How to Identify a Fake Audemars Piguet Watch
1. Inspect the Watch’s Weight and Materials
One of the quickest ways to determine if an Audemars Piguet watch is genuine is by checking its weight and materials. Authentic Audemars Piguet watches are made from high-quality materials, including gold, platinum, and stainless steel, making them heavier than replicas. Hold the watch and assess its weight—if it feels light, that’s often a red flag.
Additionally, examine the case and strap closely. Genuine AP watches exhibit a precise, clean finish, whereas fakes may show inconsistencies or rough edges in the materials used.
2. Examine the Dial Details
The dial is another area where authentic Audemars Piguet watches differ from fakes. Each detail on the dial, including logos, text, and hour markers, is carefully crafted and perfectly aligned. In contrast, counterfeit watches often have slight errors, misaligned markers, or incorrect fonts.
Use a magnifying glass to inspect the text on the dial, ensuring the fonts match the official AP standards. Authentic AP watches also use high-quality lume, which produces a uniform glow in low light. If the lume is uneven or fades quickly, the watch might be fake.
3. Check the Movement
The movement inside an Audemars Piguet is a strong indicator of authenticity. Audemars Piguet is known for its in-house, complex movements that are highly accurate. If possible, open the watch case back or consult a professional to check the movement inside. Genuine AP watches use intricate mechanical movements, while replicas often use low-quality quartz or basic automatic movements.
Counterfeit movements may produce a ticking sound, while authentic Audemars Piguet movements operate almost silently due to their fine craftsmanship.
4. Analyze the Serial and Model Numbers
Audemars Piguet engraves a unique serial number and model number on each of their watches. Check the location of the serial number—typically on the back of the case—and compare it with official AP records. Audemars Piguet has strict serial and model number placement, so a misplaced or missing number is a sign of a counterfeit watch.
If you’re purchasing a pre-owned watch, ensure that the numbers on the case match the ones on the documents that accompany the watch. Counterfeit watches often have inconsistent or non-existent serial numbers.
5. Verify Documentation and Authenticity Certificates
Genuine Audemars Piguet watches come with an authenticity certificate and official paperwork. This includes a warranty card, user manual, and a certificate indicating the watch’s origin. Ensure the paperwork is original and check for holograms or watermarks that authenticate the documents.
While high-quality fakes may attempt to replicate these documents, they are often missing details or feature errors that reveal their inauthenticity. When in doubt, reach out to Audemars Piguet or an authorized retailer to verify the watch and its documents.
6. Observe the Finishing on the Case and Bracelet
Authentic Audemars Piguet watches feature flawless craftsmanship, especially on the case and bracelet. The polishing and brushing on genuine AP watches are uniform and mirror-finished. Fakes, however, often have uneven finishing or rough spots on the bracelet and case.
Run your finger along the bracelet and case edges; if you feel any rough areas, this could indicate a counterfeit. Authentic Audemars Piguet watches will always have a smooth, premium finish that’s pleasant to the touch.
7. Assess the Crown and Pushers
The crown and pushers are additional components to inspect. Genuine AP watches have precise, clean engravings on the crown and smooth-operating pushers. Replicas, on the other hand, may feature shallow or misaligned engravings, and the pushers may feel loose or poorly constructed.
Authentic Audemars Piguet models often have a logo on the crown. Check the logo’s quality and alignment with a magnifying glass. Fake watches may have faded or poorly applied logos that indicate inauthenticity.
8. Inspect the Screw-in Case Back
Audemars Piguet watches often come with a screw-in case back, which is carefully crafted with engravings. Take note of the engravings’ clarity and consistency. Fakes frequently lack precision in their case back engravings, which may be either too deep or too shallow.
The screw alignment is another factor to observe. On genuine AP models, the screws are perfectly aligned, while on fake models, they may appear uneven or misaligned.
9. Confirm the Price and Seller
Price can also be a strong indicator of a fake watch. Authentic Audemars Piguet watches command high prices, often upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. If a deal seems too good to be true, it’s likely a counterfeit. Research the market price of the specific model you’re interested in and be cautious of prices significantly below the average.
Only purchase from authorized dealers or trusted resellers. Avoid online platforms with limited buyer protection, and verify the seller’s reputation through customer reviews and ratings.
10. Seek Professional Authentication
If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of an Audemars Piguet watch, consult a professional watch authenticator or appraiser. They can evaluate the watch thoroughly, checking internal mechanisms and comparing it with authentic models.
Professional authenticators can provide you with a detailed report on the watch’s authenticity, which can be invaluable, especially if you’re investing a significant amount of money. Many jewelers and authorized dealers offer authentication services, often at a reasonable fee.
Table Summary
| Criteria | Authentic Features | Fake Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Weight & Materials | Heavy, high-quality materials | Lightweight, low-quality metals |
| Dial Details | Precise, aligned text and markers | Misaligned or incorrect fonts |
| Movement | Complex mechanical movement | Basic quartz movement |
| Documentation | Official warranty and certificates | Missing or fake documents |
| Case Back Engravings | Precise, clear engravings | Inconsistent or shallow engravings |
FAQ
How can I verify the authenticity of an Audemars Piguet watch?
Check the weight, materials, movement, documentation, and serial numbers to verify authenticity.
What are the common signs of a fake Audemars Piguet?
Signs include lightweight construction, incorrect fonts, low-quality movement, and missing documents.
Where should I buy an authentic Audemars Piguet watch?
Purchase from authorized dealers, trusted resellers, or directly from Audemars Piguet.
Is there a serial number on all authentic Audemars Piguet watches?
Yes, every genuine Audemars Piguet has a unique serial number engraved on it.
Do fake Audemars Piguet watches have certificates?
Some fakes come with fake certificates, but these are often missing details or have errors.
Can I tell if an Audemars Piguet is fake just by looking at the logo?
Yes, a misaligned or poorly engraved logo can indicate a counterfeit watch.
How much does a genuine Audemars Piguet cost?
The price varies by model but typically starts at tens of thousands of dollars.
