Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak is one of the most iconic luxury watches in the world, known for its unique design, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
With its high status comes an unfortunate truth—counterfeits flood the market, making it crucial to know how to distinguish a genuine AP Royal Oak from a fake.
If you’re considering investing in this luxury timepiece, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you spot the signs of a fake Royal Oak.
Inspect The Case & Bezel
The Royal Oak’s distinctive octagonal case is the first thing to scrutinise. Authentic models have a perfectly polished and brushed finish, with edges that are seamless and fluid. The attention to detail is impeccable, and the case exudes craftsmanship that a fake simply cannot replicate.
Pay particular attention to the bezel. Audemars Piguet is known for its precision, and the screws on the bezel are no exception. Each bezel features eight hexagonal screws, all perfectly aligned and uniform in depth, size, and positioning.
If you see any misalignment or unevenness in the screws, that’s a clear sign of a counterfeit. A fake Royal Oak often features screws that are poorly spaced, misaligned, or inconsistent in depth.
Examine The Dial & Tapisserie Pattern
The Royal Oak’s signature “Tapisserie” pattern on the dial is one of its most distinguishing features. This intricate texture is created using a traditional engraving process that no other watchmaker has been able to replicate.
The squares are meticulously crafted to be symmetrical, evenly spaced, and fade smoothly into the design, giving the dial depth and dimension.
On fake models, the pattern tends to be too crisp, poorly aligned, or too thick, resulting in an overall lack of refinement.
Branding on the dial is another telltale sign of authenticity. The logo and text on an authentic Royal Oak will be perfectly printed, with consistent spacing and sharp, clean edges. Fakes often have blurry or uneven lettering, and the font may not match Audemars Piguet’s standards.
💡 Key tip: Check the “SWISS MADE” text located near the 6 o’clock mark. On a fake, the letters are often too thick or inconsistently shaped, while the genuine article will have thin, evenly spaced lettering.
Analyse The Movement & Caseback
One of the most intricate parts of the Royal Oak is its movement. If you have access to a model with an exhibition caseback, you’re in luck, as this gives you a clear view of the movement, which is often hand-assembled by skilled horologists.
The movement will have branded engravings, and the details will be crisp, consistent, and clean. Fakes often have sloppy engraving, with text that’s too thick, boxy, or crowded.
The caseback itself is another area where counterfeiters struggle. Genuine Royal Oaks may have either a solid or exhibition caseback, depending on the model.
Engravings on the caseback—such as serial numbers—should be clean, precise, and legible. If the engraving appears shallow, uneven, or poorly executed, you’re likely dealing with a fake.
Feel The Weight & Quality Of The Materials
Audemars Piguet uses only the highest quality materials, including stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, and gold. This contributes to the hefty and solid feel of a genuine Royal Oak.
When holding an authentic Royal Oak, it will feel weighty and well-balanced in your hand. Fakes, however, are often made from cheaper materials, resulting in a lighter and less substantial feel.
Examine the bracelet. The links of an authentic Royal Oak will be smoothly finished, perfectly aligned, and connected seamlessly to the case. If the bracelet feels stiff or too flexible, or if you notice any misaligned links, this is another red flag.
💡 Key tip: Rust or corrosion on the bracelet is an immediate sign of a fake. Audemars Piguet’s choice of materials ensures that the watch remains pristine even after years of wear.
Check The Crown & Clasp
The crown and clasp of a Royal Oak are other areas where counterfeiters often make mistakes. On an authentic model, the AP logo on the crown will be cleanly engraved, with thin, precise lines. The letters “A” and “P” should be connected by a clear line at the top and bottom, without any blurring or misalignment.
The clasp, whether exterior or interior, should have the same level of precision. The “AP” engraving on the clasp should be deep, clear, and perfectly legible. In contrast, fake watches often have shallower engravings or inconsistent font thickness.
Pay Attention To The Price
While it might seem obvious, price is one of the biggest indicators when spotting a fake Royal Oak. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Entry-level Royal Oaks start around £12,000, and prices can easily soar to over £200,000 for rare or limited-edition models. If someone is offering you a Royal Oak for a fraction of its retail price, proceed with caution.
💡 Key tip: Always buy from a trusted retailer or directly from Audemars Piguet. If you’re purchasing from a secondary market, ask for proof of authenticity, such as serial numbers, original paperwork, and certificates.
Verify The Serial Number & Documentation
All authentic Royal Oak watches come with a unique serial number, which is engraved on the caseback. Before making a purchase, verify the serial number with Audemars Piguet or a trusted jeweller to ensure it matches the model you’re buying.
Counterfeit watches often have serial numbers that are poorly engraved or that don’t match up with the model in question.
In addition to the serial number, a genuine Royal Oak should come with documentation, including a certificate of authenticity and a warranty card. If the seller can’t provide this paperwork, it’s a major red flag.
⌚️ You can check Audemars Piguet serial numbers here.
Final Notes
Spotting a fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak can be challenging, especially given the sophistication of modern counterfeiters. However, by paying close attention to key details such as the case, dial, movement, and overall build quality, you can protect yourself from buying a fake.
Remember, if something feels off—whether it’s the weight, finish, or documentation—it’s always better to walk away and seek professional advice.
A genuine Royal Oak is a significant investment, and ensuring its authenticity is crucial to enjoying the craftsmanship and prestige that comes with owning one of the world’s most iconic luxury watches.
