Replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore titanium watches copy two references: the 42mm 26238TI and the 43mm 26420TI. Prices run from about $150 to $900. Genuine examples sell for $30,000 and up. Most copies use grade 5 titanium or titanium-coated steel plus an Asian 7750 chronograph movement. US federal law bans import and sale of these watches under 18 U.S.C. 2320.
The genuine reference
Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak Offshore in 1993. Emmanuel Gueit designed the case. The first model, reference 25721ST, measured 42mm and carried the nickname The Beast.
Titanium versions came later. Reference 26238TI has a 42mm titanium case and a rubber strap. Reference 26420TI has a 43mm case, a ceramic bezel, and the in-house calibre 4404.
Calibre 4404 is an integrated flyback chronograph. Power reserve is 70 hours. Frequency is 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Grade 5 titanium is an alloy of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. Density is about 4.43 grams per cubic centimeter. Steel density is about 7.85. A titanium case weighs about 44 percent less than a steel case of the same size.
What replica versions use
- Cases: grade 5 titanium in higher tiers. Lower tiers use 316L steel with a titanium nitride coating.
- Bezels: ceramic inserts on copies of the 26420TI. Some batches use coated steel.
- Crystals: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
- Straps: rubber or titanium bracelets. Bracelet link fit varies by batch.
- Casebacks: sapphire display backs on most tiers.
Batch specs change. Two copies of the same reference from different factories can differ in weight and finish.
Movements
The common replica movement is the Asia 7750. It is a copy of the ETA Valjoux 7750 with a chronograph module. Frequency is 28,800 vph. Power reserve is about 40 to 48 hours on a full wind.
Higher tiers use a clone of the 3126/3840 layout with decorative plates and perlage. The finish imitates the genuine movement. The gear train does not match the genuine calibre.
Genuine calibre 4404 uses a column wheel and a vertical clutch. The 7750 base uses an oscillating pinion instead.
Weight and finish
A genuine 43mm titanium Offshore on a rubber strap weighs near 110 grams. Replica weights run from 95 grams to 160 grams. Steel-based copies sit above 140 grams.
Check the caseback text, the crown position, and the date wheel alignment. Genuine bracelets hold tight tolerances at the link gaps.
Price tiers
- Entry: $150 to $300. Steel case with coating, basic sapphire crystal.
- Mid: $300 to $550. Titanium case in some batches, sapphire crystal, 7750 movement.
- High: $550 to $900. Grade 5 titanium, ceramic bezel, decorated clone movement.
As of 2024, genuine 43mm titanium Offshore chronographs list above $40,000 from the brand. Numbers change with the year, and secondary market prices differ from retail.
Legal status in the US
Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 2320. A first offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine for an individual.
US Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit watches at import. The Lanham Act lets the trademark owner sue for damages. Buying a counterfeit watch for personal use is not the same charge as selling one, but the item can still be seized.
Points of comparison
- Weight: titanium copies fall under 120 grams. Coated steel copies run heavier.
- Movement: check the rotor engraving and the balance wheel location through the display back.
- Bezel: genuine ceramic is matte with a sharp edge. Coated steel shows wear at the corners.
- Caseback: genuine engravings are deep and crisp. Replica text is shallow.
- Serial: factory serial numbers repeat across batches.
Unknown: exact factory output for titanium batches. Suppliers change alloy sources without notice.