The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, available for quite some time now, has garnered significant attention since its debut. With the enduring and robust Royal Oak case and bezel, this new chronograph model presents a dial layout that appears more balanced compared to the Royal Oak Offshore Chrono. Despite its popularity, the availability of replicas from two notable factories, BF and OMF, has not led to widespread acceptance. While both manufacturers produce commendable clones, these replicas still differ from the authentic watches. This disparity is a key factor contributing to the limited popularity of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph replicas, despite the substantial demand for the genuine timepiece among watch enthusiasts.
The BF version of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph suffers from an inaccurate dial design, notably evident in the incorrect positioning of its subdial. This noticeable flaw makes it easy to identify as a counterfeit. On the other hand, the OM version, while exhibiting a more accurate dial design with correctly positioned subdials, has its own imperfections. Two of the small dials, located at 3:00 and 9:00, do not function as intended. In these subdials, the small hands are fixed, unlike the genuine watch where they are meant to operate as part of the minute and hour chronograph functions.
OM, once a prominent factory renowned for its Omega Speedmaster Chrono replica watches, gained widespread popularity both domestically and internationally. However, the business of the OM factory has been adversely affected by the pandemic and raids, leading to a decrease in the release of new replica watches and technological advancements.
Turning to the replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph from OM, the factory prices this watch at over 500 USD. While this amount isn’t considered high for a top-tier replica watch, many clients find it steep for a watch that is not flawless. A parallel situation can be observed with the AR factory’s Daytona, which is a commendable clone but features a false chronograph. When compared to the flawless replica Rolex Daytona from Noob, customers are often willing to pay a higher price for perfection. Similarly, the OM Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph faces a similar dilemma, as customers tend to be hesitant about accepting any imperfections, despite the overall good quality of the watch.
While the potential exists for the OM factory to produce an improved replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph with functional minute-chronograph and hour-chronograph counters, there is currently no indication of plans to develop a new movement at this stage.
Specifications for the envisioned improved replica could include:
- Movement: Asia 7750 Automatic Chronograph, featuring a decorated base plate and auto rotor to replicate the genuine AP 2385.
- Case: 41mm*15mm, constructed from 316F Stainless Steel.
- Bezel: Crafted from 316F Stainless Steel.
- Crystal: Sapphire.
- Dial: Checkered design with SuperLume on hour markers and hands for enhanced visibility in low light conditions.
- Bracelet: Made from 316F Stainless Steel and equipped with a Deployant Clasp.
- Water Resistance: Claimed by the factory to be 30m.
It’s important to note that any potential improvements would depend on the factory’s decision to invest in research and development for a new movement or to enhance the existing one. As of now, the information provided does not indicate a concrete plan for such advancements.
