A replica Audemars Piguet Edward Piguet copies the Swiss maker's rectangular dress watch, a line named for co-founder Edward Auguste Piguet and sold from the mid 1990s until around 2011. The strongest replicas reproduce the 29mm by 41mm case, the guilloché dial, the Roman numerals, and the small date window at 3 o'clock. Weak versions get the proportions wrong, print the dial heavily, and hide a quartz movement behind a display back.
What is the Audemars Piguet Edward Piguet?
The Edward Piguet is Audemars Piguet's answer to the classic rectangular dress watch, positioned against the Cartier Tank and the Patek Philippe Gondolo. AP named it after Edward Auguste Piguet, who founded the company with Jules Louis Audemars in 1875 in Le Brassus. The collection ran from 1995 to roughly 2011 and covered time only models, chronographs, perpetual calendars, and skeleton tourbillons under the "Tribute to Edward Piguet" banner.
Most examples use a 29mm by 41mm case in rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or stainless steel, with a stepped bezel and short lugs. Ladies' versions measure about 25mm by 36mm. The dials carry the line's reputation: guilloché texture, applied Roman numerals, blued hands, and a discreet date at 3 or 6 o'clock.
Which Edward Piguet models get replicated most?
- Edward Piguet 29mm automatic with a guilloché dial and date, the most common replica.
- Edward Piguet Chronograph with two or three subdials in the 29mm by 41mm case.
- Edward Piguet Skeleton Tourbillon, rare and often faked with the wrong aperture shape.
- Edward Piguet Perpetual Calendar, built around a modified calendar module.
- Ladies' 25mm quartz and automatic versions, frequently dropped into a generic rectangular case.
What separates a super clone from a budget replica?
Case geometry drives most of the visual difference. A super clone keeps the 8mm to 9mm thickness, the stepped bezel profile, and the lug curve of the genuine watch, while budget builds run thick and flat.
- Case: correct 29mm by 41mm footprint and 8mm to 9mm thickness on the automatic.
- Crystal: sapphire with inner anti reflective coating, not mineral glass.
- Dial: engraved guilloché pattern, applied numerals, correct date font.
- Caseback: engraved hallmarks and serials that match the reference.
- Strap: 20mm tapering leather with a signed deployant clasp.
What movement should a replica Edward Piguet use?
A genuine Edward Piguet runs a thin in house AP calibre, usually a round or rectangular automatic. Replicas substitute an ETA 2892 or its Chinese clone, a Miyota 9015, a Seagull ST16, or a 7750 based chronograph. Dress watch replicas with a 9015 or 2892 keep the profile thin and the seconds sweep smooth, which matters more here than on a sports watch.
Quartz versions sit at the bottom of the market. They are thinner and cheaper, but the ticking seconds hand gives the watch away on any reference that should be mechanical.
How do you check a replica Edward Piguet before buying?
- Ask for a caliper photo of the case at the lugs and compare it to 29mm by 41mm.
- Request a straight-on dial shot to judge numeral placement, date window shape, and print weight.
- Ask for movement photos, then confirm rotor engraving and jewel count.
- Check that lume is absent. Most Edward Piguet dress models have none.
- Confirm strap width and taper, then verify the clasp signature.
- Compare caseback engraving to auction photos of the same reference.
Is a replica Edward Piguet worth buying?
Yes, if you want a rectangular dress watch at a fraction of the genuine five figure price. A mid tier automatic replica costs $180 to $350, and a super clone with a Swiss ETA or decorated clone runs $400 to $700. Tourbillon versions start near $700.
Do replica Edward Piguet watches come in solid gold?
No. Almost every replica uses stainless steel with gold plating, which can wear through at the lugs and caseback edges. If a seller claims solid 18k gold, ask for an XRF scan result or a stamped hallmark photo.
Why was the Edward Piguet discontinued?
Audemars Piguet phased the line out around 2011 as the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore took over the catalog. That shift kept genuine Edward Piguet prices soft and pushed replica demand toward buyers who want a quiet rectangular dress watch.