Spotting a Fake Audemars Piguet: Your 6-Step Guide to Guaranteed Authenticity
Why Authenticity Matters When Buying Audemars Piguet
How to spot a fake Audemars Piguet is a critical search for Australian watch buyers, and for good reason. As counterfeit watches become more sophisticated, knowing how to identify a genuine AP is essential for protecting your investment. A fake has no resale value, no warranty, and none of the master craftsmanship that defines the brand.
Quick answer: To spot a fake Audemars Piguet, check these six key areas:
- Weight and Finish: Genuine APs feel substantial due to premium materials.
- 'Tapisserie' Dial: Look for a precise, three-dimensional guilloché pattern.
- Bezel Screws: Eight perfectly aligned hexagonal screws, typically white gold.
- Movement: A smooth, sweeping second hand and visible expert finishing.
- Bracelet and Clasp: Seamless integration with deep, crisp engravings.
- Price and Seller: Market-value pricing and a transparent, reputable seller.
This guide offers a practical, six-step approach to identifying a fake Audemars Piguet. We'll cover what to look for and explain why partnering with a trusted dealer like WristWorks is the only way to guarantee authenticity.
A 6-Step Guide: How to Spot a Fake Audemars Piguet
Step 1: Assess the Overall Weight, Feel, and Finish
A genuine Audemars Piguet feels substantial, a result of premium materials like 18k gold or high-grade steel. Counterfeits often use cheaper metals and feel unnaturally light. The watch should be perfectly balanced, with sharp case edges and flawless transitions between brushed and polished surfaces. A smooth crown operation and the absence of any rattling are also key indicators of authentic quality.
Step 2: Scrutinise the Dial, 'Tapisserie' Pattern, and Logo
The iconic 'Tapisserie' dial is a hallmark of AP craftsmanship, created using a complex guilloché technique. On a genuine watch, the pattern of tiny squares is crisp, precise, and has a three-dimensional look. Fakes often feature a flat, stamped pattern that lacks depth. All text should be sharp and perfectly aligned, and the AP logo should be a raised, well-defined metal appliqué, not printed.
Step 3: Examine the Case, Bezel, and Hexagonal Screws
The Royal Oak’s octagonal bezel is defined by its eight hexagonal screws. These should be perfectly aligned, sit flush within the bezel, and on most steel models, they are made of white gold—a luxury detail fakes often miss. The case’s integrated bracelet and case design should flow seamlessly, another sign of precision engineering that is difficult to replicate.
Step 4: Inspect the Movement, Case Back, and Second Hand
Many APs feature a sapphire case back, offering a view of the intricate movement. Look for high-end finishing like Côtés de Genève and deep, clean engravings. However, the easiest tell is the second hand. A mechanical AP has a smooth, sweeping motion. A hand that ticks once per second indicates a cheap quartz movement and is a dead giveaway of a fake. The automatic rotor should also move quietly and freely.
Step 5: Check the Bracelet, Clasp, and Engravings
An authentic AP bracelet feels solid, with links that move smoothly without rattling. The clasp provides another clue: it should close with a firm, secure click. Counterfeit clasps often feel flimsy. All engravings, especially the AP logo on the clasp and the serial number on the case back, must be deep, sharp, and precise. Shallow or poorly defined engravings are a clear sign of a fake.
Final Verification: Price, Paperwork, and Professional Expertise
Step 6: Analyse Price, Documentation, and Seller Reputation
Beyond the physical watch, the context of the sale provides crucial clues. The most obvious red flag is price. Genuine Audemars Piguet watches are significant investments that hold their value. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. A price far below market value is a clear warning sign.
While legitimate watches come with paperwork like certificates and warranty cards, these can also be forged. The serial number on the documents must match the one engraved on the watch. However, the seller's reputation is paramount. A trustworthy seller will be transparent, answer questions confidently, and have a history of positive reviews. Be wary of anyone pressuring you into a quick sale or refusing to provide clear photos.
Spotting fakes isn't just about protecting your investment; it's also about avoiding the legal and ethical issues of trading counterfeit goods. For absolute certainty, professional authentication is the only answer. WristWorks guarantees the authenticity of every watch we sell, removing the risk entirely. If you're ever in doubt, it's always best to seek an expert opinion.
DIY vs. Professional Authentication: Why Choose WristWorks?
While this guide provides valuable knowledge for spotting obvious fakes, modern counterfeiters produce "super fakes" that can deceive even experienced collectors. External details can be replicated with alarming accuracy, making DIY checks a good first step but not a foolproof guarantee.
At WristWorks, we eliminate this uncertainty. Our business is built on radical transparency and guaranteed authenticity. Every watch in our inventory undergoes rigorous in-house authentication by experts. We stand behind every timepiece we sell, giving you complete peace of mind.
We prioritise a simple, efficient process for both buyers and sellers. For those selling a watch, our preferred method is an outright purchase with same-day payment. It's fast, straightforward, and provides immediate certainty. We also offer consignment as a useful secondary option, where your watch is held securely and authenticated by us until it sells. Should you require it, we can also recommend trusted third-party authenticators or service providers in Australia. With WristWorks, you're choosing a partner dedicated to honest, transparent dealing.
FAQs
What payment options are available?
WristWorks offers same-day payment for outright purchases, making it our preferred and most efficient way to buy your watch. It's straightforward, quick, and gets money in your account without delay. For specific details on current payment methods, just get in touch with us—we're always happy to walk you through the process. Please note that we no longer accept credit card payments.
Do you offer warranties?
Yes! You get a 12-month mechanical warranty on watches from 2010 onward and a 6-month warranty on anything older. The warranty covers mechanical faults only, not servicing or routine maintenance. Water damage, misuse, magnetisation, aftermarket parts, wear and tear, and any third-party work aren’t covered. If the watch still has an active manufacturer warranty, that takes priority. We cover shipping both ways for valid claims, and any covered mechanical issue is repaired at our cost. This setup gives you confidence when buying from Wrist Works and reflects the high standards and trust we’re known for across Australia.
How does consignment work at WristWorks?
Consignment is available as a useful secondary option for sellers who prefer this approach over an outright sale. When you consign with us, all watches are held and authenticated by WristWorks, ensuring security and transparency throughout the process. There are no limitations on consignment—your timepiece remains in our secure facility, and payments are made directly to you once the watch sells. While we offer consignment, our preference is always outright purchase with same-day payment, as it's faster and more convenient for most sellers.
How do you guarantee authenticity?
Every watch that passes through WristWorks undergoes rigorous in-house authentication by our experts. We examine every detail—from the 'Tapisserie' pattern and bezel screws to the movement finishing and engravings. While we don't issue physical certificates, authenticity is guaranteed on every timepiece we sell. This is non-negotiable for us, and it's a core part of why our customers trust WristWorks. When you're learning how to spot a fake, working with a dealer who guarantees authenticity removes all the guesswork and risk.
Can you recommend third-party authentication or servicing?
Absolutely. If you require additional verification or servicing beyond our comprehensive in-house authentication, we're happy to recommend trusted third-party providers in Australia. We've built relationships with reputable watchmakers and authentication specialists, and we're always transparent about when external expertise might be beneficial. Just contact us, and we'll point you in the right direction.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Learning how to spot a fake Audemars Piguet requires a keen eye, but even the most diligent inspection can be fooled by today's sophisticated counterfeits. The subtle details in weight, finishing, and movement that define a genuine AP are precisely what separates a valuable investment from a worthless imitation. Why risk it when you can have complete confidence?
At WristWorks, our entire business is built on a simple promise: guaranteed authenticity. Every watch we handle is carefully authenticated in-house by our experts. We make buying and selling luxury watches in Australia transparent and trustworthy. For sellers, we offer a straightforward process with our preferred same-day payment for outright purchases, ensuring you get paid quickly and efficiently.
Don't leave your investment to chance. Trust the experts to ensure you're getting the real thing.
Ready to take the next step with confidence? Get a valuation for your watch, contact us for expert advice, or explore our collection of authenticated watches today.
