How to Choose a High-Quality Audemars Piguet Clone Watch – Complete 2025 Guide

Audemars Piguet (AP) has long been at the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking, especially with its legendary Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore lines. But with retail prices starting at over £20,000 and secondary market values going even higher, many enthusiasts are turning to super clone AP watches to capture the iconic look — at a fraction of the price.

However, with so many low-quality fakes flooding the market, buying a replica AP watch requires careful attention. In this expert guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to confidently choose a high-quality Audemars Piguet clone, from movement and finishing to top models and trusted sellers.

1. Understand the Difference: Super Clone vs. Regular Replica

There’s a world of difference between a $100 fake and a true 1:1 AP super clone:

• Cheap Fakes: Often quartz, lightweight, with poor engraving, misaligned screws, and fake logos. Avoid.
• AAA/Grade A+ Replicas: Use automatic movements, but still feature flaws in dimensions, weight, and dial layout.
• Super Clone AP Watches: These are made with CNC-machined cases, Swiss or Asian clones of the real movements, and identical detailing down to the tapisserie pattern on the dial. The best ones are indistinguishable to most watch enthusiasts.

2. Best AP Models to Clone – What to Look For

Not all Audemars Piguet models are cloned equally. If you want the best results, consider these:

• Royal Oak 15500ST (41mm): One of the most cloned models. Look for clones with correct dial proportions, date window spacing, and thin profile.
• Royal Oak Chronograph (26331): Popular for its sportier look. Good clones have fully working chronograph functions and accurate subdial positions.
• Royal Oak Offshore Diver (15703ST): Sporty dive-inspired model. Best super clones feature ceramic bezels, rubber straps, and screw-down crowns.
• Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra Thin (15202): Known for its ultra-thin design. Only advanced factories (like ZF or APS) can replicate this accurately.

Always compare replica models to the official ones on the AP website or trusted review channels.

3. Movement is Key – Don’t Settle for Quartz

The heartbeat of your AP clone matters. The best replica Audemars Piguet watches use automatic movements that either closely mimic or clone the original caliber:

• Miyota 9015: Reliable Japanese movement, used in thin Royal Oak clones. Slim profile, smooth sweep.
• Clone Cal. 3120/4302: Asian or Swiss-cloned versions of AP’s in-house movements with decorated rotors and similar architecture.
• Asian Valjoux 7750: Often found in chronograph models. Offers accurate chronograph layout and smooth running subdials.

Important: Avoid quartz AP clones unless you’re buying a rare quartz model replica. AP is known for mechanical excellence — the wrong movement ruins the illusion.

4. Case Quality – Materials, Weight, and Finishing

Audemars Piguet replica is all about perfection in finishing — so your super clone needs to match. Look for:

• Material: 316L or 904L stainless steel, titanium, ceramic (depending on model). Must match the original’s case material.
• Brushed vs. Polished: The AP Royal Oak is famous for its satin-brushed surfaces and polished bevels. Super clones from APS, ZF or JF factories replicate this perfectly.
• Case Thickness: Royal Oak models should be 10-11mm thick, not bulkier. The “Jumbo” must stay ultra-thin (8-9mm).
• Bezel Screws: Must be hexagonal and aligned properly, sitting flush inside the bezel — a key giveaway of a bad fake.

Test: A good super clone will feel solid and balanced on the wrist, not light and hollow.

5. Dial Details – Tapisserie, Fonts, and Subdials

The dial is the soul of your AP. And sadly, many replicas fail here. Here’s what you should check:

• Tapisserie Pattern: Royal Oak watches use a “Grande Tapisserie” or “Petite Tapisserie” pattern. Good factories use laser-cut or CNC dials, not printed textures.
• AP Logo: Applied or embossed, depending on model. It should be crisp, aligned, and correctly scaled.
• Font & Date Window: Spacing, size, and alignment must match the gen model. Look out for misaligned date cutouts.
• Subdials: Especially for chronograph models — subdial position and hand lengths are important markers of quality.

Check side-by-side photos of genuine models and your clone before buying. Mistakes are often subtle.

6. Bracelet & Clasp – Feel the Quality

The integrated bracelet of the Royal Oak is iconic — and one of the hardest parts to replicate:

• Links: Should be solid, with sharp transitions between brushed and polished parts.
• End Links: Must fit seamlessly into the case with no gap or rattle.
• Clasp: Double-folding clasp with engraved “AP” logo and firm action. Avoid laser-etched or loose clasps.

Pro Tip: Shake the bracelet — if it rattles like a tin can, it’s not a super clone.

7. Check Water Resistance & Build Integrity

While you shouldn’t dive with a replica, a decent AP super clone should handle occasional water exposure. Look for:

• Gasket-sealed crown and caseback
• Minimum 3ATM (30 meters) rating
• Factory tested or water resistance guarantee

Note: Not all clone factories water-test their pieces. If water resistance matters to you, ask the seller specifically.

8. Trusted Factories – Who Makes the Best AP Clones?

In the replica industry, not all factories are equal. For AP watches, these are the most respected:

• ZF Factory: Best for Royal Oak 15500 and 15202 “Jumbo” models. Excellent brushing and movement accuracy.
• JF Factory: Known for Offshore models and chronographs. Solid build and dial precision.
• APS Factory: High-end Royal Oak clones with near-perfect case finishing and accurate dials.

Always ask the seller which factory the watch is from — this can help you verify its specs and quality.

9. Where to Buy – Avoid Scams

Even if you’ve done all the research, buying from the wrong seller can cost you. Stick to these rules:

• Look for stores with real product photos (not just stock images)
• Check reviews on forums like RWI, Reddit r/RepTime, or TrustPilot
• Use PayPal or a credit card with buyer protection
• Beware of prices that are too low to be true — a proper super clone usually costs between £300–£700