The Truth About Audemars Piguet First Copy Watches: Quality, Legality, and Price
Audemars Piguet (AP) is one of the most prestigious Swiss luxury watchmakers in the world, best known for its iconic Royal Oak collection. These watches symbolise high-end horology, precision craftsmanship, and exclusivity, often costing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. With their soaring prices and limited availability, a parallel market has emerged for what are popularly referred to as first copy Audemars Piguet watches.
Terms like “AP watches first copy”, “fake AP”, and “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak first copy” are frequently searched online by those looking for an affordable alternative to the genuine article. But what exactly are these first copy watches? Are they worth buying? And what risks and implications come with purchasing one? Let’s explore the full picture in this comprehensive 2000-word article.
What Are First Copy Watches?
The term “first copy” refers to high-grade replicas that closely resemble the original luxury product. In the context of watches, a first copy Audemars Piguet aims to imitate the original design, finish, and sometimes even branding of an authentic AP watch. Unlike cheap fakes that look obviously counterfeit, first copies are built to mimic the real thing so closely that the average person might not be able to tell the difference at first glance.
There are several tiers of replica watches:
- Grade A (Low Quality) – Basic replicas with poor finishing and subpar materials.
- Grade AAA (Medium Quality) – Better build, but still distinguishable from originals.
- First Copy or Super Clone (High Quality) – Premium replicas, often using Swiss or Japanese automatic movements, sapphire crystals, and stainless steel or ceramic casing.
These first copy AP watches are typically priced anywhere between $150 and $1,500, depending on the quality and complexity of the replica.
Why Is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak So Popular?
Launched in 1972, the Royal Oak revolutionised luxury watches with its bold, sporty design and premium pricing. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak was the first luxury watch to feature a stainless steel case priced like gold. Key features include:
- The octagonal bezel with exposed screws
- An integrated bracelet
- A “tapisserie” patterned dial
- Ultra-thin case (especially in earlier models)
Its standout design and elite status have made it one of the most copied watches in the replica market.
What Makes a First Copy AP Watch Different from the Original?
1. Materials
Original AP watches use premium materials such as 18k gold, titanium, forged carbon, and high-grade stainless steel. First copies may imitate these materials but typically use lower-quality versions.
2. Movements
Authentic Audemars Piguet watches use in-house mechanical movements, which are extremely precise and require intense manual craftsmanship. First copies might use Japanese Miyota or Chinese automatic movements, which are less accurate and lack the finesse of AP’s calibers.
3. Finishing and Detailing
The finishing on an original AP is second to none—hand-polished cases, beveled edges, and detailed engraving. First copies often cut corners in finishing. Upon close inspection, flaws in the engraving, logo alignment, or even the date magnification become noticeable.
4. Functionality
Features like chronographs or perpetual calendars in first copy watches are often decorative and non-functional. For example, the pushers on a fake Royal Oak Offshore might not activate anything at all.
Why Do People Buy First Copy AP Watches?
Despite the ethical and legal implications, first copy Audemars Piguet watches continue to sell for several reasons:
1. Affordability
With original AP Royal Oaks costing upwards of $30,000 to $300,000, many people see the first copy—priced between ₹10,000 and ₹100,000 INR (or $150–$1,200 USD)—as a cost-effective alternative.
2. Aesthetics
The desire for the Royal Oak’s iconic look is strong. Many buyers aren’t concerned with horological heritage but want a fashionable, luxurious appearance.
3. Social Status
Wearing a luxury-looking watch, even a fake one, can boost perceived social standing, especially on social media or in social circles where appearances matter.
4. Testing Before Investing
Some buyers use first copy AP watches to “test-drive” the design before committing to a genuine timepiece.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
1. Is it illegal to buy a first copy AP watch?
Yes and no. Buying for personal use is often tolerated legally in many countries. However, selling or importing counterfeit watches is illegal in most parts of the world, including India, the US, and Europe. It infringes on intellectual property (IP) laws and trademarks.
2. Moral Dilemmas
- Hurts the luxury industry: Replica markets undercut brands that invest heavily in innovation and craftsmanship.
- Supports illegal operations: Many first copy watches are produced in factories with unethical labor practices.
- Lack of transparency: Fake sellers often deceive buyers into thinking they are getting authentic or authorized watches.
Where Are First Copy AP Watches Sold?
- Online Marketplaces – Websites like goldenwatchindia.com, watchbuyluxury.com, or independent sellers on Instagram/Telegram groups.
- Grey Markets – Offline dealers in cities like Mumbai, Dubai, and Bangkok.
- Private Sellers – Individuals who import and resell through word of mouth or closed WhatsApp groups.
Be cautious—many of these sellers operate in legal grey zones and offer no guarantees or warranties.
Price Comparison: Genuine vs. First Copy Audemars Piguet
| Model | Genuine Price (USD) | First Copy Price (USD) | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Oak 15500ST | $35,000+ | $200–$800 | Movement, material, finishing |
| Royal Oak Offshore Chrono | $45,000+ | $300–$1,200 | Weight, chronograph function |
| Royal Oak Perpetual Cal. | $120,000+ | $700–$1,500 | Complications are mostly cosmetic |
Risks of Buying Fake AP Watches
1. Customs Seizures
Importing counterfeit goods can result in customs confiscating the watch. In some countries, you may even be fined.
2. No Warranty or Support
You get no after-sales service or authenticity certificate. If something breaks, you’re on your own.
3. Public Embarrassment
In luxury circles, wearing a known fake watch can damage credibility. Experienced collectors or retailers can easily spot replicas.
4. Quality and Durability
First copy watches often break within months. Water resistance is minimal, and the timekeeping may be unreliable.
How to Identify a First Copy or Fake AP Watch
Look out for:
- Incorrect font or logo alignment
- Poor finishing on screws or caseback
- Functionless subdials or non-working chronographs
- Misspelt words on dial or caseback
- A price that seems too good to be true
For authentication, always compare the suspect piece with high-resolution images from AP’s official website or get it examined by a professional watchmaker.
Alternatives to Buying a First Copy
If you’re attracted to the Royal Oak design but don’t want a fake, consider homage watches from reputable brands like:
- Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
- Pagani Design PD-1645
- Steinhart Ocean One
- Baltic Watches
These offer similar aesthetics without faking brand identity and deliver great value for money.
Conclusion
First copy Audemars Piguet watches might seem like an affordable way to enjoy luxury style, but they come with a host of drawbacks—legal, ethical, and functional. Whether it’s the Royal Oak or another model, a replica can never match the soul, precision, and craftsmanship of a genuine AP timepiece.
If you admire Audemars Piguet, it’s worth saving up for the real deal or choosing an affordable homage watch that respects originality. After all, in the world of horology, authenticity always ticks louder than imitation.
