What materials and movements are used in AP first-copy watches?
AP first copy watches, also called Audemars Piguet first copy watches or AP replica watches, are designed to look like the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore models — but they are made using much cheaper materials and imitation movements. Unlike genuine AP watches, which use high-grade stainless steel, titanium, gold, or ceramic and are powered by Swiss automatic movements crafted in-house by Audemars Piguet, first-copy versions rely on low-cost materials such as basic stainless steel alloys, zinc, or mixed metals that mimic the premium shine of real ones but lack durability and finish quality. The glass used is usually mineral glass or ordinary crystal, not sapphire crystal like the original.
When it comes to internal mechanics, AP first copy watches generally use Japanese quartz movements (like Miyota or Seiko clones) or Chinese automatic movements, which are far less precise and durable compared to the authentic Swiss movements. These movements might give a similar sweeping second-hand motion, but their accuracy, smoothness, and longevity are nowhere near the genuine ones. The straps and clasps are also made from synthetic leather or low-quality rubber, and the detailing, such as screws, dials, and engravings, is machine-made rather than hand-finished.
In short, Audemars Piguet first-copy watches only imitate the look of the real brand — not the craftsmanship, material quality, or mechanical excellence. They are purely replicas made for appearance, not performance or prestige.