Is the APS Royal Oak replica the best? In-depth review

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Hey everyone,
Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26240OR.OO.1320OR.06—a 41mm rose gold replica that’s been making waves in the rep community. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

First Impressions: The Look & Feel​

The 26240OR.OO.1320OR.06 is a stunning piece, featuring an 18K rose gold case and bracelet, paired with a black "Grande Tapisserie" dial—just like the gen. The first thing you notice is the weight. While APS doesn’t use real gold (obviously), they’ve done a great job with the plating, giving it a solid, premium feel.
The octagonal bezel with its signature screws is well-executed, and the sapphire crystal has a nice anti-reflective coating, just like the original. The black sub-dials and rose gold hands match the gen’s aesthetic perfectly.

Case & Bracelet: How Close Is It to Gen?​

• Case Dimensions: 41mm x 12.4mm—spot on compared to the authentic model.
• Bracelet: The AP folding clasp is smooth, and the links have a good weight. However, the gen’s rose gold has a slightly deeper hue, while the rep leans a bit more coppery under certain lighting.
• Water Resistance: The gen is rated for 50m, but the rep? Probably not. I wouldn’t risk it.

The Dial & Movement: Where It Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)​

• Dial: The "Grande Tapisserie" pattern is impressively close, though the gen’s texture is slightly finer. The lume on the hands and indices is decent but fades faster than the gen.
• Movement: APS uses a clone of the AP Calibre 4401, which is a big step up from older rep movements. It has a 70-hour power reserve (on paper), flyback chronograph, and date function. However, the finishing isn’t as refined as the gen, and the rotor is noticeably louder.
  
  
  
  
  

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?​

Pros:
✔ Near-perfect case dimensions & dial texture
✔ Solid rose gold plating (won’t fade easily)
✔ Functional chronograph with flyback
✔ Decent bracelet & clasp quality
Cons:
✖ Movement finishing isn’t gen-level
✖ Lume could be better
✖ Slight color difference in rose gold
If you want a high-end Royal Oak rep that looks 95% like the real deal from a distance, this is a great option. But if you’re a stickler for movement accuracy, you might want to wait for further refinements.

Discussion Questions:​

1. How does APS Factory compare to other rep makers like ZF or JF for Royal Oak models?
2. Is the rose gold plating durable enough for daily wear, or will it fade over time?
3. Would you rather have a super clone with a noisy rotor or a quartz rep that’s silent but less accurate?
4. Has anyone tried modding this rep (e.g., swapping the movement or improving the lume)?
5. Do you think APS will release an updated version with better movement finishing?

Let’s hear your thoughts!