Please contact us to book an appointment.
(713) 977-7296
info@thevintagecontessa.com
How to Inspect An Audemars Piguet Watch

How to Inspect An Audemars Piguet Watch

Discerning True Audemars Piguet Craftsmanship: Spotting the Genuine Article

Price Check
Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. An entry-level Audemars Piguet, like the 33mm quartz Royal Oak, typically starts around $15,000, soaring to over $400,000 for premium models. Luxury timepieces often command higher prices on the secondary market than retail, so significantly lower prices should raise red flags.
Material Quality and Build
Audemars Piguet is synonymous with unparalleled quality, utilizing materials like titanium, ceramic, various gold shades, and stainless steel. An AP watch exuding anything less than the highest standard of quality should be scrutinized.
Heft and Weight
The weight of an Audemars Piguet watch is indicative of its authenticity, influenced by its features and complications. Genuine AP watches, such as those with the intricate caliber 1000, feel substantially heavy and solid.

Case Finishing
Authentic Audemars Piguet watches boast flawless finishing with smooth, sharp edges. Counterfeits often fall short, exhibiting uneven finishes and rough edges.

Dial Precision
On a genuine Audemars Piguet, every marking, logo, and detail is crisp, clear, and consistently measured, maintaining their integrity over time. In contrast, fakes might have uneven logos and markings that wear or fade, betraying their inferior quality.
Movement Mastery
Authentic Audemars Piguet watches feature sophisticated, finely finished in-house movements. Counterfeits typically cannot replicate these movements’ complexity and finish, revealing their true nature.
Bracelet and Clasp Integrity
Genuine AP bracelets align perfectly and are crafted from quality materials, with clasps that are firm, secure, and sometimes engraved with the Audemars Piguet logo. Counterfeit pieces often use inferior metals and have misaligned links.
Verification through Documentation
Ensure the watch’s authenticity by checking the case back for the serial number and requesting official documents. When in doubt, consult a reputable watch dealer for verification.

Identifying an Authentic Royal Oak
The Royal Oak’s distinct features include:

  • Bezel: Look for well-polished steel bezels secured with evenly spaced, aligned hexagonal screws.
  • Dial: Authentic Royal Oaks features a Tapisserie pattern that is evenly spaced and symmetrical, unlike the irregular patterns found on fakes.
  • Case Back: Genuine models have a sapphire crystal case back showcasing sophisticated, flawless movements.
  • Logo: The raised gold letters of the logo should be well-polished and clear, not faded or printed.
  • Serial Number: Genuine Royal Oaks have consistently engraved serial numbers, while fakes may display them inconsistently or unclearly.
  • Warranty and Certification: Genuine Royal Oaks come with a warranty and authentication certificate; the absence of these is a concern.
  • Packaging: The luxury of a Royal Oak extends to its packaging, often made from high-quality materials like suede and velvet, which counterfeits may need to be improved.

When seeking an Audemars Piguet, especially a coveted model like the Royal Oak, it’s crucial to observe these details closely to ensure the authenticity and quality of your potential investment.