Audemars Piguet Authentication

Start with the collection and the full reference. Audemars Piguet says the Royal Oak has been made in more than 500 iterations since its 1972 debut, and its listings separate versions by reference, such as the stainless steel Royal Oak Selfwinding 41 mm 15510ST.OO.1320ST.06 with a Grande Tapisserie dial.

The Royal Oak Offshore, launched in April 1993 with reference 25721, and the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet are separate lines with their own case designs, so compare a watch only with references from its own line and version.

Audemars Piguet says it records each watch it produces by unique case and movement numbers. Those numbers belong to one watch, while the reference names the model version.

Audemars Piguet's own history of the first Royal Oak cases describes a bezel with a circular center and a rounded octagonal periphery, vertically satin-finished and strongly beveled, with eight hexagonal screws fitted with round nuts introduced from the back of the watch to close it. It lists the case middle's finishing as satin-finished top and sides with polished bevels.

Reviewers compare the bezel's shape and finishing, the screws, the dial pattern, hands and markers, how the bracelet meets the case, and the caseback against well-documented examples of the same reference. AP describes the first Royal Oak Offshore as having a large water-resistance gasket protruding from its bezel, and the Code 11.59 as having an octagonal case middle with a round caseback.

Allow for legitimate variation. Polishing can soften bevels and satin finishes, a genuine watch can carry later service parts, and AP's US service terms describe estimates to return modified watches to their original appearance, so a difference needs an explanation rather than an instant verdict.

AP's International Sales Warranty covers new watches for two years from the initial purchase at an Audemars Piguet Boutique or Authorized Dealer, and it can be extended to five years through an online form completed within one year of that purchase. A warranty claim requires the watch together with the International Warranty Card received with it.

Papers help only when they agree with the watch. Cards, boxes and receipts can be copied or separated from the watch they came with, so the numbers and model on any paperwork must match the watch itself.

The Audemars Piguet service pages reviewed here describe requesting official documents through a form rather than an instant public lookup. Treat a number that a seller says was checked online as a claim to verify, not a result.

Audemars Piguet offers two official documents that owners request through a form. It says the Extract from the archives is an official electronic document certifying that a watch's unique case and movement numbers appear in its records, but that it does not warrant the authenticity of the watch.

The Certificate of Authenticity is the document that addresses authenticity. AP says it certifies that the watch, its materials and components are authentic, contains the watch's identifying characteristics and current pictures, and requires its experts in Le Brassus to examine the watch, with a complimentary pick-up service available in some countries.

So an Extract shows that a set of numbers exists in AP's records, not that the watch in front of you carries them or its original parts. A certificate carries more weight, but its pictures and details still need to match the watch you are buying.

AP says the watchmakers in its after-sales network undertake to use only genuine parts. Its US service terms say that if examination reveals counterfeit parts, no service will be performed on the watch.

The same terms say that a watch previously reported as stolen may be reported to the former owner, insurer or authorities and kept until ownership is determined, and that a watch with modified parts receives an estimate for returning it to its original appearance. AP's warranty also excludes watches and components that are not fully genuine.

For a buyer, this means undisclosed replacement parts, aftermarket changes or unclear ownership can surface later at an official service. Ask about service history and ownership before paying, and keep any service invoices with the watch.

AP's International Warranty applies to new watches bought from Audemars Piguet Boutiques or Authorized Dealers, and AP lists its boutiques on its store finder.

If a seller calls a watch AP certified, ask which AP document supports that claim, such as an Extract from the archives or a Certificate of Authenticity, and check that its details match the watch.

For pre-owned and private sales, the watch has to carry the evidence. Use protected payment, ask for current photos and video of the actual watch, and confirm that the delivered watch matches what was reviewed.

Get a review when the price, seller history or photos leave doubt, when the watch has been polished, serviced or modified, or when a listing leans on papers or an Extract instead of the watch itself.

Submit sharp photos of the dial, bezel and screws, case sides, crown, caseback, clasp and bracelet, any engraved numbers and all papers, plus a short video of the watch running. A Vereev reviewer compares them with the same reference and notes what photos cannot show, such as the movement behind a solid caseback.