A fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Chronograph is a replica of AP's 44 mm openworked chrono, typically built with a forged carbon or titanium-style case, a skeleton dial, and two pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock. Replicas sell in three tiers: budget quartz around $70 to $150, mid tier automatic around $200 to $400, and high end clone movement builds around $500 to $900. The tier you pick decides subdial spacing, case thickness, and how the chrono pushers feel when pressed.
What defines the Royal Oak Concept Chronograph?
The genuine watch uses a 44 mm case, an openworked dial with visible gear train, and an octagonal bezel with exposed screws. AP produced it in forged carbon, titanium, and ceramic combinations across several references. Because the dial is see-through, replica makers cannot hide cheap finishing behind a solid face.
What are the replica tiers and prices?
Quartz tier, $70 to $150
These run on a battery quartz chrono module. Subdials often sit too far apart, the seconds hand ticks instead of sweeping, and the case is usually thicker than 16 mm. Pushers feel mushy and the crown threads strip within months.
Mid tier automatic, $200 to $400
Most of these use a modified 7750 or a Chinese automatic chrono with a decorated rotor. The sweeping seconds hand looks right at a glance, but the subdial layout rarely matches the genuine 3, 6, and 9 positions. Case thickness lands near 15 to 17 mm, which is close but still bulky on the wrist.
High end clone, $500 to $900
Top builds use a clone AP chrono movement or a heavily reworked 7750 with correct subdial spacing and a skeletonized rotor. Forged carbon or titanium cases appear here, along with sapphire crystal and anti-reflective coating. These are the versions that pass a casual wrist check.
How can you spot a fake Royal Oak Concept Chrono?
- Subdial spacing: on the genuine watch the registers sit close to the center and align with the tapisserie-free skeleton layout.
- Date font: replica date wheels often use a fat, round font instead of AP's thin, tall numerals.
- Pusher shape: genuine chrono pushers are screw-down and sit flush; cheap replicas use press-fit pushers that wobble.
- Bezel screws: real AP screws sit in a sunken slot with a clean slot cut; replicas show sloppy milling.
- Caseback engraving: reference numbers, serial depth, and font weight are the easiest tells in photos.
- Weight: forged carbon and titanium feel light, but budget replicas in plated steel feel dense and cold.
Which movement options appear in replicas?
Quartz modules power the bottom tier and are the easiest to identify because the chrono seconds hand jumps. The middle tier uses a 7750 base with a decorative plate that mimics AP finishing. The top tier runs a clone 3126/3840 style movement or a customized 4401-inspired unit with column wheel feel.
What should you verify before buying?
- Ask for a movement photo with the caseback removed, not just a stock image.
- Confirm the case diameter is 44 mm and check the actual thickness measurement.
- Request QC photos of the date window, subdials, and pusher threads.
- Check whether the strap uses a standard 28 mm lug width so replacements are easy to source.
- Confirm water resistance claims are honest, since most replicas are splash resistant only.
FAQ
How thick is a replica Royal Oak Concept Chrono?
Budget quartz versions run 16 to 18 mm thick. High end clone builds land near 14 to 15 mm, which is closer to the genuine profile.
Does a replica take a genuine AP strap?
Not usually. Genuine straps use AP's proprietary lug and end link geometry, so replicas need their own fitted strap or a custom adapter.
Are high end clones worth the price jump?
If you care about subdial spacing, case material, and pusher feel, yes. The $500 to $900 tier fixes the visual flaws that budget versions expose in person.