Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26240 Superclone Movement 4401

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26240BC.OO.1320BC.01 with its striking purple "Grande Tapisserie" dial is one of the most coveted luxury watches, famously worn by Lionel Messi. Given its exclusivity (limited to just 100 pieces) and high price (estimated at over NT$2 million), many watch enthusiasts turn to high-end replicas like those from APS Factory. But does this replica truly live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into its craftsmanship, movement, and overall accuracy.

1. Case & Bracelet: How Close to Genuine?​

The original 26240BC features an 18K white gold case (41mm x 12.4mm) with a mix of brushed and polished finishes. APS Factory replicates this using 316L stainless steel, which is common in high-end replicas.

• Pros:
• The octagonal bezel screws are well-aligned with deep, clean slots, unlike cheaper reps where they appear flat or misaligned.
• The brushing and polishing on the case and bracelet mimic the gen closely, though the weight difference (steel vs. white gold) is noticeable.
• The thickness (12.4mm) matches the original, a rarity in replicas since most modified 7750 movements add bulk.
• Cons:
• The lack of real white gold means the watch doesn’t have the same heft or luster.
• Some users report sharp edges on the bracelet links, which the gen avoids with superior finishing.
  
  

2. Dial & Hands: Is the Purple "Grande Tapisserie" Accurate?​

The purple "Grande Tapisserie" dial is the star of this watch, and APS Factory claims to have replicated the texture precisely.

• Pros:
• The grid pattern is deeply stamped, creating a 3D effect similar to the gen.
• The color is rich and dynamic, shifting slightly under light, though some reps appear slightly darker than the gen.
• The sub-dials (3-6-9 layout) match the gen’s 4401 movement configuration (unlike older reps that used incorrect 7750-based layouts).
• Cons:
• Under a loupe, the texture isn’t as crisp as the gen’s laser-cut precision.
• The lume on hands and indices is decent but fades faster than the gen’s Super-LumiNova.
  
  

3. Movement: The Biggest Breakthrough – APS’s "4401 Clone"​

The biggest selling point of APS’s version is its in-house "4401 clone" movement, which claims to replicate AP’s flyback chronograph function.

• Pros:
• Flyback chronograph works, a rarity in replicas (most fake this function).
• 40 jewels, 28,800 vph, ~70h power reserve—specs align with the gen.
• The rotor is engraved with "AP" and has a similar weight distribution to the gen.
• Cons:
• The finishing is not as refined—Geneva stripes are shallower, and screws aren’t heat-blued like the gen.
• Some users report chrono reset issues after prolonged use.
  
  

4. Strap Options: Rubber vs. Metal​

The gen comes with both a white gold bracelet and a purple rubber strap (which Messi famously wore). APS offers:

• Metal bracelet: Decent, but the clasp’s engraving isn’t as sharp.
• Purple rubber strap: Surprisingly good, with accurate color and texture.
  
  
  

5. Final Verdict: Is This the Best Royal Oak Replica?​

APS’s 26240BC is one of the best Royal Oak reps available, especially due to its movement and case thickness. However, it’s not perfect—the dial texture, metal quality, and movement finishing still fall short of the gen.

Discussion Questions:​

1. How important is movement accuracy in a replica? Would you prefer a cheaper rep with a modified 7750 or pay extra for APS’s "4401 clone"?
2. Does the purple dial look close enough to the gen in real life? Or are the color differences too noticeable?
3. Would you ever wear a rep like this in public? Or is the risk of being "called out" too high?
4. What’s the biggest giveaway that this is a replica? (Weight? Dial? Movement sound?
5. Should high-end replicas like this exist? Or do they hurt the luxury watch market?

Let’s hear your thoughts!