What Is a Fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 67651?
A fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 67651 is a copy of the 33mm quartz Royal Oak that AP sells with a diamond-set bezel and a Grande Tapisserie dial. The strongest 1:1 versions match the case width, the octagonal bezel screws, and the bracelet taper. Weak copies fail on the diamond setting, the dial texture, and the clasp.
What the Genuine 67651 Looks Like
The 67651 sits on the smaller side of the Royal Oak line. It runs a 33mm case and a quartz movement, so the watch is thin and light on the wrist.
- Case: 33mm octagonal, stainless steel or gold
- Bezel: fixed, set with round brilliant-cut diamonds
- Dial: Grande Tapisserie grid, date window at 3
- Movement: quartz, Calibre 2713
- Bracelet: integrated, tapering links, folding clasp
Because the case is small and the bezel sparkles, small errors show up fast. A crooked diamond row or a soft dial grid reads as fake from arm's length. That is why this reference is harder to copy than a plain steel sports watch.
What Separates a Good Replica From a Bad One
Case Size and Thickness
Measure the case across the bezel, not across the crown. A true 33mm copy sits flush with the spec, while cheap cases run 34mm or 35mm and wear too large. Thickness matters too, since an automatic movement forces a thicker case that does not match the slim quartz original.
Diamond Bezel and Setting
Count the stones and check the spacing between them. Genuine bezels use a tight, even row with prongs that sit low against the metal. Replicas often use glued stones, wider gaps, or cubic zirconia that looks flat under indoor light.
Dial and Grande Tapisserie Texture
The tapisserie grid should be raised and sharp, with light catching each square. Printed or shallow-stamped grids look like a flat sticker in photos. Check the date font and the AP logo as well, since thick letters and a squashed date are common faults.
Movement
The 67651 is quartz, so the second hand should tick once per second. A smooth sweep means the seller fitted an automatic movement, which is the wrong watch inside the right case. Ask for a short video of the running watch before you pay.
Bracelet, Clasp, and End Links
Look at the gap between the first link and the case. A tight fit with no rattle points to a better build. The clasp should close with a firm click and carry engraving at the correct depth.
Weight and Finish
A steel 33mm Royal Oak feels solid but not heavy. Brushed surfaces should run in one direction, and polished bevels should catch light in a clean line. Mixed brush marks or cloudy polish signal a low-tier case.
Price Bands for 67651 Replicas
Most listings fall into three groups. Treat the numbers as a guide, because sellers price by factory rather than by grade labels.
- Budget ($60 to $180): glued stones, printed dial, hollow bracelet, loud quartz tick.
- Mid ($180 to $400): better case shape and a cut-stone bezel, but soft dial texture and a thin clasp.
- Top 1:1 ($400 to $800): correct 33mm case, crisp tapisserie, set stones, solid end links, deep engraving.
Above that range the price often reflects marketing, not parts. Ask which factory made the watch and request macro photos of the bezel, crown, and caseback before you commit.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Stock photos only, with no close-up of the bezel screws
- Grade labels such as "AAA" or "Swiss made" with no factory name
- Claims that the watch is a genuine Audemars Piguet
- No video of the running movement
- Bezel stones that sit high or show glue at the edges
- Casebacks with shallow or misspelled engraving
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Royal Oak 67651 quartz or automatic?
Quartz. The reference uses AP Calibre 2713, a quartz movement, which keeps the case slim. Any 67651 replica with a sweeping second hand has the wrong movement inside.
What size is the Royal Oak 67651?
The case measures 33mm across. It is a smaller Royal Oak aimed at slim wrists, so a 34mm or 35mm copy will not fit the same way.
How do I spot a fake 67651 in photos?
Zoom in on three spots: the bezel screws, the tapisserie grid, and the date font. Slot alignment, grid depth, and letter weight are the hardest details for a copy to match.
Can I service a replica like a real watch?
Independent watchmakers can swap a quartz battery and clean a bracelet. They cannot order AP parts, so a cracked bezel or a broken bracelet link often ends the life of the watch.
Legal and Practical Points
Replica watches raise trademark issues, and US customs can seize shipments of counterfeit goods. These watches hold no resale value and come with no manufacturer warranty. Buy only if you accept those limits, and check the rules that apply where you live.