Is your Audemars Piguet
the real deal?
The Royal Oak is one of the most iconic and counterfeited luxury watches. Learn how to spot the details that separate genuine AP from fakes.
How to authenticate an Audemars Piguet
Tapisserie Dial Pattern
The Royal Oak's signature waffle pattern should be perfectly uniform with sharp, well-defined edges throughout.
Octagonal Bezel Screws
The 8 hexagonal screws should be flush with the bezel surface and evenly spaced. They're functional, not decorative.
AP Logo Placement
The "AP" initials on the dial should be sharply defined, properly positioned, and have consistent depth.
Case Finishing
Alternating brushed and polished surfaces should have crisp, razor-sharp borders between the two finishes.
Integrated Bracelet
Royal Oak bracelets flow seamlessly from the case with tight, flush links and no visible gaps.
Common counterfeit signs
Uneven Tapisserie
Counterfeit dials have shallow, irregular, or blurred tapisserie patterns. The squares should all be identical.
Protruding Bezel Screws
On fakes, the 8 bezel screws often sit proud of the surface or are unevenly recessed into the bezel.
Poor Finishing Transitions
The border between brushed and polished surfaces should be razor-sharp. Fakes have blurred or wavy transitions.
Misaligned Date Window
Fakes frequently have date windows that are off-center or cut at slightly wrong angles.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Royal Oak the most counterfeited AP model?
Yes, the Royal Oak is by far the most counterfeited Audemars Piguet model due to its iconic design and high market value. The Royal Oak Offshore is also frequently replicated.
How can I tell if my AP bracelet is genuine?
Check for tight, wobble-free links with consistent brushed finishing. The clasp should operate smoothly with the AP logo sharply engraved. Genuine bracelets feel solid and substantial on the wrist.
Do all AP watches have the tapisserie pattern?
No, only the Royal Oak and some Royal Oak Offshore models feature the tapisserie (waffle) dial pattern. Other collections like the Code 11.59 and Jules Audemars use different dial designs.