First thing, lets talk straps. Authentic APs, especially the Diver, often have rubber straps. But it’s *good* rubber, y’know? Not that cheapo, plasticky stuff. Feel it. Does it feel… legit? Like, expensive and supple? If it feels like something you’d find on a kids’ toy, big red flag, dude. Some have leather too, of course, different colors and textures. But again, quality is key.
Now, the dial. Oh man, the dial. The Royal Oak Offshore is famous for that “Méga Tapisserie” pattern. It’s like, a waffle pattern, but *perfect*. Like, ridiculously precise. Fakes often mess this up. Look closely. Are the squares evenly spaced? Are the edges crisp? Or does it look kinda… mushy? A real AP will have super sharp detailing. The hour markers and hands should also be top-notch, lumed for visibility. If they look cheap or poorly applied, run away!
And speaking of hands, they usually use “Royal Oak” hands… which are… well, look them up! Make sure they’re the right style.
Then there’s the weight. These watches are SOLID. They’re made of steel, sometimes gold, even titanium. They feel heavy. Like, substantial. If it feels light and flimsy, like it’s made of aluminum foil, it’s probably a fake. No, seriously, a real one has heft.
Water resistance is another thing. The Diver is supposed to be water-resistant to 300m (984 ft). I’m not suggesting you jump in the ocean with it to test it out (especially if you think it might be fake!), but just know that’s a key feature. A fake is probably gonna leak if you even wash your hands with it on.
Movement, ah! The heart of the watch. This is where things get super complex. Authentic Royal Oak Offshore Divers use in-house calibers, like the 3120 (for three-hand models) or chronographs with other fancy calibers. You probably can’t open up the watch to check, but listen closely. Does it sound smooth and precise? Or does it sound kinda… clunky and cheap? A real AP movement is a work of art. Also, does the second hand sweep smoothly, or does it tick really obviously like a cheap quartz watch?
The bezel! Some divers have a unidirectional internal bezel with a diving scale. Make sure it functions properly. It shouldn’t feel loose or wobbly.
Finally, the price. Let’s be real. These watches are EXPENSIVE. If someone’s offering you a Royal Oak Offshore Diver for a ridiculously low price, it’s almost definitely too good to be true. Trust your gut.
