collectors, the safest option is always to purchase from authorized dealers or reputable sources.
So, the next time you’re tempted by a seemingly fantastic deal on an Audemars Piguet, remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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