The market for Audemars Piguet duplicates exists for several key reasons:
- Affordability: The most obvious driver is the price. An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, for example, can cost as much as a luxury car. Duplicates offer the appearance of wealth and status at a fraction of the cost.
- Desire for Status: For some, owning an Audemars Piguet is about projecting an image of success and sophistication. A duplicate can provide that perceived status without the financial burden.
- Accessibility: Genuine Audemars Piguet watches are often difficult to acquire, even for those who can afford them. Limited production runs, waiting lists, and established relationships with authorized dealers can create barriers to entry. Duplicates bypass these hurdles.
- "Try Before You Buy": Some individuals may purchase a duplicate to gauge their interest in the actual watch before committing to the significant investment of a genuine piece. This is, however, a questionable justification.
While the allure of a "cheap" Audemars Piguet may be tempting, it's crucial to understand the significant risks and ethical implications involved in purchasing and supporting the duplicate market:
Audemars Piguet is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials. Duplicates, on the other hand, are often manufactured using substandard materials and lack the precision and attention to detail found in genuine pieces. This results in:
- Inferior Movement: The heart of any watch is its movement. Duplicates typically use inexpensive, mass-produced movements that lack the accuracy, reliability, and longevity of genuine Audemars Piguet movements.
- Poor Materials: Cheap metals, mineral crystals (instead of sapphire), and low-quality finishing detract from the overall look and feel of the watch and make it prone to scratches, corrosion, and other damage.
- Lack of Durability: Duplicates are unlikely to withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear. They may be easily damaged, requiring frequent repairs or replacement.
Purchasing an Audemars Piguet duplicate is essentially throwing money away. The watch will likely depreciate rapidly and have little to no resale value. Furthermore, if you're unknowingly purchasing a duplicate believing it's genuine, you're being deliberately deceived and defrauded.
The production and sale of counterfeit goods, including Audemars Piguet duplicates, are often linked to organized crime, child labor, and other unethical practices. By purchasing a duplicate, you are indirectly supporting these activities and contributing to the erosion of intellectual property rights.
Furthermore, purchasing or selling counterfeit goods can have legal consequences, including fines and even imprisonment.
The proliferation of duplicates undermines the reputation and exclusivity of the Audemars Piguet brand. It diminishes the value of genuine pieces and creates confusion in the market.
Detecting an Audemars Piguet duplicate requires a keen eye and attention to detail. Here are some key indicators to look for:
- Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. A genuine Audemars Piguet will always command a premium price. Significantly discounted prices are a major red flag.
- Source: Purchase only from authorized Audemars Piguet dealers or reputable pre-owned watch dealers. Avoid buying from unverified online sources, flea markets, or street vendors.
- Dial Details:
- Finishing: Examine the dial for imperfections in the finishing, such as uneven paint, misaligned markers, or blurry text. Genuine Audemars Piguet dials are meticulously crafted and flawless.
- "Tapisserie" Pattern: The signature "Tapisserie" pattern on Royal Oak dials is notoriously difficult to replicate accurately. Pay close attention to the detail and sharpness of the pattern.
- Font and Logos: Compare the font and logos on the dial to those of genuine Audemars Piguet watches. Look for inconsistencies in the size, spacing, and style of the lettering.
- Case Details:
- Materials: Check the materials used for the case. Genuine Audemars Piguet watches are typically made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, gold, platinum, or titanium. Duplicates often use cheaper metals.
- Finishing: Examine the finishing of the case for imperfections, such as scratches, dents, or uneven polishing. Genuine Audemars Piguet cases are meticulously finished to a high standard.
- Case Back: Check the engravings on the case back. Genuine Audemars Piguet case backs are clearly and precisely engraved with the brand name, model number, and serial number. Duplicates often have poorly executed engravings.
- Movement:
- Sound: Listen to the movement. Genuine Audemars Piguet movements produce a smooth, quiet ticking sound. Duplicates often have a louder, more erratic ticking sound.
- Complications: If the watch features complications such as a chronograph or perpetual calendar, test them thoroughly. Duplicates often have non-functional or poorly functioning complications.
- Examine the Movement (if possible): A qualified watchmaker can inspect the movement to determine its authenticity. Genuine Audemars Piguet movements are highly complex and intricately decorated. Duplicates typically use simpler, less refined movements.
- Weight: Genuine Audemars Piguet watches are made of heavy, high-quality materials. Duplicates often feel lighter and less substantial.
- Bracelet/Strap: Pay close attention to the quality and construction of the bracelet or strap. Genuine Audemars Piguet bracelets are meticulously crafted and fit seamlessly to the case. Duplicates often have poorly constructed bracelets or straps that feel cheap and flimsy.
- Serial Number and Papers: Verify the serial number on the watch against the serial number on the accompanying papers. Contact Audemars Piguet or an authorized dealer to confirm the authenticity of the serial number.
- Professional Authentication: If you're unsure about the authenticity of a watch, seek professional authentication from a reputable watch expert or appraiser.
If you're drawn to the Audemars Piguet aesthetic but can't afford a genuine piece, consider these ethical and more fulfilling alternatives:
- Save Up: Set a financial goal to save for a genuine Audemars Piguet. This will make the eventual purchase all the more rewarding.
- Explore Pre-Owned Options: Consider purchasing a pre-owned Audemars Piguet from a reputable dealer. You can often find excellent deals on pre-owned watches in good condition.
- Consider Other Luxury Brands: Explore other reputable watch brands that offer similar styles and features at a more accessible price point. Brands like Hublot, Patek Philippe (entry level), or even some high-end Seiko models can offer comparable quality and aesthetics.
- Focus on Microbrands: Several microbrands create high-quality watches with distinctive designs at more affordable prices. While they won't be an Audemars Piguet, they offer excellent value and unique style.
While the allure of an Audemars Piguet duplicate may seem tempting, the risks and ethical implications far outweigh any perceived benefits. Purchasing a duplicate not only compromises on quality and reliability but also supports illegal activities and undermines the integrity of the Audemars Piguet brand. Instead of seeking a shortcut to status, focus on saving for a genuine timepiece, exploring alternative luxury brands, or appreciating the craftsmanship and value offered by reputable microbrands. Ultimately, the true value lies in authenticity, integrity, and the satisfaction of owning a genuine piece of horological history.
