2025 latest replica watch Audemars Piguet 26240 real pictures and reviews

Hello fellow watch enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to share my detailed review of the APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26240CE.OO.1225CE.02, a replica that has been making waves in the rep watch community. As someone who has handled both genuine APs and various replicas, I was particularly intrigued by APS's claims of using a true 4401 integrated movement rather than the typical modified 7750. After weeks of testing, here's my comprehensive breakdown.

First Impressions: The Black Ceramic Beast​

Right out of the box, the APS 26240CE impresses with its all-black ceramic construction. The matte finish on the case and bracelet is flawless, with no uneven coloring or cheap-looking gloss that plagues lower-tier replicas. At 41mm in diameter and 12.4mm thick, it matches the gen's dimensions perfectly . Compared to other factories' versions that use 7750-based movements (often exceeding 14mm), this slim profile is a game-changer for wrist comfort.
The iconic octagonal bezel with its eight hexagonal screws is executed beautifully. Each screw sits flush with perfect alignment, and the ceramic material feels premium to the touch. Unlike some replicas where screws protrude or sit unevenly, APS nailed this signature Royal Oak detail .

The Dial: Grande Tapisserie Perfection​

The black "Grande Tapisserie" dial is where APS truly shines. Under magnification, the small squares show steep walls with crisp pyramid intersections, achieved through genuine stamping techniques rather than simple printing or shallow engraving . The texture plays with light exactly like the genuine article, creating dynamic shadows and highlights as you move your wrist.
The three subdials feature a subtle stepped design with clean edges, and the concentric guilloché patterns are finely executed. The rose gold-plated hands and hour markers provide excellent contrast against the black dial, and the lume application is even and bright (though slightly less intense than gen) .

The Movement: A Replica Milestone​

The biggest talking point about this watch is APS's in-house developed 4401 movement. For years, replica manufacturers relied on modified ETA 7750 movements with decorative plates to mimic AP's calibers, resulting in thicker cases and compromised functionality. APS has broken this tradition with their true integrated 4401 clone .
Key specs:

• 28,800 vph frequency (matching gen)
• 40 jewels
• ~65-70 hour power reserve
• Column wheel chronograph
• Flyback function

The flyback (retour-en-vol) works exactly as it should - pressing the 4 o'clock button while the chronograph is running instantly resets and restarts timing without the need to stop first. This is a complex feature rarely seen in replicas, and APS's implementation is impressively smooth .
Through the exhibition caseback, you can admire the movement's decoration:

• 22K gold rotor with proper AP engraving
• Geneva stripes on bridges with correct orientation
• Visible column wheel and levers (not fake decorations)
• Incabloc shock protection in the right position

While the finishing isn't quite at gen levels (the anglage is less refined), it's miles ahead of any other AP replica movement I've seen .

Case & Bracelet: Ceramic Excellence​

The black ceramic case feels substantial yet lightweight, with excellent polishing and brushing. All edges are sharply defined but comfortable, with no rough spots. The screw-down crown features crisp "AP" engraving and operates smoothly .
The integrated bracelet is where many replicas fail, but APS has done an outstanding job. Each link moves fluidly, and the alternating polished and brushed surfaces match the gen's finishing. The folding clasp operates with a satisfying click and includes a micro-adjustment system for perfect fit .

Wearability & Comfort​

At 12.4mm thick, this watch wears nearly identically to the genuine 26240CE. It slides easily under shirt cuffs, and the ceramic construction makes it noticeably lighter than steel Royal Oaks. The bracelet contours naturally to the wrist, though it can occasionally pull arm hair (like many gen Royal Oaks do) .

Comparison to Genuine 26240CE​

Having handled the genuine article (retailing for ~$50,000+ if you can get one), here's how the APS stacks up:
Pros:

• 95%+ visual accuracy
• Correct thickness (huge improvement over 7750-based reps)
• Functional flyback chronograph
• Excellent ceramic finishing
• Great bracelet construction

Cons:

• Movement decoration not as refined as gen
• Lume not quite as bright/long-lasting
• Rotor is slightly noisier
• Chronograph pushers have marginally less crisp action

Final Verdict​

The APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26240CE.OO.1225CE.02 represents a significant leap forward in replica watchmaking. By developing their own 4401 movement rather than modifying existing ones, APS has created what might be the most convincing Royal Oak replica ever made .
While it's not perfect (no replica is), it comes remarkably close to the genuine article at a fraction of the price. For collectors who appreciate the design but can't justify AP's retail prices (or deal with their infamous purchase requirements), this is currently the best option available.
Rating: 9.5/10
(1 point deducted for minor movement finishing details)
What do you think about this release? Have you handled one yourself? Let's discuss in the comments!

Let’s Discuss!​

1. Would you ever consider buying a replica this good, or do you believe only the genuine article is worth it?
2. If APS’s clone is truly 95% accurate, does that make the gen AP overpriced, or is there still something irreplaceable about owning the real deal?
3. For those who’ve handled both gen and rep: What’s the ONE tell that still gives it away?
4. Should high-end brands like AP be worried about replicas reaching this level of quality, or does it actually fuel hype for the genuine watches?
5. If you could only have ONE—gen at retail price ($50K+) or this APS rep for 1% of the cost—which would you pick and why?
6. Does wearing a super-replica like this feel like "cheating," or is it just smart watch collecting?

Drop your thoughts below! Is this the future of reps, or is the gen AP still untouchable?