Replica Audemars Piguet dress watches are copies of the brand's formal timepieces. They mimic the case, dial, and movement. A 1:1 replica tries to match the genuine watch in dimensions and weight. Prices for these replicas range from $200 to $1,000. Genuine AP dress watches cost $15,000 to $50,000 or more.
AP Dress Watch Lines
Audemars Piguet produced several dress watch lines. The Jules Audemars collection ran from 1999 to 2018. It included manual-wind and automatic models. The Edward Piguet line had rectangular cases. The Code 11.59 line started in 2019. It has round cases and integrated lugs. Replica makers copy the Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet most often.
Common Replica Models
Replica factories focus on three AP dress watches:
- Jules Audemars Extra-Thin: 41 mm case, 6.7 mm thick. Genuine uses Calibre 2120.
- Jules Audemars Automatic: 39 mm case, date window at 3 o'clock.
- Edward Piguet: rectangular case, 30 mm by 40 mm. Manual-wind movement.
Movements in Replicas
Most replica AP dress watches use Japanese or Chinese automatic movements. A common choice is the Miyota 9015. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Some replicas use a decorated rotor to look like an AP Calibre 3120. Genuine AP movements have Geneva stripes and a gold rotor. Replica rotors are often brass with plating.
Materials and Finish
Case material: 316L stainless steel or 904L steel. 904L costs more and polishes like the genuine. Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating. Dial: printed or applied indices. Hands: steel or gold-plated. Strap: leather or alligator. Clasp: tang or deployant. A 1:1 replica uses screws that match the genuine size. Gaskets may be thin. Water resistance is often 3 ATM or less.
How to Judge a 1:1 Replica
Check these points:
- Case thickness. Genuine Jules Audemars Extra-Thin is 6.7 mm. Many replicas are 8 mm or more.
- Dial print. Genuine uses raised gold indices. Replicas use flat printed paint.
- Movement finish. Look at the rotor and bridges. Genuine has hand-finished bevels.
- Weight. Genuine steel AP dress watch weighs about 70 grams with strap. Replicas weigh 60 to 90 grams.
- Serial and movement numbers. Genuine numbers are engraved, not laser-printed.
Legal Note
U.S. law prohibits importing counterfeit goods. Customs can seize replica watches. Selling replicas as genuine is fraud. Buyers should know the risk. This guide does not endorse illegal activity.