Is your Royal Oak
Chronograph the real deal?
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph combines the iconic Royal Oak design with chronograph complications. Its six-figure prices and high demand make it a prime target for counterfeiters. Here's how to verify authenticity.
How to authenticate a Royal Oak Chronograph
Grande Tapisserie Dial
'Mega tapisserie' pattern features larger embossed squares. Genuine patterns are deeply embossed with perfect uniformity. Counterfeits have flat or irregular patterns without three-dimensional depth.
Eight Bezel Screws
Octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal white gold screws. All screws must be perfectly aligned with slots parallel to bezel sides. Counterfeits have misaligned or randomly oriented screws.
Caliber 2385 Movement
Based on Frederic Piguet 1185 column-wheel chronograph. Features impeccable finishing and 'Audemars Piguet' engraved rotor. Counterfeits use cheap movements with incorrect architecture.
Chronograph Pushers
Integrated pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock with smooth, crisp action. Pushers should operate firmly with distinct feedback. Counterfeits have sticky or loose pushers with poor action.
Subdial Layout
Three subdials at 3, 6, 9 o'clock with matching tapisserie pattern. All subdials perfectly symmetric. Counterfeits have misaligned subdials or incorrect tapisserie.
H-Link Bracelet
Integrated H-link bracelet with alternating brushed/polished surfaces. Links articulate smoothly with zero play. Counterfeits have poor finishing or hollow rattling links.
Royal Oak Chronograph counterfeit warning signs
Flat Tapisserie Pattern
Grande Tapisserie should be deeply embossed. If the pattern appears flat or printed without three-dimensional texture, it's counterfeit.
Misaligned Bezel Screws
All eight screws should be perfectly aligned. Random screw orientations or misalignment is a telltale sign of a counterfeit.
Poor Case Finishing
The case should show sharp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces. Blurry transitions or uneven finishing indicate a fake.
Incorrect Movement
The caliber 2385 has distinctive architecture. Generic movements or incorrect rotor engraving indicate a counterfeit.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Grande Tapisserie on the Royal Oak Chronograph?
The 'mega tapisserie' pattern features larger embossed squares than the standard Royal Oak. Genuine patterns are deeply embossed with perfect uniformity. This requires precision stamping. Counterfeits have flat or irregular patterns.
What movement powers the Royal Oak Chronograph?
The caliber 2385 is based on Frederic Piguet 1185, a renowned column-wheel chronograph. It features impeccable hand-finishing and 'Audemars Piguet' engraved rotor. Counterfeits use cheap movements with incorrect architecture.
How should the octagonal bezel screws be aligned?
All eight hexagonal white gold screws should be perfectly aligned with slots parallel to their respective sides of the octagon. This precision alignment is a hallmark of Royal Oak quality. Counterfeits have misaligned or randomly oriented screws.
What is the H-link bracelet?
The integrated H-link bracelet features alternating brushed and polished surfaces with links shaped like the letter H. Links should articulate smoothly with zero play. Counterfeits have poor finishing or hollow rattling links.