Short Answer
A fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding Flying Tourbillon is a replica watch that copies the look of AP's steel sports watch with an openworked flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock. Top replicas use a real rotating tourbillon cage, sapphire crystal, and closer case finishing. They are not genuine, will not pass expert authentication, and cannot be serviced by Audemars Piguet. Quality ranges from cheap quartz toys to high-grade automatic replicas that cost several hundred dollars.
What the Genuine Watch Does
The genuine Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon uses an in-house automatic movement. The flying tourbillon has no upper bridge, so the cage appears to float. The case is typically 41 mm, with the octagonal bezel, eight hex screws, and integrated bracelet. Finishing includes polished bevels, brushed surfaces, and a dial with the tapisserie pattern. The sapphire caseback shows the movement. Water resistance is rated for daily wear, though not for diving.
Replica Grades You Will See
- Low grade: Quartz movement, printed tourbillon, wrong case shape, mineral glass.
- Mid grade: Basic automatic, exposed balance wheel that does not rotate, weak bracelet, rough printing.
- High grade: Modified automatic with a real flying tourbillon cage, sapphire glass, closer screws and finishing. Still not a genuine AP.
How to Spot a Fake: Step by Step
- Watch the tourbillon. A real flying tourbillon rotates once per minute. A fake often has a balance wheel that swings back and forth instead.
- Check the dial printing. Genuine text is crisp and aligned. Replicas show thick fonts, wrong spacing, or uneven lume.
- Weigh the watch. Genuine steel Royal Oak has a solid heft. Replicas often feel light or oddly heavy.
- Inspect the caseback. Genuine has a sapphire display back with correct engravings and movement finishing. Fakes use mineral glass or solid backs.
- Turn the crown. Genuine winding is smooth. Replicas feel gritty or loose.
- Examine the bracelet. Genuine links flex tight with no sharp edges. Replica screws strip or sit proud.
- Test water resistance. Do not swim with a replica. Seals are poor and water damage is common.
- Ask for movement photos and a timegrapher reading. Sellers who refuse are hiding something.
Buying a Replica Without Getting Scammed
Use a seller who provides real photos, video, and a return policy. Stock photos mean nothing. Ask for a timestamp next to the watch. Pay with a method that offers protection. Know your country's customs rules. Counterfeit watches can be seized. No replica equals a genuine Audemars Piguet in value, service, or legal status.
Legal and Practical Notes
Counterfeit watches violate trademark law in the US and many other countries. Importing one can lead to seizure and fines. This guide is for information only. If you want a real Royal Oak, buy from an authorized dealer or a trusted pre-owned seller. If you buy a replica, understand the risks and do not expect genuine quality.