When investing in luxury timepieces, Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious brands, known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and exclusivity. However, the high demand for these watches has made them a target for counterfeiters. If you’re considering purchasing an Audemars Piguet, it’s crucial to know how to distinguish a fake Audemars Piguet from the real thing. This article will guide you through the key differences between genuine and counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches.
When you purchase a timepiece from BQ Watches - you can be sure you are purchasing an authentic luxury timepiece, each watch goes through a strenuous authentication process, by our in-house valuation and repairs expert team.
The first red flag when dealing with a fake Audemars Piguet is the price. Genuine Audemars Piguet watches, particularly models like the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore, come with high price tags due to their craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and limited production. If you come across a deal that seems "too good to be true," it probably is. Authentic models often start at several thousand pounds and can go up to tens or even hundreds of thousands for rare or limited-edition pieces. A heavily discounted price is a clear warning sign that the watch could be a fake.
One of the most noticeable differences between a fake and real Audemars Piguet watch is the weight. Genuine Audemars Piguet watches are made from premium materials, including stainless steel, gold, platinum, and titanium, which give them a substantial weight. Counterfeit watches are often made with cheaper materials that feel lighter and less sturdy in the hand.
Additionally, real Audemars Piguet watches are crafted with impeccable attention to detail. The finishing on the case, bracelet, and dial should be flawless. Fake models often feature rough edges, uneven surfaces, or poor quality engravings, while the real deal showcases perfect polishing and precision.
Audemars Piguet watches often feature luminous markings or hands for low-light visibility. The quality of the lume in a genuine Audemars Piguet is long-lasting and bright. Fakes, on the other hand, may have lume that fades quickly or is unevenly applied. In a dark setting, the difference in brightness and longevity between a real and fake Audemars Piguet is noticeable.
One of the most significant aspects of an Audemars Piguet watch is its movement. As one of the finest Swiss watchmakers, Audemars Piguet uses highly intricate and precise in-house mechanical movements. These movements are known for their complexity, accuracy, and aesthetic beauty, often visible through a transparent caseback.
Fake Audemars Piguet watches are often equipped with cheap, low-quality quartz or basic automatic movements that lack the refinement of the real thing. You can usually tell the difference by observing the second hand’s movement. In a genuine automatic Audemars Piguet, the second hand will move smoothly, while in a fake, it may tick in increments, especially if it's powered by a quartz movement.
A closer look at the dial can reveal crucial differences between a fake and real Audemars Piguet. The genuine dials are known for their intricate details, such as the “Tapisserie” pattern found on Royal Oak models. The small, square-like texture on the dial is produced with precision, giving it a refined and even look. Fake watches often have poorly executed or printed patterns that lack the fine detail of the original.
Additionally, the logo and other dial markings on a real Audemars Piguet watch are sharp, perfectly aligned, and finely engraved. The logo will often appear to be seamlessly integrated into the dial. On counterfeit watches, logos and other text can be slightly misaligned, printed poorly, or smudged. Also, the font used in fakes can be inaccurate when compared to the authentic model.
Every authentic Audemars Piguet watch comes with a unique serial number engraved into the case, which corresponds to its documentation and guarantees authenticity. Counterfeit watches may either lack a serial number or have a poorly engraved one. Additionally, real Audemars Piguet watches come with certificates of authenticity, warranty cards, and other documentation, often in luxurious packaging.
To verify the watch’s authenticity, it is highly recommended to check the serial number with Audemars Piguet or an authorised dealer. A fake Audemars Piguet will either provide false documentation or none at all.
A genuine Audemars Piguet watch, particularly the Royal Oak models, often features a transparent caseback, allowing you to see the intricate movement inside. The movement should display an exceptional level of detail and craftsmanship, with Audemars Piguet engravings and unique serial numbers. Counterfeit watches may have opaque or cheaply made casebacks, and if transparent, the movement inside will lack the high level of detail.
On models like the Royal Oak, the screws on the bezel should also be a point of focus. In a real Audemars Piguet, the screws will be perfectly aligned and sit flush with the surface. On a fake, the screws may be misaligned or poorly secured, affecting the overall finish of the watch.
To avoid purchasing a fake Audemars Piguet, it's crucial to buy from trusted and authorised dealers. At BQ Watches, you can be confident that you're getting an authentic Audemars Piguet. We offer a vast inventory of genuine timepieces, backed by original papers, certificates of authenticity, and verifiable serial numbers. In addition, our expert in-house repairs and authentication team thoroughly inspects every watch, ensuring that you receive a fully verified, high-quality product. Whether you're buying new or pre-owned, BQ Watches ensures peace of mind with every purchase.
