How Can You Tell a Fake Audemars Piguet?

Got your eye on an Audemars Piguet, huh? And why wouldn’t you? These watches are pure class—whether it’s the sleek Royal Oak or the ultra-luxurious Royal Oak Offshore. The craftsmanship – off the charts, the prestige – undeniable, and let’s be honest, they just look downright cool. But with great fame comes a serious downside: counterfeits. Fake APs are out there in droves, and if you’re not careful, you might end up with one sitting on your wrist. 

But don’t sweat it—we’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the telltale (and not so telltale) signs to look out for, so you can confidently spot a fake and avoid the scam. Let’s jump right in!

Okay, so picture this: You’ve just picked up what you think is a genuine Audemars Piguet. The first thing you notice? How it feels in your hand. Trust us, real APs have a certain weight and feel to them that fakes just can’t match. Mostly the reason is the precious metals they use, and you know all that gold, gems and stones… They weigh a little. 

Here’s the thing—real Audemars Piguet watches are crafted from top-tier materials like solid gold, platinum, or high-grade stainless steel. These are not lightweight materials, so when you hold a genuine AP, it’s got some serious heft to it. If the watch feels too light, like it’s made from cheaper metals or plastic, that’s a huge red flag. You don’t want a luxury watch that feels like a toy, right? The trick is you can compare the weight to the original; If those milligrams do not match, well you’ve got yourself a counterfeit.

Ever noticed those tiny, perfect squares on the dial of a Royal Oak? That’s called the “tapisserie” pattern, and it’s one of the most iconic features of an Audemars Piguet. On a real AP, this pattern is flawless. The squares are uniform, sharp, and have a depth to them that just screams “luxury.” On a fake? Not so much. The squares might look too shallow, uneven, or even absent. If that pattern looks off, you’re probably dealing with a counterfeit.

Check the fonts on the dial—whether it’s the numbers, the brand name, or the “Swiss Made” at the bottom. On a real AP, the font is super clean and perfectly spaced. Fakes often mess this up. The text might look too thick, too thin, or just plain wrong. And don’t forget the hour markers and hands. Are they perfectly aligned? If they’re even a millimeter off, that’s a major red flag.

Now, let’s talk about the case, where a lot of the magic happens (and where many fakes fall short).

Audemars Piguet watches, especially the Royal Oak, are known for their sharp, crisp case lines. If you run your fingers along the edges, you should feel those perfectly crafted lines, and they should look super clean. The bezel, especially the iconic octagonal one, is no joke—it’s meticulously designed. If the edges on the case look too rounded, poorly cut, or have inconsistent brushing or polishing, that’s not a good sign.

Yep, we’re even talking about the screws. AP watches use high-quality screws that align perfectly with the octagonal bezel. Fakes often overlook these details, so you might see screws that are uneven or poorly aligned. And if they’re just glued on (yikes!) or don’t have the right depth, you can bet that watch is a knock-off.

If you want to truly separate the fakes from the real deal, you’ve got to look under the hood. That’s where the movement comes in.

Some Audemars Piguet models, like the Royal Oak, have a sapphire crystal case back, letting you peek at the movement inside. It’s pretty awesome, right? If you’re looking at a real AP, the movement is a work of art—beautifully engraved, perfectly aligned, and free of any errors. If the back is closed, check the engravings on the case. They should be deep and precise, not laser-etched or sloppy.

One quick test? Look at the second hand. A real AP with an automatic movement will have a smooth, sweeping second hand. If it ticks like a quartz watch, step away. That’s the easiest giveaway of a fake. Real luxury watches don’t tick like your old alarm clock!

The bracelet and clasp are often overlooked, but these small details make a huge difference when it comes to spotting a fake.

Let’s repeat: a real AP bracelet is very solid!  It’s made with individual links that feel substantial. You won’t hear any rattling or experience any stiffness when you move the bracelet around. It feels like butter on your wrist—smooth and high-quality. Fakes? They often feel clunky, lightweight, or stiff. If the links don’t move naturally or feel cheaply made, you’ve probably got a fake on your hands.

Now, on to the clasp. It should close smoothly and securely, with a satisfying “click.” And the AP logo on the clasp? It should be perfectly engraved—clean and crisp. Fakes often have faint or poorly stamped logos, and the clasp might feel flimsy or loose. Not what you want from a luxury watch.

You might not think too much about paperwork when buying a watch, but trust us—it can be a big deal when it comes to spotting a fake.

Every Audemars Piguet has a unique serial number engraved on the case. This number should be cleanly and deeply engraved, with perfect alignment. Fakes often have serial numbers that look scratched on or misaligned. And make sure the serial number matches the documentation! If something doesn’t add up, it’s not a good sign.

Always ask for the original papers when buying an Audemars Piguet. If the seller says they don’t have them, be cautious. While it’s possible they were lost, you should always question why. If the papers do show up, make sure they look legit—no faded logos, misaligned text, or poor paper quality. Scammers are getting better at faking paperwork, but if something looks off, trust your gut.

Sometimes, the biggest red flag is the price. Meaning, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Listen, if someone’s offering you a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Real APs don’t sell for bargain prices, and no one is looking to offload one for half its value unless something’s wrong. If you see a Royal Oak for a few thousand dollars, walk away. High-end watches like this retain their value, and no one is going to give one away for cheap.

The safest way to avoid getting scammed? Buy from an authorized dealer or a trusted reseller with a solid reputation. If you’re buying pre-owned, make sure to do your homework on the seller. Check reviews, ask for proof of authenticity, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels fishy.

Even after all this, it can still be tough to spot a fake on your own. When in doubt, take the watch to a professional—someone who’s used to handling luxury watches and can open it up to check the movement. A good jeweler or watchmaker will be able to spot a counterfeit right away and save you a lot of headaches.

So there you have it—a complete guide to spotting a fake Audemars Piguet. It all comes down to the details, so take your time, trust your gut, and don’t rush into anything. These watches are serious investments, so make sure you’re getting the real deal!

If something feels off—whether it’s the weight, the dial, or even the price—don’t be afraid to step back and take a closer look. After all, when it comes to luxury, you deserve nothing less than perfection.