So, how do you avoid getting totally ripped off? Well, buckle up, ’cause it ain’t a walk in the park, especially with an Offshore. These things are complicated, and the fakers are getting craftier by the day.
First off, forget about thinking “oh, it’s gotta be heavy.” Yeah, a real AP *is* weighty, but the Chinese are pretty good at adding some lead to make their garbage feel substantial. That ain’t gonna cut it.
Now, the real nitty-gritty stuff. Let’s talk finishing. This is where AP separates itself from the riff-raff. Think about it: AP is like, the Rolls Royce of watches. Every surface, every bevel, every *everything* is polished to an insane degree. If you see any unevenness, any scratches, *anything* that looks less than perfect…red flag city, population: you. Seriously, get out your magnifying glass. Real AP finishing is like looking at pure, unadulterated horological sexiness.
And that “Méga Tapisserie” dial, that waffle pattern everyone goes nuts for? Yeah, the fakes are notoriously bad at replicating it. Look for crisp, clean edges. The real deal is sharp, defined. The fakes? Usually kinda mushy and ill-defined, like a blurry photo. Plus, the color on those new smoke dials – the blues, the greens, the greys? If it looks even slightly off, trust your gut. They spend a fortune perfecting those colors, so it’s hard to fake.
Another thing: Chronographs. Older APs, like pre-1980, didn’t always have chrono complications. So if you see a vintage Royal Oak with a chronograph, especially if it’s presented as *the* real deal, be extra cautious. Chances are, it’s a frankenwatch (a watch made of parts from different watches) or just plain fake.
Oh, and the screws on the bezel? They should be perfectly aligned. I mean, *perfectly*. Not almost, not kinda, but absolutely dead-on. This is a pain in the butt to replicate, and fakers often screw it up (pun intended!).
Personally, I’d also be wary of *where* you’re buying it. Some random dude on eBay offering a “steal”? Yeah, no. Go to a reputable dealer, someone you trust. Pay the extra money. It’s better than losing a fortune on a fake. If it sounds too good to be true, it *always* is.
Honestly, the best advice I can give you? Do your research. A *lot* of research. Look at tons of pictures of genuine Royal Oak Offshores. Get familiar with the details. And if you’re still unsure? Get it authenticated by an expert. It’ll cost you, but it’s worth the peace of mind.
