Quick answer

Reference 25866 is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph from the late 1990s. The genuine watch runs AP caliber 2385, a column-wheel automatic chronograph based on the Frederic Piguet 1185. Replica versions sold as first copy or 1:1 use other movements, other case finishing, and other dial printing. In the United States those replicas are counterfeit goods. Import, sale, and trafficking carry civil and criminal penalties.

Reference facts

  • Line: Royal Oak Chronograph. AP added a chronograph to the Royal Oak line in 1997.
  • Case: 39 mm is the figure used by most auction houses and dealer archives for the 25860 and 25866 family. AP does not publish archived specifications for discontinued references.
  • Bezel: octagonal, eight hexagonal screws, brushed and polished surfaces.
  • Movement: caliber 2385, automatic, column wheel, date, roughly 40 hours of power reserve. AP states the 2385 is based on the Frederic Piguet 1185.
  • Dial: Grande Tapisserie grid, three counters, applied AP logo at 12.
  • Bracelet: integrated, tapering links, folding clasp.

How replica 25866 watches differ

Most replicas of this reference come from Chinese workshops and sell from about $200 to $800. Points of difference:

  • Movement: a Miyota, Seiko, or Chinese automatic chronograph module sits in place of the 2385. Subdial spacing and hand height change with it.
  • Case: screw slots and bezel angles are cut with less precision. Plated gold replaces solid gold on gold references.
  • Dial: Tapisserie squares are molded, not milled metal. Font weight and spacing on the text are wrong.
  • Caseback: engraving depth, serial numbers, and movement numbers do not match AP records.
  • Weight: a plated case weighs less than a solid gold case of the same size.

Legal status in the United States

The Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1114, covers trademark infringement and gives AP the right to sue sellers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit merchandise at ports and in the mail. Import for personal use is not permitted.

18 U.S.C. 2320 makes trafficking in counterfeit goods a federal crime. A first offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine for an individual, and $5,000,000 for a corporation.

What to check on any Royal Oak Chronograph

  • Movement photos, including the rotor and the balance area.
  • Caseback numbers, then a records check with AP.
  • Service paperwork and the name of the watchmaker.
  • Public auction results for the 25860 and 25866 family.

AP offers an Extract from the Archives for discontinued references for a fee. Prices for genuine 25866 examples change with metal, condition, and box and papers.