Enter the replica market. Now, full disclosure, I’m not *endorsing* buying fake stuff, alright? But let’s not pretend it doesn’t exist. And let’s face it, some of these AP replicas are getting seriously good. Like, scary good. You can find ’em all over the place, from dodgy websites with names that sound like they were generated by a robot on acid, to, yeah, even Etsy (apparently!).
You’ll see stuff like “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Iced Out Yellow Gold Replica In stock $2,000” or “REPLICA Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatik 15400SR.OO.1220SR.01 Iced Out”. The prices vary wildly, obviously. I mean, you get what you pay for, right? A $50 special from a back alley probably ain’t gonna fool anyone, but a well-made replica for a couple grand? That *might* pass muster under casual inspection.
And that’s the whole point, innit? It’s about the *look*. About that flash. I mean, who *really* cares if the movement is Swiss-made or some… other-place-made? (Okay, watch nerds care. I get it. But most people just see the diamonds, or, uh, the *simulated* diamonds).
I did see something about spotting a fake AP by checking the case thickness. Apparently, the real deal is 9.8mm. So, if you’re really trying to pass it off as legit, maybe keep a micrometer handy? Just kidding! (Mostly).
The big question, though, is: is it worth it? I mean, you’re buying something that’s, technically, illegal. And there’s always the risk of getting ripped off. But hey, some people just want that iced-out look, and they’re willing to take the chance. I ain’t judgin’.
