How to Spot a Fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver: A Comprehensive Guide The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver is a coveted timepiece\, known for its robust design\, sophisticated engineering\, and luxurious appeal. Unfortunately\, its desirability has also attracted counterfeiters\, flooding the market with fake replicas. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to distinguish an authentic Offshore Diver from a deceptive imposter\, ensuring you invest wisely in a genuine masterpiece. Understanding the Royal Oak Offshore Diver: Before delving into the detection process\, it's crucial to understand what makes this watch unique. The Royal Oak Offshore Diver boasts: Distinctive Octagonal Bezel: The iconic eight-sided bezel\, a hallmark of the Royal Oak collection\, is a key identifying feature. Robust Case and Bracelet: Constructed from high-quality stainless steel\, the watch's case and bracelet exude both strength and elegance. Complicated Movement: The Offshore Diver houses a complex\, self-winding automatic movement with a date display\, chronograph\, and power reserve indicator. Exceptional Water Resistance: Its impressive 300-meter water resistance makes it perfect for deep-sea adventures. Spotting the Fakes: A Detailed Inspection: Now\, let's delve into the telltale signs of a counterfeit Royal Oak Offshore Diver: 1. The Bezel: Shape and Finish: The bezel of a genuine Offshore Diver is perfectly symmetrical and features a crisp\, sharp edge. Fake bezels often have uneven angles\, dull edges\, and inconsistent engravings. Engraving: The inscription "AUDEMARS PIGUET" should be meticulously engraved with consistent depth and clarity. Counterfeits may have shallow\, blurry\, or poorly aligned engravings. Screw Down: The bezel on a genuine Offshore Diver screws down securely with a satisfying click. Fake bezels might feel loose or wobbly\, lacking the secure feeling of an authentic watch. 2. The Case: Caseback: The caseback of an authentic Offshore Diver is typically engraved with the model number\, serial number\, and the Audemars Piguet logo. Counterfeits may have poorly executed engravings\, incorrect information\, or a missing logo. Crown: The crown should be perfectly aligned\, smooth\, and firm. Fake crowns often feel loose or have a misaligned position. Pushers: The chronograph pushers on an authentic Offshore Diver are precisely aligned and function smoothly. Fake pushers may be misaligned or have a stiff or inconsistent feel. 3. The Dial: Color and Texture: The dial of a genuine Offshore Diver displays vibrant\, consistent color with a refined texture. Counterfeits may have faded or uneven coloration and a cheap\, plastic-like feel. Lume: The lume (luminescent material) on the hands and markers of an authentic Offshore Diver should glow brightly and evenly in the dark. Fake lume is usually faint\, uneven\, or quickly fades. Sub-Dials: The chronograph sub-dials on an authentic Offshore Diver are perfectly aligned and have a delicate\, precise design. Counterfeits may have misaligned sub-dials with rough or poorly executed details. 4. The Movement: Caliber: The movement of a genuine Royal Oak Offshore Diver is marked with the specific caliber number\, which can be verified on the Audemars Piguet website. Counterfeits often use generic movements without accurate markings. Rotor: The rotor\, the weight that automatically winds the movement\, should be intricately finished and engraved with the Audemars Piguet logo. Fake rotors often have a basic design and poorly executed engravings. Sound: A genuine Offshore Diver has a smooth and consistent winding sound. Fake movements can produce a noisy or irregular winding sound. 5. The Bracelet: Quality: The bracelet on an authentic Offshore Diver is made from high-quality stainless steel with a polished finish. Counterfeit bracelets often feel flimsy\, have a dull finish\, and lack the intricate details of the genuine article. Clasp: The clasp of an authentic Offshore Diver is engraved with the Audemars Piguet logo and should have a secure\, smooth locking mechanism. Fake clasps may have poorly executed engravings\, a loose or stiff locking mechanism\, and a cheap feel. Links: The links of the bracelet on an authentic Offshore Diver are perfectly aligned\, smooth\, and precisely finished. Counterfeit bracelets may have misaligned links\, rough edges\, or a cheap appearance. 6. The Packaging and Documentation: Box: The box of a genuine Royal Oak Offshore Diver is made from high-quality materials\, featuring the Audemars Piguet logo and a precise\, elegant design. Fake boxes often have a cheap appearance\, poorly executed branding\, and inconsistencies in design. Papers: Authentic watches come with a guarantee card\, user manual\, and other documentation featuring the Audemars Piguet logo and serial number. Counterfeits may have poorly printed or incomplete documentation\, with missing information or inconsistencies. 7. The Price: Be Suspicious: If a Royal Oak Offshore Diver is offered at a price significantly lower than the market value\, it should raise red flags. Authentic watches hold their value over time\, and drastic price reductions should be investigated. Research: Research current market prices for the specific model you're considering. Websites like Chrono24 or eBay can provide insights into the prevailing market value for genuine watches. FAQ: Q: What is the best way to determine the authenticity of a Royal Oak Offshore Diver? A: The best way is to have it inspected by a qualified watchmaker or an authorized dealer. They have the expertise to identify subtle differences and authenticate the watch using specialized tools and knowledge. Q: Are there any online resources to help me identify fake Audemars Piguet watches? A: Yes\, several reputable online forums and communities dedicated to luxury watches\, such as WatchUSeek\, provide valuable information and guidance on spotting fakes. You can also find helpful resources on websites like Authentication Services International (ASI). Q: How do I report a suspected counterfeit Audemars Piguet watch? A: You can report a suspected counterfeit to the Audemars Piguet brand directly. They have a dedicated team responsible for investigating and combating counterfeiting. Conclusion: Investing in a luxury watch like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver is a significant financial commitment. By carefully examining each aspect of the watch\, using this guide\, and seeking expert verification\, you can ensure you're acquiring an authentic masterpiece. Remember\, the thrill of owning a genuine Royal Oak Offshore Diver lies not only in its beauty but also in the confidence that comes with knowing it's the real deal. References: [Audemars Piguet Website](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/) [Chrono24](https://www.chrono24.com/) [WatchUSeek](https://www.watchuseek.com/) [Authentication Services International (ASI)](https://www.authservices.com/)