The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26400RO is a chronograph watch. It has a forged carbon case, a ceramic bezel, and a 44mm diameter. Replicas of this model exist. Quality ranges from low to high. This guide lists checks to tell a replica from a genuine watch.

Case Material and Finish

The genuine 26400RO uses forged carbon for the case. Forged carbon has a marbled pattern. No two cases look the same. Replicas often use plastic or resin with a printed pattern. The pattern repeats. The replica case feels lighter or heavier than the genuine case. The genuine case weighs about 110 grams with the strap. Replicas vary in weight.

Bezel and Crystal

The genuine bezel is black ceramic. It has eight hexagonal screws. The screws align with the caseback screws. Replica bezels often use PVD-coated steel or plastic. The screws on replicas may not align. The genuine crystal is sapphire. It has an anti-reflective coating. Replicas use mineral glass or sapphire with poor coating. The crystal on a replica may show reflections.

Dial and Hands

The genuine dial has a "Méga Tapisserie" pattern. The squares are raised. The date window sits at 3 o'clock. The genuine date wheel has a black background with white numerals. Replicas often have a flat dial. The date wheel may be white with black numerals. The hands on the genuine watch are faceted. They have polished edges. Replica hands are flat and dull.

Movement

The genuine 26400RO uses Audemars Piguet Caliber 3126/3840. It has 59 jewels and a 50-hour power reserve. The rotor has a gold weight. Replicas use Asian chronograph movements. Common movements include the A7750 or a quartz movement. The A7750 has a noisy rotor. The chronograph function may not work. The genuine movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Replicas may beat at 28,800 or 21,600. A watchmaker can check the movement.

Caseback and Engravings

The genuine caseback has engravings. The engravings are deep and crisp. The reference number "26400RO" is on the caseback. The limited edition number is also there. Replicas have shallow engravings. The font may be wrong. The "Audemars Piguet" logo may be misaligned. The caseback on a replica may not sit flush.

Strap and Clasp

The genuine strap is rubber. It has a texture. The clasp is titanium. It has the AP logo. The clasp on a replica is steel. It may have a sharp edge. The strap on a replica may smell like plastic. The genuine strap has a vanilla smell.

Price and Source

A genuine 26400RO sells for $30,000 to $40,000 on the secondary market. Replicas sell for $200 to $1,000. High-end replicas cost more. No replica matches the genuine watch. Buy from a trusted dealer. Ask for photos of the actual watch.