What is a replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual 25659?
A replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual 25659 is a counterfeit watch. It copies the look of the original reference 25659. The original is a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar from the 1980s. Replicas use different movements, materials, and finishing. Prices range from $300 to $1,500.
Original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual 25659
Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in 1981. The first reference was 25654. Reference 25659 is a related model. Public records on 25659 are sparse. The watch has a 39mm case. The bezel has eight hexagonal screws. The dial has a tapisserie pattern. Functions include day, date, month, moonphase, and leap year. The movement is the calibre 2120/2800. It is a thin automatic movement. The bracelet is integrated.
Replica movement
Most replicas do not have a true perpetual calendar. They use a Japanese or Chinese automatic movement. Common bases are the Miyota 9015 or the ETA 2824. A calendar module is added. The module shows day, date, month, and moonphase. The leap year indicator is often fake. The movement beats at 28,800 vph. Power reserve is about 40 hours. The genuine movement is thinner than the replica.
Case and dial
Replica cases are made of 316L stainless steel. Some are brass with gold plating. Gold plating wears off. The genuine case is 18k gold or platinum. The replica case is thicker. The bezel screws may not align. The dial is printed, not stamped. The tapisserie pattern lacks depth. The subdials may be misaligned. The hands are often too thick. The crystal is mineral glass or sapphire. The genuine crystal is sapphire.
Price
Replica prices vary. Low-end copies cost $300 to $500. Mid-range copies cost $500 to $900. High-end copies cost $900 to $1,500. The genuine watch costs $50,000 to $150,000 at auction. Prices depend on condition, box, and papers.
How to spot a replica
- Check the movement. A genuine 2120/2800 has a gold rotor and fine finishing. A replica has a plain rotor.
- Check the caseback. Genuine engravings are deep. Replica engravings are shallow.
- Check the dial. Genuine tapisserie has raised squares. Replica tapisserie is flat.
- Check the weight. Genuine gold is heavier than steel or brass.
- Check the perpetual calendar. Set the date to February 28. On a genuine watch, it advances to March 1. On a replica, it may show February 29 or March 1.
Legal note
In the US, selling counterfeit watches is illegal. Importing counterfeits is illegal. Customs can seize replica watches. Buying a replica for personal use is not a federal crime. But it is a trademark violation.