What is a fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 67651?

A fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 67651 is an unauthorized copy of the 33mm quartz Royal Oak, sold under labels like "first copy," "replica," or "super clone." It is not made, serviced, or authenticated by Audemars Piguet. Selling or importing one is illegal in the United States.

People search for this reference because the Royal Oak shape is famous and the real watch is expensive. That gap is what counterfeit sellers target.

What is the real Royal Oak 67651?

Reference 67651 is a Royal Oak in a 33mm stainless steel case. It runs on quartz, which surprises buyers who assume every Royal Oak is mechanical. That detail shapes how copies are built.

  • 33mm octagonal case with an exposed hexagonal screw at each bezel corner
  • Quartz movement, so the second hand ticks rather than sweeps
  • Integrated bracelet that tapers toward the clasp
  • Tapisserie dial texture with a date window at 3 o'clock
  • Diamond-set bezel variants in some 67651 configurations

Confirm any specific reference number, case size, or dial variant against Audemars Piguet's own catalog. Details change between production years.

Why do counterfeiters copy the 67651?

Two reasons. The Royal Oak design is one of the most recognized watch shapes, and the real 67651 is quartz. A quartz copy has no mechanical movement to fake, which cuts production cost.

The result is a wide range of 67651 copies, from cheap plated watches to steel versions with cloned dial printing.

How can you tell a fake Royal Oak 67651 from a real one?

No single check proves authenticity. Copies improve each year, so look for a pattern of small failures instead of one giveaway. Before spending real money, have the watch inspected by a watchmaker who knows the brand.

Bezel screws

On a genuine Royal Oak the eight bezel screws are functional, and the slot angles are consistent. Fakes use decorative caps or screws whose slots sit at random angles.

Dial and date

Tapisserie squares should be sharp and even. Copies show soft edges, uneven spacing, or printing a little off center. Check the date font and how the window sits in the dial.

Case and bracelet finishing

Audemars Piguet finishes surfaces by hand, with brushed flats and polished bevels that meet on a crisp line. Copies show rounded edges, polish where brushing belongs, and gaps where the end links meet the case.

Caseback and engravings

Engraving depth and letter spacing on a genuine caseback are even. Fakes use stamps or laser marks that look shallow or fuzzy under a loupe. Reference and serial numbers should match the paperwork and the brand's records.

Weight and feel

Steel copies often feel light because the case and bracelet are thinner or hollowed out. This test fails on its own, since a heavy fake can feel correct in the hand.

Movement and second hand

The genuine 67651 is quartz, so a ticking hand proves nothing. Counterfeit sellers use that fact to deflect questions. Ask for service records or an inspection instead.

What are the risks of buying a counterfeit watch?

  • Legal exposure. Selling or importing counterfeits can lead to seizure, fines, and criminal charges.
  • Customs seizure. Border agents hold or destroy counterfeit shipments, and the buyer loses the money.
  • No service. Audemars Piguet will not repair or supply parts for a counterfeit.
  • No resale value. A fake sells for a fraction of the purchase price, if it sells at all.
  • Material problems. Plating wears through, and cheap alloys can irritate skin.
  • Payment risk. Counterfeit storefronts see chargebacks, lost parcels, and card fraud.

What does "first copy" mean?

"First copy" is marketing language, not a grade. It suggests a copy sits close to the original. The phrase carries no standard, no inspection, and no legal meaning.

Sellers also use AAA, mirror quality, and Swiss clone. None of these labels are defined, and none change the legal status of the item.

How do you check a 67651 before buying?

Buy from an authorized dealer, or from a seller with verifiable references and a return window. Ask for the box, warranty card, and service records, then match the serial number with Audemars Piguet.

Pay with a method that gives you recourse, not a wire transfer. If the price sits far below market, treat that as a warning sign. A genuine steel 67651 does not sell for a few hundred dollars.

Frequently asked questions

Is a quartz Royal Oak fake?

No. Reference 67651 is quartz from the factory. A ticking second hand is normal on this model.

Will Audemars Piguet service a replica?

No. The brand services genuine watches only and will not return parts or documents for a counterfeit.

Is buying a fake watch illegal?

Prosecution for personal use is uncommon in the US, but importing and reselling counterfeits can bring civil and criminal penalties. Customs can seize the shipment.

What are the clearest signs of a fake?

Misaligned bezel screws, soft dial texture, uneven engraving, and loose end links. One flaw alone means little. Several together point to a copy.