Sending watch to AP headquarters for authentication

[Jayj23]

Hi TRF,

Just wondering if anyone had any experience sending a watch to AP headquarters for authentication?

if so, what was the turn around timeframe?

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Thanks :)

[NotRichardMille]

ETA is around 4 weeks. I have brought one of my ROO's for servicing and requested the papers from the archives but not the authentication request, since they won't work on a fake watch anyway. Kinda pointless unless you buy a second hand watch with no service history or paperwork what so ever. Pretty easy to spot a fake AP these days.

If you post pictures of the watch we can all save you a lot of time.

[77T]

It’s not a stupid question; do you mean global HQ?

The risk of shipping for authentication would give rise for caution and hopefully a closer dealer could have the watchmaker look inside closely.


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[NotRichardMille]

I would simply post some pictures of the watch. Might save you lots of time and a few hundred bucks.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by Jayj23

Hi TRF,

Just wondering if anyone had any experience sending a watch to AP headquarters for authentication?

if so, what was the turn around timeframe?

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Thanks :)

You could post here -- you never know. If its one we are familiar with we may be able to save you some time. Not ironclad of course.

[campfire]

Not a stupid question. I like to have peace of mind too.

But as others have said, there might be cheaper/easier ways to get a quick verification...though not 100%.

[drhk]

May be you already know that but you may request an extract of the archives. You send photos of the front and back side of the watch per email to AP, transfer 240 € and they will send you an extract of the archives by postal service within about 2 weeks.

It´s not an authentication as the watch is not physically inspected, thus not 100% waterproof. But for the majority of cases it will do and you have an AP certificate which shows the manufacturing date, serial number of the watch and the movement etc.

[rijowysock]

just send a pic and we can tell you in 10 seconds.

[NotRichardMille]

Originally Posted by rijowysock

just send a pic and we can tell you in 10 seconds.

So true.. something seems off here. Paying a few hundred bucks and waiting for weeks vs posting a picture and have it solved in a few minutes.

[TommyT53]

Go to the AP website and sign up for the extended warranty. You have to enter the serial number and if it's bogus AP will not let you continue with the process.

[drhk]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

Go to the AP website and sign up for the extended warranty. You have to enter the serial number and if it's bogus AP will not let you continue with the process.

This is only possible for watches that have been originally sold not more than 2 years ago.

[Benzsiam]

Originally Posted by drhk

This is only possible for watches that have been originally sold not more than 2 years ago.

I think you still can register as the owner of that watch with AP website. After you registered, AP will have all the information of all your AP watches, such as serial numbers and warranty numbers. Every time you visit the website, you can sign in or edit your information too.

[Jayj23]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Didn’t know you could tell a fake AP by just seeing pics. So wanted to be sure. In the end I didn’t buy the 15400 because it got sold. But will probably just take a pic if I get an opportunity next time to buy it :)

[NotRichardMille]

Originally Posted by Jayj23

Thanks for all the responses guys. Didn’t know you could tell a fake AP by just seeing pics. So wanted to be sure. In the end I didn’t buy the 15400 because it got sold. But will probably just take a pic if I get an opportunity next time to buy it :)

One of the easiest fakes to spot. Case thickness, date wheel, colour of the dial etc