A replica Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar is a copy of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. It shows day, date, month, moonphase, and leap year. Genuine models use calibre 5134. Replicas use modified Japanese or Chinese movements. Prices range from $400 to $1,200.
How the Genuine Watch Works
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 26574 has a 41mm case. It uses calibre 5134. The movement has 374 parts. Power reserve is 40 hours. The dial has four subdials: day, date, month, and moonphase. A leap year indicator sits on the dial.
What Replicas Copy
Replicas copy the case shape, dial layout, and bracelet. Most replicas use a 41mm case. Some use a 42mm case. The dial has the same subdial positions. The moonphase disc is often printed, not engraved. The date font may differ. The caseback may show a display back with a decorated movement.
Movement Types in Replicas
- Japanese Miyota 9015 with a calendar module. This movement is reliable. The module adds perpetual calendar functions. It is not a true perpetual calendar. It needs adjustment in non-leap years.
- Chinese clone of calibre 5134. This movement looks like the genuine calibre. It has a similar bridge layout. Quality varies. Some clones have a 40-hour power reserve. Others have 36 hours.
- Quartz movement. Some cheap replicas use quartz. These do not have a sweeping seconds hand. The calendar functions are often fake. The subdials may be fixed.
Price Ranges
Low-end replicas cost $150 to $300. They use quartz or basic automatic movements. Mid-range replicas cost $400 to $700. They use Miyota 9015 with a module. High-end replicas cost $800 to $1,200. They use a clone movement. These replicas have better finishing. The case and bracelet are closer to the genuine watch.
What to Check Before Buying
- Case size. The genuine watch is 41mm. A replica that is 42mm or 43mm will look wrong.
- Dial details. Check the subdial positions. Check the moonphase. Check the date font.
- Movement. Ask for photos of the movement. A clone movement has a decorated rotor.
- Bracelet. The bracelet should have a taper. The clasp should have the AP logo.
- Weight. A stainless steel replica should weigh about 160 grams. A titanium replica should weigh less.
Accuracy and Reliability
A replica perpetual calendar is not a true perpetual calendar. It does not account for leap years. You must adjust the date in February of non-leap years. The moonphase is often a 29.5-day cycle. It does not match the genuine 29.53-day cycle. The movement may lose 10 to 20 seconds per day. Service is difficult. Few watchmakers work on replica movements.
Legal and Ethical Notes
Replica watches are illegal to sell as genuine. They violate trademark laws. Buying a replica is legal in some countries. It is illegal in others. Customs may seize replica watches. Check your local laws.