What Is a Replica Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Watch?
A replica Audemars Piguet tourbillon watch is a copy of a genuine Audemars Piguet watch that includes a tourbillon mechanism. Genuine Audemars Piguet tourbillons cost from $150,000 to over $1,000,000. Replicas sell for $200 to $2,000. Replicas use movements from China or Japan. They do not carry an Audemars Piguet warranty. U.S. law prohibits the sale of counterfeit watches.
How a Tourbillon Works
The tourbillon is a rotating cage that holds the balance wheel and escapement. Abraham-Louis Breguet invented it in 1801. The rotation averages out gravity's effect on the watch's rate. This improves accuracy in pocket watches. In wristwatches, the benefit is small. A tourbillon adds complexity and cost to a movement.
Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Models
Audemars Piguet produces tourbillon watches in the Royal Oak and Code 11.59 collections. The Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph launched in 2003. The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Chronograph came in 2002. These watches use in-house movements. They have sapphire crystals and precious metal cases. Replicas often copy the case shape and dial layout. They cannot copy the movement finishing or materials.
Replica Quality Tiers
Replica tourbillon watches fall into three groups. Low-end replicas cost $200 to $400. They use a basic Chinese tourbillon movement. The case is stainless steel. The finish is rough. Mid-range replicas cost $500 to $1,000. They use a better Chinese movement. The case may have a gold plating. High-end replicas cost $1,000 to $2,000. They use a Japanese or Swiss-made tourbillon movement. The case may have 18k gold plating. The dial details are closer to the genuine. However, no replica matches the hand-finished movement of a genuine Audemars Piguet.
Legal Risks in the United States
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizes counterfeit watches at ports of entry. The sale of counterfeit goods violates the Trademark Act. The FTC states that buying counterfeit goods can support illegal operations. Penalties for selling counterfeits include fines and prison time. Buying a replica for personal use is not a federal crime in most cases. But importing a replica can lead to seizure and destruction.
Price Comparison
- Genuine Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon: $150,000 to $250,000
- Genuine Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon: $500,000 to $1,000,000
- Replica low-end: $200 to $400
- Replica mid-range: $500 to $1,000
- Replica high-end: $1,000 to $2,000
How to Spot a Replica
Look at the movement through the case back. Genuine Audemars Piguet tourbillons have hand-finished bridges and polished bevels. Replicas have machine-finished parts. Check the weight. Genuine Audemars Piguet tourbillons weigh more than replicas. The genuine watch uses solid gold or platinum. Replicas use steel or plated brass. Check the dial printing. Genuine dials have crisp text and applied indices. Replica dials often have flat printing or misaligned indices. Check the crown. Genuine crowns have the AP logo in relief. Replica crowns may have a sticker or a poor stamp.
Summary
A replica Audemars Piguet tourbillon watch is a counterfeit product. It costs $200 to $2,000. Genuine models cost $150,000 or more. The tourbillon is a complex mechanism. Replicas use Chinese or Japanese movements. U.S. law bans the sale of counterfeits. Buying a replica does not provide the same quality or warranty as a genuine watch.