Audemars Piguet (AP) is synonymous with horological excellence. The brand's Royal Oak, in particular, is an icon, coveted by watch collectors worldwide. This immense popularity, unfortunately, makes Audemars Piguet watches prime targets for counterfeiters. Owning a genuine AP is a significant investment, and the disappointment and financial loss associated with unknowingly purchasing a fake can be devastating. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to confidently distinguish between a fake and a real Audemars Piguet, focusing on the key aspects of authenticity.

Why Fake Audemars Piguet Watches Exist

The proliferation of fake Audemars Piguet watches is driven by several factors:

• High Demand and Brand Recognition: The prestige and desirability of Audemars Piguet make it a lucrative target for counterfeiters.
• High Retail Prices: Genuine AP watches command high prices, creating a market for cheaper alternatives, even if those alternatives are fake.
• Sophistication of Counterfeiting Technology: Advances in technology allow counterfeiters to create increasingly convincing replicas, making it more difficult to differentiate them from the real thing.
• Online Marketplaces: The anonymity and accessibility of online marketplaces make it easier for counterfeiters to sell their products to unsuspecting buyers.

Key Differences: Fake vs. Real Audemars Piguet

Successfully identifying a genuine Audemars Piguet requires a keen eye and attention to detail. Here's a breakdown of the critical areas to scrutinize:

1. Overall Quality and Craftsmanship

Audemars Piguet is renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship. This translates to:

• Finishing: A genuine AP will have perfectly finished surfaces. Look for sharp, clean lines, expertly polished surfaces, and meticulous brushing. Counterfeit watches often exhibit imperfections such as rough edges, uneven surfaces, and poor finishing.
• Weight: AP watches are made of high-quality materials and have a substantial weight. A significantly lighter watch than expected is a red flag. Research the specific model's weight specifications.
• Materials: Genuine AP watches utilize premium materials like 18k gold, platinum, titanium, and high-grade stainless steel. Examine the quality and feel of the materials. Cheap metals and platings are common in fakes.

2. The Dial: A Microscopic Examination

The dial is a critical area for authentication. Pay close attention to the following:

• Font and Printing: The font used for the Audemars Piguet logo, numerals, and other markings should be crisp, clear, and consistent with the brand's standards. Counterfeit watches often have poorly printed fonts, misspellings, or inconsistent spacing. Compare the font to images of authentic models online.
• "Tapisserie" Dial (Royal Oak): The iconic "Tapisserie" dial is a hallmark of the Royal Oak. The intricate waffle pattern should be precisely executed with sharp, well-defined squares. Fakes often have a poorly defined or uneven pattern. The texture and depth of the Tapisserie are crucial details to examine.
• Luminescence: The luminous material used on the hands and markers should be evenly applied and glow consistently. Inconsistencies in lume application or a weak glow are signs of a fake.
• Subdials (Chronographs): On chronograph models, the subdials should be perfectly aligned and the hands should reset to zero precisely. Poor alignment and malfunctioning subdials are common in fake AP chronographs.

3. The Case and Bezel: Identifying Key Details

The case and bezel offer valuable clues to authenticity:

• Case Shape and Dimensions: Verify that the case shape and dimensions match the specifications of the specific AP model. Counterfeiters often get these details wrong.
• Bezel Screws (Royal Oak): The eight hexagonal screws on the Royal Oak bezel are a distinctive feature. They should be perfectly aligned, flush with the bezel, and made of the correct material (often white gold). Misaligned screws, different screw types, or poor finishing are red flags.
• Engravings: Examine the engravings on the case back for accuracy and quality. The AP logo, model number, and serial number should be clearly engraved and precisely placed. Shallow, uneven, or poorly executed engravings are common in fake watches.

4. The Movement: The Heart of the Watch

The movement is the most crucial, but also often the most difficult, aspect to examine without opening the watch (which is not recommended unless you are a qualified watchmaker). However, you can still look for clues:

• Automatic Movement Operation: Listen to the movement. A genuine AP automatic movement will be smooth and quiet. A loud, grinding, or jerky movement is a sign of a fake.
• Sweeping Second Hand: Authentic Audemars Piguet movements have a smooth, sweeping second hand. A jerky or ticking second hand is a sign of a quartz movement, which is not used in most high-end AP models (particularly the Royal Oak).
• Exhibition Case Back (if applicable): If the watch has an exhibition case back, carefully examine the movement. Genuine AP movements are exquisitely decorated with C��tes de Gen��ve, perlage, and other finishing techniques. A poorly finished or undecorated movement is a clear indication of a fake. Compare the movement to images of authentic AP movements online.

5. The Bracelet and Clasp

The bracelet and clasp should also be carefully inspected:

• Bracelet Quality: The bracelet should be well-constructed and comfortable to wear. The links should be tightly fitted together with no gaps or sharp edges.
• Clasp Mechanism: The clasp should be secure and easy to operate. The AP logo should be clearly engraved on the clasp. A flimsy or poorly constructed clasp is a sign of a fake.

6. Serial and Model Numbers: Essential Verification

Every genuine Audemars Piguet watch has a unique serial number and a model number. These numbers can be used to verify the watch's authenticity:

• Location: The serial number is typically located on the case back or under the lugs. The model number is often found inside the case back.
• Verification: Contact an authorized Audemars Piguet dealer or service center to verify the serial number and model number. They can confirm whether the watch is genuine and provide information about its specifications.

7. Price and Seller Reputation

Consider these factors when purchasing an Audemars Piguet:

• Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Audemars Piguet watches are expensive. Be wary of sellers offering AP watches at significantly discounted prices.
• Seller Reputation: Purchase from reputable dealers or authorized Audemars Piguet retailers. Check online reviews and ratings before making a purchase. Avoid buying from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
• Paperwork and Packaging: A genuine Audemars Piguet watch should come with its original box, papers, and warranty card. Missing or incomplete paperwork is a red flag.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Here's a quick summary of the most common red flags indicating a fake Audemars Piguet:

• Low price compared to market value.
• Poor overall quality and finishing.
• Misspellings or inconsistencies in the logo and markings.
• Uneven or poorly applied luminescence.
• Misaligned bezel screws.
• Jerky or ticking second hand.
• Loud or rough movement.
• Missing or incomplete paperwork and packaging.
• Seller with a poor reputation.

Seeking Expert Authentication

If you are unsure about the authenticity of an Audemars Piguet watch, it is always best to seek expert authentication. Consult with a qualified watchmaker, an authorized Audemars Piguet dealer, or a professional authentication service. These experts have the knowledge and tools necessary to accurately assess the watch's authenticity and provide you with peace of mind.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most faked Audemars Piguet model?

A: The Royal Oak is the most frequently counterfeited Audemars Piguet model due to its iconic status and high value.

Q: Can I trust online marketplaces to buy an Audemars Piguet?

A: While it's possible to find genuine AP watches on online marketplaces, it's crucial to exercise extreme caution. Only purchase from sellers with excellent reputations and always have the watch authenticated by an expert before finalizing the purchase.

Q: How much does it cost to authenticate an Audemars Piguet?

A: The cost of authentication varies depending on the expert or service you use. It can range from a few hundred dollars to several hundred, depending on the complexity of the authentication process.

Q: What should I do if I suspect I have purchased a fake Audemars Piguet?

A: Contact the seller immediately and request a refund. If the seller is uncooperative, report them to the online marketplace or your credit card company. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Q: Where can I find a reputable Audemars Piguet dealer?

A: You can find a list of authorized Audemars Piguet dealers on the official Audemars Piguet website: [link to official AP website].

Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment

Purchasing an Audemars Piguet is a significant investment. By understanding the key differences between fake and real Audemars Piguet watches, you can protect yourself from being scammed and ensure you acquire a genuine timepiece of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Remember to meticulously examine the watch, verify the serial number, and purchase from a reputable source. If in doubt, seek expert authentication. Investing the time and effort to verify authenticity will ultimately safeguard your investment and allow you to enjoy your Audemars Piguet with confidence and pride.

References and Sources

• Audemars Piguet Official Website: [Placeholder - Insert link to official Audemars Piguet website here]
• Watch forums and communities (e.g., Watchuseek, TimeZone)
• Reputable watch authentication services (e.g., Entrupy, Real Authentication)
• Articles from watch publications (e.g., Hodinkee, Revolution Watch)