What "Replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref 4101" Means
A replica is a copy. It is not made by Audemars Piguet. The reference 4101 is not a standard Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak references include 5402, 15202, and 15500. Replica sellers use "4101" as a label. The number may come from a case code or a mislabel.
Royal Oak Ref 4101: Genuine vs Replica
Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak in 1972. The first reference was 5402. It used caliber 2121. A genuine Royal Oak ref 4101 does not appear in common reference guides. A replica may use a quartz movement or a low-cost automatic movement. The case may be stainless steel. The case size may be 35 mm, 37 mm, or 41 mm. The dial may have a tapisserie pattern. The date window may sit at 3 o'clock.
What to Check on a Replica Royal Oak Ref 4101
- Case size: measure the diameter. Genuine Royal Oaks come in 35 mm, 37 mm, 39 mm, 41 mm, and 42 mm.
- Dial texture: genuine tapisserie has raised squares. Replicas may have printed squares.
- Movement: genuine uses in-house calibers. Replicas use third-party movements.
- Bracelet: genuine bracelet links have precise gaps. Replica links may have rough edges.
- Engraving: genuine case backs have deep, crisp engravings. Replica engravings may be shallow.
- Weight: a genuine steel Royal Oak weighs about 150 grams. A replica may weigh less.
Legal and Market Facts
Replica watches are illegal to sell in the United States. They infringe trademarks. US Customs can seize replica watches. Prices for replica Royal Oaks range from $100 to $500. Genuine Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches cost $20,000 and up. The ref 4101 does not appear in Audemars Piguet catalogs. If you see "replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref 4101," know that the reference is not real. Check the seller. Know the law.