What a Fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26401 Is
A fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26401 is a replica of the 44mm chronograph that AP released in 2014. The genuine watch has a stainless steel or forged carbon case, a ceramic bezel, and the caliber 3126/3840 movement. Replicas range from cheap quartz models to high-end 1:1 copies that use decorated automatic movements. The best fakes match the case dimensions and dial layout, but no replica matches the finishing, movement, or resale value of the real watch.
Prerequisites Before You Inspect One
- Know the reference: 26401RO.OO.A002CA.01 (steel) or 26401PO.OO.A018CR.01 (rose gold).
- Have macro photos of a genuine example from a trusted dealer or auction archive.
- Use a 10x loupe and a bright, diffused light.
- Understand that "fake" and "replica" are used interchangeably in the secondary market.
Step-by-Step Inspection Guide
- Check the case diameter. The genuine 26401 measures 44mm across, excluding the crown guards. A fake often measures 42mm or 45mm because the case is copied from a different reference.
- Examine the bezel. The real watch uses a ceramic bezel with eight hexagonal screws. The screws must align with the caseback screws. Fakes often have misaligned screws or use polished steel instead of ceramic.
- Look at the dial. The genuine dial has a "Mega Tapisserie" pattern with square pyramids. Fakes use a stamped pattern that looks flat under magnification. The subdials at 12, 6, and 9 o'clock must have correct spacing and hand lengths.
- Inspect the date window. The genuine date sits at 3 o'clock with a white background and black numerals. Fakes often have a magnifier that is too strong or a date wheel that is misaligned.
- Flip the watch over. The caseback should have the reference number, movement number, and "Audemars Piguet" engraving. Fakes often misspell "Audemars" or use a laser etching that lacks depth.
- Check the movement. The genuine caliber 3126/3840 is a modular chronograph based on the 3120. Fakes use a Miyota 9015 with a decoration plate or a cheap 7750 clone. The rotor should spin freely and the chronograph pushers should have a crisp click.
- Weigh the watch. The genuine steel 26401 weighs about 180 grams with a rubber strap. A fake usually weighs 20 to 30 grams less because the case is not solid.
- Test the crown. The genuine screw-down crown has smooth threads and a firm lock. Fakes often cross-thread or feel gritty.
Common Flaws in Replicas
High-end replicas of the 26401 often fail in three areas: the tapisserie pattern, the chronograph function, and the caseback engraving. The tapisserie on a fake is molded, not cut, so the pyramids have rounded edges. The chronograph on a fake may work, but the subdials can be faux or the seconds hand can tick instead of sweep. The caseback engraving on a fake is shallow and lacks the sharp edges of the genuine laser etching. These flaws are visible under a loupe or in high-resolution photos.
What to Do If You Own a Fake
If you own a fake 26401 and want to sell it, disclose it as a replica. Do not pass it off as genuine. If you want a genuine watch, buy from an authorized dealer or a trusted seller with papers and a service history. If you want a replica for personal wear, buy from a seller who provides detailed photos and a return policy. No replica holds value, so treat it as a disposable item.