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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Swiss automatic | Quartz |
| Case Size | 37mm–44mm | 42mm | 40mm | 43mm |
| Lug to Lug | 46.5mm–58.5mm | 54mm | 44mm | 53mm |
| Band | Stainless steel, titanium, precious metal | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Leather, textile |
| Water Resistance | 50m | 30m | 100m | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Audemars Piguet
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Buy Now at DHGate |
Buy Now at Tissot
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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 37mm–44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 46.5mm–58.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel, titanium, precious metal |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Audemars Piguet
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Didun Design Royal One
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Lug to Lug | 54mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at DHGate |
Tissot PRX Powermatic
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| Movement | Swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Tissot
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Pladen V325
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| Movement | Quartz |
| Case Size | 43mm |
| Lug to Lug | 53mm |
| Band | Leather, textile |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
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When it debuted in the 1970s, the Royal Oak launched a brand new aesthetic—and that’s not an exaggeration.
Audemars Piguet, like so many other Swiss hard-hitters at the time, was reeling. The quartz crisis all but obliterated the automatic watch industry, and the Rolexes and Pateks of the world were desperately trying to pivot people’s perceptions of automatics as the artisanal luxury counterparts to affordable quartz watches.
Today, we know this pivot succeeded, and many watch historians would agree that the Royal Oak played a big role. At the time, AP believed only a major disruption could save them.
Within that decade, brands served up their own takes on “upscale-sporty” or “industrial-dressy.”
As the originator of this now-staple genre, the Royal Oak is difficult to get your hands on.
Instead of going through that stress, read on to see which of our six is the best AP Royal Oak homage for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
Using my years of experience handling, wearing, selling, and buying countless Royal Oaks, I produced the below edit—along with my experience using the choice homages as well.
And to ensure all priorities and wrist experiences are represented in this round-up, I also consulted with other watch collectors, industry colleagues, and watch specialists in my field. Additionally, I spent countless hours diving into forums and reading reviews, as well as watching hands-on review videos of the homages I’ve chosen.
As it turns out, three homages were neck-and-neck for the top spot: The Didun Design, the Cadisen, and the Pagani. Depending on your preferences, your top pick might be different from ours, so I make direct comparisons between the three to help you find the exact right one for you.
6 Best Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Homages
Image Source: DHGate
Didun Design has been making AP homages for years now, and it seems that every new roll-out is better than the last.
The latest Royal Ones are so perfectly applied and finished, you’d think it was handcrafted in Switzerland. The hairline brushing on the bezel and top of the incorporated bracelet is finely-executed, and complemented by the mirror-polished sides.
At first glance, it doesn’t seem too far off from the Royal Oak itself. Of course, the octagonal bezel, the exposed screws, and the tapisserie dial are all there too—flawlessly aligned, by the way.
Depending on which variant you’re going for, the watch might be equipped with a sapphire crystal or a Hardlex, so watch out for that. Even if it’s a Hardlex though, that’s still a step above your run-of-the-mill mineral crystal, since it’s been treated for extra hardness.
The latest versions run on the Miyota 8215, which is perfectly dependable and, perhaps more importantly, super easy to service. And while it’s not the most elaborate or colorful movement, the exhibition caseback always gets extra credit in my book.
What I Like
- This watch accurately executes the Royal Oak signature features, including the bezel and the honeycomb dial.
- It comes in several variants, including an authoritative-looking black version that few homagers take on, all with premium-looking finishing.
- The Miyota movement is reliable and easy to service.
What I Don’t Like
- When it comes to Didun Design watches, there’s a wide range of pricing on AliExpress that can make purchasing stressful. You might find several listings of the same watch, with some at literally a fourth of the price of others, then find that listing (and seller) has disappeared overnight. As always, make sure you can talk to an actual non-robot person when buying on third-party markets, or just stick to official Didun sellers.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Since Didun makes a lot of affordable quartz homages, forum-goers love that the Royal One comes as an automatic.
Some variants, mostly older releases, come with a Seagull movement though. Though it has a rougher finish than the Miyota, it’s pretty much equal to it when it comes to reliability. It’s just more difficult to service since the parts are rarer.
As I pointed out, reviewers also commend Didun for always improving, seemingly in a direction based on reviewer feedback. Coming out with automatic AP homages is one example of this, as is the fact that Royal Oak homages from several years ago often had misaligned screws, a far cry from the Royal One’s excellent applications.
The Verdict
From the looks to the automatic movement, the Didun Design Royal One hits high marks inside and out.
And more than just implementing the broad strokes of the Royal Oak, Didun leaves no detail unperfected, seen through the accurately-aligned tapisserie dial and the bezel screws, as well as the beautiful finishing throughout.
From the looks to the automatic movement, the Didun Design Royal One hits high marks inside and out. And more than just implementing the broad strokes of the Royal Oak, Didun leaves no detail unperfected, seen through the accurately-aligned tapisserie dial and the bezel screws, as well as the beautiful finishing throughout.
Image Source: Tissot
As with any good lookalike, the Tissot PRX Powermatic adds thoughtful differences that help it stand on its own without taking away from the source material’s overall aesthetic. And when you’re going for an upgrade pick, I consider that a prerequisite.
The bezel is classic and round, giving it a dressier look. Between that and the integrated bracelet, the PRX wears a bit like a cuff. Arguably, the traditional shape and lack of exposed screws makes this watch more versatile, or at least less in-you-face.
Functionally, the Powermatic 80 is a Tissot innovation, impressively offering an accurate automatic with an 80-hour power reserve, at well under a grand.
Not only is it attractively multi-layered and multi-toned, but it has a Nivachron balance spring that Swatch actually made in partnership with Audemars Piguet themselves. It’s an outrageously complex piece of gear that ups the watch’s magnetic resistance.
What I Like
- Tissot forgoes the sportier Royal Oak-inspired features, like the octagonal bezel, and leaves the dressier elements, effectively serving up a Swiss Made option for those of you who want something more traditional.
- With qualities like a fully Swiss in-house movement and its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this watch is objectively a piece of “affordable luxury.”
- The Powermatic 80 is a high-end and beautifully crafted movement, and is viewable through the caseback.
What I Don’t Like
- While the in-house innovations of the Powermatic 80 are a functional and aesthetic treat, its Tissot-specific build means you can only get it regulated at Swatch-specific servicers. This sturdy movement likely won’t need a lot of fixing up over the years, but this is definitely a potential extra premium to pay.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love that this watch is recognizably high end, especially for its price. Another point of praise is how convenient the quick-release bracelet is.
There are a few forum-goers who agree with me that the movement’s difficult servicing situation is a bit of a worry.
The Verdict
If you love the Royal Oak, but wish it came in a more traditional packaging, then the Tissot PRX Powermatic is for you. Still, it’s hardly a conformist in design, and is still striking thanks to that integrated bracelet and the tapisserie dial.
On top of that, it’s built to Swiss Made standards and is powered by a unique and effective automatic movement.
If you love the Royal Oak, but wish it came in a more traditional packaging, then the Tissot PRX Powermatic is for you. Still, it’s hardly a conformist in design, and is still striking thanks to that integrated bracelet and the tapisserie dial.
Image Source: AliExpress
As far as budget fashion watches go, the Pladen V325 is pretty impressive. It’s almost one-to-one with the Royal Oak, and comes in several colorways.
Of course the gold-tone versions don’t feel or look that much like the gold on actual APs, but they’re vivid and even vacuum-plated, offering a level of durability. They even opted for a Seiko Hardlex crystal for extra protection.
The finishing isn’t bad either. Keep in mind that you can find this watch easily under $40. Sure, the underside of the case and the sides of the links are a bit rough, but you don’t really notice it immediately.
What I Like
- The accurate design allows you to scratch the Royal Oak itch for often less than $40.
- Pladen offers a wide range of colors for the body and the dial, adding a customization and a collectibility factor.
- Since it runs on a quartz movement, the case is only 10mm, making it more comfortable for a wider range of wrist sizes.
What I Don’t Like
- Don’t wear this watch in or near a shower. Descriptions claim it has 30 meters of water resistance (which isn’t that great to begin with), but it actually doesn’t even do well in moderate rain.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love that Pladen basically gives us a legal replica that can cover any budget.
Additionally, many are impressed that despite how cheap their watches are, even within the budget category, that they can still manage to offer free shipping regardless of where it’s going.
There are some complaints about the quartz movement, though I’m not sure that’s warranted at this price point.
The Verdict
If your main priority is close-to-template visuals (and budget), then the Pladen V325 does it best. Truly, you won’t find anything on the market that looks this good at this price point.
If your main priority is close-to-template visuals (and budget), then the Pladen V325 does it best. Truly, you won’t find anything on the market that looks this good at this price point.
Image Source: AliExpress
As I mentioned previously, we had a few nominees for the top spot before deciding on the Didun. This Cadisen Royal Oak is one of them, and it’s better than our top pick on two fronts.
First off, it runs on a NH35 movement, which is considered superior to the Miyota that the Didun runs on. Both are reliable workhorses, but NH35 offers hacking and bi-directional winding. It’s just a more modern movement, and doesn’t stutter like older mechanicals can tend to do.
For me, the more important factor is the fact this watch has 100 meters of water resistance, compared to the Didun’s 30 meters.
It falls far short of the Didun’s finishing though. It’s a touch better than the Pladen, but if you look closely, the alignment of the indices are imperfect.
What I Like
- With its 100 meters of water resistance and reliable automatic movement, this watch is undeniably bang-for-back when it comes to functions.
- Relatedly, the crown is easy and satisfying to use, offering just enough resistance without it rubbing your fingertips raw.
- The brushing on the bezel is well-rendered and offers similar lightplay to the actual Royal Oak.
What I Don’t Like
- If you’re in North America, this watch can take up to a month to arrive.
- While not immediately noticeable, the alignment of the indices aren’t perfect.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
In general Cadisen is a go-to brand in the Reddit world when it comes to this genre of watch homage. In addition to the AP homages, the brand’s Patek lookalikes are popular too.
One forum-goer has an interesting take on the Miyota vs NH35 debate, and is worth mentioning. He says that out of all of the Miyota’s he’s had, none have had the infamous stutter, and that, as a modder, he believes there’s way more options with the Miyota 8215.
The Verdict
This watch is slightly better on the function front than our top pick. Visually, it looks excellent at first, or even second, glance. If you want a more modern movement that’s easier to use, then go for the Cadisen Royal Oak.
This watch is slightly better on the function front than our top pick. Visually, it looks excellent at first, or even second, glance. If you want a more modern movement that’s easier to use, then go for the Cadisen Royal Oak.
The Pagani 1673 was our third nominee for top pick. Here’s how it stacks up compared to the Didun and the Cadisen.
Similar to the Cadisen, it has 100 meters of water resistance and a hacking, easy-to-service NH35A automatic movement.
It’s slightly more expensive than the Cadisen, less expensive than the Didun, and sits somewhere in between when it comes to its application and finishing.
The Pagani 1673 is almost as good as the Didun, with beautiful polishing and satin finishes throughout, but they’re overall just less consistent than Didun, which we’ll get into in the next sections.
What I Like
- Seiko’s NH35A automatic movement is hackable and easy to service.
- The smaller case size fits a wider range of wrist sizes, which is an overall pro, though that depends on your preferences.
- Pagani can ship from the US, China, or Europe, depending on what’s closest to you.
What I Don’t Like
- Whenever I recommend Pagani, I like to provide the caveat that there are reports about QA issues. As always, do your do-diligence with your seller, and make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to Pagani’s policies that allow you to report faulty parts within seven days of the package’s arrival, and their one-year warranty.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The Pagani is another popular, oftened-ID’d homage in the world of internet watch forums.
I’ve mentioned in past Pagani recommendations that their product descriptions can be misleading. Using copy straight from the brand, most sellers report that the dial protector is sapphire—it’s not.
Related to the prior section regarding what I don’t like, I’ve read about QA issues from Reddit users, including receiving watches with the wrong movement or receiving super stiff-linked bracelets.
Again, keep in close touch with your seller.
The Verdict
When it comes to form and function, the Pagani 1673 is the happy medium between the Didun, our top pick, and the Cadisen. It’s as functionally well-made as the Cadisen, is better-finished, but doesn’t match the Didun’s level of construction.
As long as you’re diligent about keeping in touch with your seller to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need, this watch offers an excellent value proposition.
When it comes to form and function, the Pagani 1673 is the happy medium between the Didun, our top pick, and the Cadisen. It’s as functionally well-made as the Cadisen, is better-finished, but doesn’t match the Didun’s level of construction.
Image Source: EBay
The main feature you get with the Buler Astromaster is that it might not actually be an homage. It might be the original octagonal, exposed screw, dressy tool watch. And that’s better.
This is shrouded in mystery though, since there’s inconsistent records regarding whether or not the Astromaster or the Royal Oak came first. Since they did debut around the same time, the similar look between the two can’t be just a coincidence.
The main difference is that the Astromaster doesn’t have a tapisserie dial, making it a bit more understated.
This watch is and has been discontinued for years, but they aren’t difficult to find on eBay. Plus, most of them are chrome-plated, meaning most of the ones you find will likely have kept its shine and avoided any corrosion. Conveniently, chrome-plated steel is easy to degrease and clean.
What I Like
- Since this model may have come before the Royal Oak, it comes with just as much lore. The fact most people don’t know about this makes it a great conversation piece too.
- Between its vintage and Swiss Made status, this watch has a combo-punch of street cred and cool factor.
- The manual winding movement adds a fun tactility.
What I Don’t Like
- Acquiring and maintaining the Astromaster comes with all of the problems of a vintage watch. They come in a wide range of prices, you can never be sure the state of the watch unless you can get your hands on it for a while before buying, and waterproofness can never be guaranteed.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
This watch is highly-esteemed all over the internet.
There are dedicated forum and Reddit posts regarding the mystery of whether the Astromaster homaged the Royal Oak or the other way around.
By acquiring an Astromaster, you’re essentially joining a fun, lively community and conversation, which is half the fun of watch collecting.
The Verdict
One of the main reasons we collect watches is for the stories behind it. In addition to being a historical treasure, the Buler Astromaster is the only Royal Oak homage on the market that offers lore and legend.
One of the main reasons we collect watches is for the stories behind it. In addition to being a historical treasure, the Buler Astromaster is the only Royal Oak homage on the market that offers lore and legend.
3 Quality Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Alternatives
If you’re in the market for a Royal Oak or an homage, check out our worthwhile alternatives first.
Unlike an homage, which is a visual tribute to a more expensive timepiece, an alternative is a comparable model. It’s a “counterpart” of sorts, typically in the same price range, and categorized within the same collecting genre (like the Submariner and the Seamaster, for example).
The second big luxury-meets-industrial watch of the ‘70s, and definitely the Royal Oak’s main competitor, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is also equipped with an elegantly-patterned dial face and a robust octagonal bezel.
The Nautilus is as much of a key model for Patek as the Royal Oak is for AP, partly because it was Patek’s first real sport watch. This history makes it highly-coveted and a slightly better investment than the Royal Oak, since Patek is arguably the strongest watch brand in the auction world.
Its simpler dial is less dressy than the Royal Oak’s tapisserie dial, though the lack of exposed screws is also less industrial. Like the AP though, the Nautilus flaunts a premium Swiss build and a state-of-the-art movement.
Image Source: Baume & Mercier
Like the Royal Oak the Riviera 10620 from Baume & Mercier is a mix of athletic build and elegant details. The Riviera is a touch less abstract though, with ceremonial-looking Roman numerals for the 12 and six markers on a background embossed with a series of repeating shapes that sort of resemble boomerangs.
Meanwhile, the crown is closer to the silhouette of the body, but is a two-story composition for easy grasping.
The 12-sided case offers a bit more complexity, though this is balanced out with just four exposed screws serving as accents. Function-wise, the 10620 runs a high-frequency Swiss automatic High frequency movement.
Image Source: Girard-Perregaux
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato has a more opulent look than the Royal Oak, mixing hard lines with soft sweeps in a layered way. For example, the polished octagonal bezel sits on top of a perfectly circular case, creating an exquisite contrast that offers visual intrigue at every angle.
A similar relationship is seen with the bracelet’s high-polish and slightly rounded middle links that are framed by satin H-shaped outer links. Most prominently is the Clous de Paris dial, which the light plays off of in an almost bedazzled way.
It’s powered by Calibre GP01800, which is not only reliable, but beautifully embossed and multi-toned, which is why Girard-Perregaux ensures you can see it through the caseback.
Which Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Homage Should You Get?
The Didun Design homage gets our prize for top pick thanks to its excellent build and reliable movement. However, the Cadisen might be more your speed, if you prefer a more modern movement and more water resistance.
From the looks to the automatic movement, the Didun Design Royal One hits high marks inside and out. And more than just implementing the broad strokes of the Royal Oak, Didun leaves no detail unperfected, seen through the accurately-aligned tapisserie dial and the bezel screws, as well as the beautiful finishing throughout.
The Pagani, meanwhile, is a happy medium, offering the same NH35 automatic as the Cadisen, but a build closer to the Didun.
Looking for something more upscale? The Tissot PRX Powermatic is a Swiss Made homage that goes in its own unique direction. On the other side of the spectrum, the Pladen has the best budget homages on the market.
If you love the Royal Oak, but wish it came in a more traditional packaging, then the Tissot PRX Powermatic is for you. Still, it’s hardly a conformist in design, and is still striking thanks to that integrated bracelet and the tapisserie dial.
Finally, the Astromaster is a vintage conversation-starter that just might be as historical as the Royal Oak.
Finding the right AP Royal Oak homage comes down to figuring out exactly what you love about it, whether it’s the look or the lore, and choosing based on that.
FAQs
Is there a waiting list for the AP Royal Oak?
Yes, authorized dealers often have waiting lists for the Royal Oak, sometimes as long as ten years.
How many Audemars Piguet Royal Oak are made a year?
For 2022, AP plans to make up to 50,000 Royal Oaks, most of which are probably already spoken for.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
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