One of the most sought after watches in the replica watch community has been an accurate copy the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Replica manufacturers have for years produced copies of this famous brand with less than stellar results. They've always been lacking in a variety of areas: poor metals, inaccurate case sizes, poor dials, quartz movements instead of automatic, terrible case engraving (misspellings).
Recently one replica watch dealer has been working directly with a factory in Asia to improve upon the basic replica design. This includes producing a more accurate case and watch band. His efforts have been producing results of late. I've included photographs of this more accurate replica Royal Oak case, in this instance it's emulating the Royal Oak Offshore. Unlike previous designs that lacked the finish of the genuine AP Royal Oak this case seems to be made of better metal and has a more accurate appearance. It also seems to be accurate in dimensions. Note the improved case markings that are more accurate than the typical laser engraving that many replica watches still use. The gaskets and rubber pieces also seem to be of a higher quality. The major flaw with this watch is the dial layout. Unlike the typical ETA 7750 copy that most replica manufacturers use in high-end chronographs the AP movement has the second hand located at the 12-o'clock position (the 7750 has the second hand at 9 o'clock). In order to reposition the second hand to this spot requires complex modifications to the movement that tend to make the watch less reliable. So far the jury is out as to whether this modification is made or these replicas simply leave the second hand at 9 o'clock. Another flaw on the dial is the size and shape of the date cyclops. The cyclops is present on the dial (some replicas do not include the cyclops) but is sized too small to be accurate. If this is the final dial that is used in these replicas this will be an easy flaw to spot: just examine the watch's date. Overall the improvement to the replica Royal Oak case is remarkable. It is an indication of the constant improvement in talent and technical know-how that is happening in Asia in general. When purchasing a Royal Oak on the second-hand market it is important to examine it carefully to make sure you're getting a genuine watch. | New Replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak |
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Compare to Genuine Audemars Royal Oaks on eBay
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