The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331 has been replicated by several factories over time, including B Factory, OM Factory, and IP Factory. However, none of these earlier versions achieved a fully accurate reproduction of the genuine model. Although I previously recommended the OM version, OM Factory has proven to be inconsistent, with long and unpredictable wait times for order fulfilment—particularly for the AP 26331 model.
Personally, I have a strong preference for the 26331 over the newer 26240. In my view, the 26331 features a more refined aesthetic, particularly due to its subdial layout with varying sizes, which I find more visually appealing than the uniform subdials of the 26240.
Historically, the replica 26331 models from both B Factory and OM Factory suffered from noticeable flaws:
- The B Factory version had incorrect subdial positioning, making it immediately obvious as a replica.
- The OM Factory version had non-functional subdials at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, which severely affected the chronograph functionality.
These major issues have been addressed with the release of the latest AP 26331 replica from APW Factory. This new version corrects the subdial positioning and ensures full functionality of all chronograph registers. Furthermore, the case thickness has been refined to approximately 11mm, closely matching the genuine model, while the case diameter is accurately maintained at 41mm.
Key Technical Features of the APW 26331:
- Accurate Subdial Layout – Correct placement and functionality of all three subdials.
- Functional Chronograph – Fully operational small hands at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock.
- Sunburst Subdial Finishing – High-quality radial texture on the subdials, consistent with the genuine article.
- Laddered Date Window – Correct stepped design around the date aperture.
- SL4801 Movement – A stable and reliable movement, ensuring smooth chronograph operation and timekeeping accuracy.
- Precision Chamfering – Clean bevelled edges on both the case and bracelet, enhancing the overall finishing quality.
Areas for Improvement:
Despite its many strengths, the APW 26331 still has two notable shortcomings that should be addressed in future updates:
- Side Case Brushing – The horizontal brushing on the flanks of the case lacks depth and definition and should be made more pronounced to better replicate the authentic texture.
- Dial Integration – The transition areas where the subdials meet the main dial are not as sharply defined as they should be, affecting the overall dial clarity.
Final Thoughts:
While these minor issues remain, it is worth noting that the APW 26331 is offered at a significantly more competitive price than the 26240 replica, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality and technically accurate Royal Oak Chronograph 26331 clone.
