AP security features?

[Auragentum]

Wondering if AP has integrated any special anti-counterfeit features on their watches?

We all know that Rolex has the laser etched crown and the rehaut printing. Although the latter may not be a security feature per se.

But what about AP? Any external features?

[Submarino]

Special character engraved on the very last link of the bracelet of the Royal Oaks on the 12 o'clock side.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by Submarino

Special character engraved on the very last link of the bracelet of the Royal Oaks on the 12 o'clock side.

Thanks

Do you have a picture illustrating this?

[Submarino]

Check one of the For Sale listings from DavidSW here on the forum so you can see it. Unfortunately I have no pictures of it with me right now.

[Auragentum]

After a bit of digging I saw the character on the link. However, it doesn't seem to be there on all ROs. For example the 26300 that DavidSW had for sale did not have a special character, but instead an "L" on both the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock side. Some ROs seem to not have any characters at all?

Is there any system in this?

[SDDS]

Originally Posted by Auragentum

After a bit of digging I saw the character on the link. However, it doesn't seem to be there on all ROs. For example the 26300 that DavidSW had for sale did not have a special character, but instead an "L" on both the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock side. Some ROs seem to not have any characters at all?

Is there any system in this?

I have the same thing

[SDDS]

That's it , any other special security feature other than the special character engraved at the very last link?

[TSW]

No need for any security features..... The finish and quality can't be copyd.

[Dickson Lim]

Originally Posted by TSW

No need for any security features..... The finish and quality can't be copyd.

x2

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by TSW

No need for any security features..... The finish and quality can't be copyd.

I buy that

But do you know why there seems to be characters on some bracelets and none on others? This seems to be the case even on some newer ROs I have seen.

[oworkman]

yep, hard to copy perfection!!!

[TSW]

Originally Posted by Auragentum

I buy that

But do you know why there seems to be characters on some bracelets and none on others? This seems to be the case even on some newer ROs I have seen.

Only two "L" I on my bracelet if memory serves me correct

[Auragentum]

Speaking of security features...

Just had a look at some AP replicas/fakes on a forum which apparently discusses watches just like we do here - major difference being that they are all fakes

In any event, some of the replicas look very accurate (except the movement) even when it comes to finish and small details. Especially the ROOs are well represented in the AP section.

A part of me is curious about these guys who are buying and wearing these fakes. Seemingly many of them wear fake versions of APs, ALS and PPs on a daily basis, which they bought for a couple of hundred dollars

The members there seem to be a mix of kids who have no money and don't know better, to people who own one or two real watches and then lots of fakes.

As some apparently say on the forum, "no one can tell it's a fake, except for a true (AP) WIS - and even then the WIS would need to inspect it up close"

These guys are posting proud incoming threads with excitement just like us, only with fakes Unfortunately judging by some posts, quite a few of them are registered on TRF and other reputable watch forums as well.

Either way, I can't even begin to fathom or sympathize with this. How ridiculous I would feel if I was wearing a fake version of a watch costing well over my spending/mental capability and carrying it around in public. Part of me wants to ridicule these guys for what I find to be pathetic - but I guess the situation is more sad than anything.

Some excuse themselves by saying they bought a replica to make up their minds before ending up with the real thing. Even so, they still support the counterfeit industry.

Anyway, just a spontaneous rant from my side after having experienced this strange group of fake watch WISes.

What's your take on this?

[thlax]

Originally Posted by Auragentum

Speaking of security features...

Just had a look at some AP replicas/fakes on a forum which apparently discusses watches just like we do here - major difference being that they are all fakes

In any event, some of the replicas look very accurate (except the movement) even when it comes to finish and small details. Especially the ROOs are well represented in the AP section.

A part of me is curious about these guys who are buying and wearing these fakes. Seemingly many of them wear fake versions of APs, ALS and PPs on a daily basis, which they bought for a couple of hundred dollars

The members there seem to be a mix of kids who have no money and don't know better, to people who own one or two real watches and then lots of fakes.

As some apparently say on the forum, "no one can tell it's a fake, except for a true (AP) WIS - and even then the WIS would need to inspect it up close"

These guys are posting proud incoming threads with excitement just like us, only with fakes Unfortunately judging by some posts, quite a few of them are registered on TRF and other reputable watch forums as well.

Either way, I can't even begin to fathom or sympathize with this. How ridiculous I would feel if I was wearing a fake version of a watch costing well over my spending/mental capability and carrying it around in public. Part of me wants to ridicule these guys for what I find to be pathetic - but I guess the situation is more sad than anything.

Some excuse themselves by saying they bought a replica to make up their minds before ending up with the real thing. Even so, they still support the counterfeit industry.

Anyway, just a spontaneous rant from my side after having experienced this strange group of fake watch WISes.

What's your take on this?

Yup. When researching how to spot a Fake AP I stumbled upon the same forum and information you did. I dont get it. I love my AP because I know I worked hard for it and only true WIS would even know what an AP is. Its not like buying a fake rolex to show you have a rolex. Why would someone buy a fake AP?

Its scary how close they are. As the above post mentions....they pretty much have it down to everything except the movement. Thats why its all more important now-a-days, if you are going to buy a used, buy the seller not that watch. (As a friend told me when buying a watch) ex: Buy from one of the big trusted sellers on TRF. Not the first time seller unless you can go together to an AD or something.

At the same time....its just a company filling a demand where there is one, fake watches. I would normally applaud someone for finding a hole in the market and filling it...except this one is illegal.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by thlax

At the same time....its just a company filling a demand where there is one, fake watches. I would normally applaud someone for finding a hole in the market and filling it...except this one is illegal.

I agree. I usually also applaud finding holes in markets - although this is a slightly different situation

Having said that, I guess it somewhat relates to the initial topic of security features. Perhaps AP will start introducing some features making it even harder for the bad guys.

Here's what baffles me even more. Some of these guys apparently love their fake APs so much that they buy an original strap for it as it fits better There also quite a few who modify their fake APs themselves to make them look more genuine/correct

[Dino944]

Originally Posted by thlax

I dont get it. I love my AP because I know I worked hard for it and only true WIS would even know what an AP is. Its not like buying a fake rolex to show you have a rolex. Why would someone buy a fake AP?

I would rather have a real watch, thats not as high end rather than have a fake AP. Fakes are for posers, and there are posers on lots of levels. It could be someone that only owns fakes, or someone that a few real watches and knows other people with higher end watches and is trying to keep up with "The Jones." I know a guy that added all sorts of body work to a sports car to make it look like something it isn't and he likes hanging with a very high end crowd. I always think its kind of pathetic. If these people wouldn't hang out with him if he didn't have the right watch or car, these people are not his real friends. Fake watches are for fake people.

[subtona]

Ibtl

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by subtona

Ibtl

Well good for you

[golfer23]

I have seen some pretty good fakes. My friend bought one and luckily got his $$ back. He let me borrow it and my local jeweler thought it was real. The watch had a couple differences from real (hardly noticeable). The back of the watch had a thicker backplate, I presume to give extra room for the fake movement, the numbers on the face weren't as high quality upon close inspection, and the deplyment clasp could'nt be taken apart. It was however a really good fake.

[Passionata]

Watches are minefield these days