Is your Royal Oak
Perpetual Calendar real?
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar combines Gerald Genta's iconic octagonal design with one of watchmaking's most complex complications. Priced from $75,000 to over $150,000 depending on material, it's one of the most counterfeited high-complication watches.
How to authenticate a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
Octagonal Bezel
8 hexagonal screws with alternating brushed and polished finishing — the transitions between surfaces must be razor-sharp. This hallmark of AP craftsmanship is extremely difficult to replicate at the same level of precision.
Calendar Sub-Dials
4 indicators displaying month, date, day, and moon phase — all should function correctly and change crisply at their designated times. The calendar mechanism is one of the most complex in watchmaking.
Dial Quality
"Grande Tapisserie" or "petite tapisserie" waffle pattern with precise geometry. Each raised square must be uniform in size, depth, and spacing — a signature of AP's dial manufacturing excellence.
Case Back
Display caseback showing caliber 5134 movement with 22k gold rotor. The movement should exhibit Geneva stripes, beveled edges, and the distinctive AP eagle engraving on the rotor.
Integrated Bracelet
AP links with proper alignment and a hidden folding clasp. The bracelet should flow seamlessly from the case with matching finishing — alternating brushed and polished surfaces continuing from the case onto the links.
Crown
AP logo engraved on the crown with correct size relative to the case. The crown should operate smoothly with defined positions for winding and time-setting, with a precise, quality feel.
Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar counterfeit warning signs
Non-Functional Calendar
Calendar functions that don't work or change imprecisely. A genuine perpetual calendar should transition all displays smoothly and accurately track months, dates, days, and moon phases without manual correction.
Inconsistent Tapisserie Pattern
Tapisserie pattern with inconsistent depth or spacing. Genuine AP dials feature mathematically precise waffle patterns with uniform depth across the entire dial surface, catching light identically at every point.
Misaligned Bezel Screws
Bezel screws that don't align flush with the case. On a genuine Royal Oak, each of the 8 hexagonal screws sits perfectly flush and follows the contour of the bezel with zero gap or protrusion.
Incorrect Moon Phase
Incorrect moon phase display — a genuine Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar should show both lunar hemispheres with precise astronomical accuracy, requiring correction only once every 125 years.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a perpetual calendar?
A perpetual calendar automatically accounts for months of different lengths and leap years, requiring no manual date correction until the year 2100. It's one of the most complex mechanical complications, using approximately 50 additional components.
What movement powers the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar?
The current model uses caliber 5134, an automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve. It displays hours, minutes, day, date, month, astronomical moon phase, and week of the year.
How do I set a perpetual calendar?
Setting requires careful use of the corrector pushers on the case side (accessed with a special pin). NEVER adjust the calendar between 8pm and 2am when the mechanism is engaging. Incorrect adjustment can damage the calendar mechanism.