Real vs Fake Audemars Piguet: How to Tell the Difference

Download Article

Plus, learn where to buy an AP watch & how to avoid fakes

Co-authored by Bill Green and Devin McSween

Last Updated: March 25, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

Authenticating the Watch

|

Where to Buy

|

Avoiding Fake Watches

|

Video

Audemars Piguet is a luxury Swiss watchmaker that’s been around since the late 1800s. They’re renowned for their stylish, high-quality watches, and the demand for one of their pricey timepieces is quite high! If you’re interested in getting an AP watch but want to ensure it’s the real deal, we’re here to help. wikiHow partnered with watch and fashion authentication experts to uncover how to tell the difference between real and fake watches. We’ll also explain where to get an authentic AP watch and how to avoid fakes while you’re shopping.

How to Recognize a Fake Audemars Piguet Watch

Download Image

A side-by-side comparison of a real Audemars Piguet watch and a fake

Real AP watches have clear and precise “AP” logos on the crown and case, while logos on fakes may look unclear or uneven. AP watches are made from gold and stainless steel, giving them a substantial feel, while fakes may feel lightweight. Real watches are expertly made, while fakes have noticeable imperfections.

Section 1 of 3:

Authenticating an Audemars Piguet Watch

Download Article

1
Logos When authenticating a watch, fashion authentication expert Nikita Chen says one of the most important things to check is the logos to see if they match up with the authentic watch’s standards.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Nikita Chen
Fashion Authentication Expert

Expert Interview} The Audemars Piguet logo is printed and engraved on several key places of the watch, is always precise and clear, and uses a consistent font and letter spacing.
- The logo placements depend on the model and style of watch, but typically, “Audemars Piguet” is printed on the dial, “AP” is engraved on the crown, and “AP” is engraved on the bracelet’s clasp.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- Signs the watch is fake: The logos use the wrong font or size (too big or bold, for example), appear unevenly spaced, and look blurry or poorly engraved (too shallow, imprecise edges, etc.).
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Bill Green is a jewelry and watch expert with over 40 years of industry knowledge. He’s also the founder of Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix and Amaroo Handmade Opal Jewelry.

Nikita Chen is a fashion authentication expert and the founder and CEO of LegitGrails, an authentication platform for luxury goods.

Daniel Gbenle is a fashion authentication expert and the founder of Certisfied, an authentication company for luxury goods.
2
Materials Audemars Piguet is a luxury watch maker, and the materials they make their watches out of are of the highest quality. Common materials include 18-karat gold (including yellow, white, and pink), platinum, stainless steel, titanium, carbon, and ceramic (including white, blue, and black). Some styles are also decorated with diamonds and other gems, which are brilliant and precisely cut.
- Jewelry and watch expert Bill Green says a watch’s material is one of the easiest ways to authenticate it. For instance, he says if it's made out of stainless steel, you can feel its weight to ensure it’s authentic.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Bill Green
  Jewelry & Watch Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
- Signs the watch is fake: The material of the watch may be noticeably plasticky instead of looking and feeling like gold or metal. If the watch does appear to be made out of metal, it may simply look and feel like it’s made out of a lower-quality material.
Advertisement
3
Weight Because Audemars Piguet watches are made out of high-quality materials like gold, platinum, and stainless steel, they have a substantial weight and feel to them. The complicated movements inside the watch also add to its weight. So, there is a noticeable heaviness when you pick an AP watch up, and it feels hefty and solid on the wrist.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Signs the watch is fake: Fake watches often feel noticeably lightweight and flimsy. This is typically due to lower-quality materials (and some low-quality dupes may be made out of plastic) and less involved movements and complications.
4
Serial number All Audemars Piguet watches are engraved with a serial number on the back of the case, which is also printed on the watch’s Certificate of Authenticity. It is a series of numbers and letters that identify the watch’s production year and model. This helps authenticate the watch, as each serial number is completely unique to the watch.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Audemars Piguet encourages buyers to register their watch on their website, which involves inputting the watch’s serial number and warranty number. This can be an easy way to authenticate your watch, because if the serial number isn’t in AP’s system, it’s a red flag that the watch is fake.
- Signs the watch is fake: The watch is missing the serial number engraving on the back of the case. The code may appear poorly engraved or use an inconsistent font, spacing, and sizing.
5
Dial According to Green, checking a watch’s dial can help you determine if it’s real or fake. He says the dial should be crisp and clean, and that any markers are precise, even, and made out of the proper materials.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Bill Green
Jewelry & Watch Expert

Expert Interview} For example, ensure the font used on the time and date markers is consistent and clear, all of the lettering is straight, and that the colors match the authentic watch.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Signs the watch is fake: The markers and fonts may look off (for example, too large, too thick, blurry), and the lettering may appear imprecise (not straight or crisp). The color of the dial may look wrong. Green adds that any flaking or imperfections are a sign the watch is fake, too.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Bill Green
  Jewelry & Watch Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
EXPERT TIP

Daniel Gbenle
Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied
Daniel Gbenle is a sneaker authenticator and founder of Certisfied based in Atlanta, GA. With over 10 years of experience in authenticating sneakers, Daniel’s work redefines how shopping works, both online and offline, by creating a streamlined, hassle-free process for clients to have their luxury brand products authenticated. Certisfied is an authentication company that physically reviews and authenticates luxury goods by combining physical examination with cutting edge technology to offer satisfaction for goods purchased. Certisfied offers authentication on a variety of products, including bags, shoes, clothing apparel, watches, electronics, and other accessories. Certisfied has built the first authentication hub where buyers and sellers can meet locally to verify items before money changes hands. For online shoppers, Certisfied offers a seamless mail-in service that allows customers to ship products directly to their facility at purchase or through a prepaid label, with authentication promised within 1-3 days.

Daniel Gbenle
Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied

Use a magnifying glass to help authenticate your watch. With watches, you cannot authenticate them with just your eyes—you have to use a magnifying glass to examine the fine details.
6
Case Audemars Piguet watches come in a variety of case styles, from their signature octagon shape to more rounded styles. Regardless of the actual shape, the case is expertly made: it’s smooth, even, and precise with no rough or sharp edges. Watches of the same style have uniform cases that are the same size and thickness. The glass used on the case is also very clear and made to resist scratches.
- Signs the watch is fake: The case may appear roughly made with uneven edges, poorly cut sides, and points that are very sharp or very dull. The proportions may appear wrong for the style, as the case may look too big or too thick. The glass may also appear blurry, cloudy, or covered in scratches.
7
Bezel and screws Audemars Piguet is known for the iconic bezel on the Royal Oak collection, which is the piece of the watch that goes around the case and crystal covering. The bezel is expertly crafted and uniform, and has 8 hexagonal screws that hold it in place. Each screw is identical, highly polished, and rests flush inside its cavity.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Signs the watch is fake: There might not be 8 screws, and they may be the wrong shape. The screws might not be properly aligned or sit flush inside their cavities.
8
Movement Audemars Piguet is renowned for the movements they use inside their watches. All of the components are precisely and smoothly crafted and polished to a shine. The rubies used as bearings inside the watch are a dark red and expertly cut. The top piece is also precisely engraved with the “AP” logo.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Signs the watch is fake: The movement pieces may look roughly crafted and dull. Plus, the layout may look wrong compared to a real watch’s movements. The “AP” engraving might be missing, use the wrong font, or have other noticeable imperfections.
9
Bracelet Whether the bracelet of the watch is made out of gold, platinum, or stainless steel, it is expertly crafted and smooth. All of the links are uniform and fit perfectly together, which gives the bracelet a flexible and fluid feel.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Signs the watch is fake: The links of the bracelet might not be uniform, and they may have a rough feel. This can make the bracelet more rigid and stiff.
10
Craftsmanship and finish All of Audemars Piguet’s watches are expertly made and have a luxurious look and feel. Every component is precise and uniform, from the lettering on the dial to the cut of the case and bracelet links. The entire watch is polished to a high shine. If it’s made out of metal, it has an even and consistent brushed finish.
- Signs the watch is fake: The watch doesn’t look or feel expertly made. There may be clear inconsistencies and imperfections, like rough edges, uneven links, and irregular fonts. The finish might appear dull or faded, or inconsistent.
11
Size Green highly recommends checking the size of the watch to authenticate it. For instance, if the watch is supposed to be 36 mm (1.41 in) but it measures 35 mm (1.37 in), that’s a red flag.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Bill Green
Jewelry & Watch Expert

Expert Interview} Audemars Piguet lists the sizes of all of their watches on their website, which makes this easy to check.
- Signs the watch is fake: The actual size of the watch does not match up with the authentic watch’s size.
12
Packaging Buying and opening an Audemars Piguet watch is a luxurious experience. The watch comes in a green box with “Audemars Piguet” and “Le Brassus” printed in the center. Inside is a green jewelry box that contains the watch, and “Audemars Piguet” and “Le Brassus” are also printed on the top. The box has a button to open it, and inside it’s covered with black velvet, with “Audemars Piguet” and “Le Brassus” printed on the inside.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- The watch also comes with a warranty card and an instruction booklet on how to use the watch.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
- Signs the watch is fake: The outer box may feel flimsy, be the wrong shade of green, or use the wrong font for the logo. Similarly, the jewelry box may look or feel low quality, appear the wrong color of green, and use the wrong font for the logos on the inside and outside of the box.
13
Certificate of authenticity While Audemars Piguet doesn’t automatically provide each watch with a certificate of authenticity, you can request one from the retailer (which costs $2,500).^{[15]
X
Research source} To receive a certificate, simply drop off your watch at your closest Audemars Piguet boutique, where it will be shipped to their manufacture in Le Brassus, Switzerland, and inspected by their trained watchmakers.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Signs the watch is fake: If you request a certificate of authenticity and Audemars Piguet is unable to give you one, that’s a sure sign it’s fake.
14
Price As Audemars Piguet is a luxury watchmaker, their prices are very steep. Depending on the style and material of the watch, new watches can cost anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000. Pre-owned watches often cost more since AP is so in demand. The company only produces around 50,000 watches each year, so there are year-long wait lists to get a new watch.
- Signs the watch is fake: Anything under $20,000 is a red flag that the watch is fake. While some high-quality dupes may sell for a couple thousand dollars, that’s still a clear indicator that it is inauthentic.

Section 2 of 3:

Where to Buy an Authentic Audemars Piguet Watch

Download Article

1
Buy a watch directly from Audemars Piguet. The best way to ensure that you’re getting an authentic Audemars Piguet watch is to get it at one of their boutiques, which you can find on the AP website. While AP does not sell their watches online, you can browse their watch collection on their website and schedule an appointment about the watch(es) you’re interested in.
- Note: As mentioned, AP watches are in high demand, and you may not be able to get a watch the same day you go into a boutique. Most people are put on a waiting list, and it can take a few years to get your watch.
2
Shop from an auction house or fine jeweler. If you’d prefer to buy a pre-owned Audemars Piguet, ensure you’re choosing a very trustworthy and reputable seller. For instance, check out pre-owned watches at an auction house like Sotheby's or Christie's. Local fine and high-end jewelers may have AP watches, too.
- In general, it’s best to avoid buying an AP watch from an online marketplace like eBay, as it’s harder to guarantee a seller’s trustworthiness. However, if you decide to go this route, we’ll provide some tips to avoid buying a fake watch below.

Section 3 of 3:

Tips for Avoiding a Fake Audemars Piguet Watch

Download Article

If you decide to buy a pre-owned Audemars Piguet watch, ensure the seller is reputable and trustworthy. Read through their reviews to see if people are happy with their purchases and received legitimate options. Then, check that the seller offers protection policies, like allowing returns or refunds. Make sure that they’ve completed a lot of sales, too.^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source

Federal Trade Commission
Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson

Go to source}
2
Go over the images of the watch carefully. Inspect the pictures to help authenticate the watch, paying special attention to the logos, construction, and general quality. Then, compare the seller’s pictures of the watch to official images from Audemars Piguet.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source

Federal Trade Commission
Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson

Go to source}
- Avoid sellers who provide low-quality pictures of their watch or who only use stock images of the watch.
- Message the seller if you have any questions about the watch, or if you’d like them to provide more pictures or videos. If they’re slow to respond or don’t respond at all, that can be a red flag.
3
Be cautious of low prices. If the price of the Audemars Piguet watch seems too good to be true, that’s most likely a sign that it’s fake. Be aware of the market price of the watch style you want and what it usually goes for on the second-hand market (checking auction histories can be helpful) to steer clear of any fakes.^{[19]
X
Trustworthy Source

Federal Trade Commission
Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson

Go to source}
- Remember that AP watches are highly sought after and well-known as a luxury brand. Anyone selling an authentic watch will know how much they can sell for and price them accordingly. So, you’re unlikely to get an unbelievable deal on one of these watches!
If you’re still not sure whether the watch you’re looking at is genuine, get help from a watch or jewelry appraiser. Most fine jewelry stores offer authentication services, or you can use an online authentication service like LegitGrails or LegitCheck.