Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives and Certificate of Authenticity Explained

Audemars Piguet says owners can request two official documents about a watch by filling in a form. It says each watch it produces is recorded by its unique case and movement numbers.

AP describes the Extract from the archives as an official electronic document certifying that these numbers appear in its records, and says it does not warrant the authenticity of the watch.

The Certificate of Authenticity certifies that the watch, its materials and its components are authentic. AP says it contains all identifying characteristics of the watch and current pictures, and that its experts in Le Brassus must carefully examine the watch before issuing it.

Both documents rest on the watch's identity. AP records each watch by its case and movement numbers, while a reference such as 15510ST.OO.1320ST.06 names a Royal Oak Selfwinding version that many watches share.

The movement sits inside the case, so checking its number is a job for Audemars Piguet service or a qualified watchmaker rather than a seller at a meeting. What a buyer can collect is clear photos of any numbers engraved on the case, the warranty card and every document, so they can be compared.

AP says both documents are requested through a form on its customer service pages, the same online service request used for servicing. It also invites owners to create an account to check their watches in, extend the International Sales Warranty for eligible watches and request a service or document.

For the Certificate of Authenticity, AP says its experts in Le Brassus must examine the watch, and it offers a complimentary pick-up service for the watch in some countries. The pages reviewed for this guide do not list fees or turnaround times, so confirm them with AP before you send a watch or rely on a timeline in a sale.

An Extract confirms that a set of case and movement numbers exists in AP's records. AP itself says it does not warrant authenticity, and numbers can be copied onto another case, so an Extract cannot show that the watch in front of you is the watch it describes.

A Certificate of Authenticity follows an examination by AP's experts and includes current pictures, which makes it much stronger evidence. It still describes the watch as examined, so compare its pictures and identifying characteristics with the watch you are buying, and ask about any service or changes since it was issued.

Neither document replaces a look at the watch itself. Treat both as evidence that must agree with the reference, case, bezel, dial, bracelet, condition and the seller's account.

AP's International Sales Warranty applies to new watches bought from Audemars Piguet Boutiques or Authorized Dealers, lasts two years from the initial purchase and can be extended to five years through an online form completed within one year of that purchase. A claim requires the International Warranty Card received with the watch.

For a pre-owned watch, ask for the International Warranty Card and any AP documents, and check that every detail on them matches the watch. If a seller describes a watch as AP certified, ask which AP document supports that claim and check that its details match the watch before you pay.

AP's US service terms say that no service will be performed when examination reveals counterfeit parts, and that a watch previously reported as stolen may be reported to the former owner, insurer or authorities and kept until ownership is determined.

They also say a watch with parts whose original appearance or function has been modified receives an estimate for returning it to its original appearance, and AP says the watchmakers in its after-sales network undertake to use only genuine parts. Its warranty excludes watches and components that are not fully genuine.

Ask the seller about service history, replacement parts and ownership before you pay, and keep service invoices and any AP documents with the watch.

Use AP documents alongside the exact reference, case, bezel, screws, dial, bracelet, caseback, condition and seller evidence. They carry the most weight when every part of the evidence agrees.

For an independent second opinion before or after buying, Vereev reviews complete photo sets and is not affiliated with Audemars Piguet. Movement and internal questions, and anything AP's own examination would settle, still belong with Audemars Piguet or a qualified watchmaker.