The replica Audemars Piguet Edward Piguet is a rectangular dress watch built to copy AP's tank-style line from the 1990s and 2000s. A good replica matches the case proportions, uses a slim movement that fits the thin profile, and reproduces the dial layout down to the sub-dial position. A weak replica stuffs a round quartz movement into a rectangular case, which adds thickness and throws off the hands and the seconds track.
What the Original Edward Piguet Looks Like
Audemars Piguet introduced the Edward Piguet as a formal alternative to the Royal Oak. The case is a rounded rectangle with a stepped bezel and a plain or gem-set crown. Dials come in white, black, salmon, and guilloche finishes, with Roman numerals or applied baton markers. Time-only models carry a small seconds at 6 o'clock. Complications such as the tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and chronograph sit in the same case family and cost far more at retail.
Case Specs to Compare
- Width: about 29mm to 34mm on most references
- Length: about 40mm to 46mm lug to lug
- Thickness: 7mm to 9mm on time-only models
- Crystal: sapphire with a flat or lightly domed profile
- Caseback: solid, engraved with reference and case number
How to Evaluate a Replica Edward Piguet
- Measure the case width and length with calipers and compare the numbers to a known reference.
- Measure thickness at the center of the caseback. Anything past 11mm points to a round movement inside a rectangular case.
- Check the sub-dial. On small seconds models, the track should sit at 6 o'clock and stay centered on the case axis.
- Read the dial printing under a loupe. Look for clean serif shapes on Roman numerals and even spacing in the signature.
- Inspect the caseback engraving. Reference numbers, case numbers, and Swiss Made text should sit level and cut with even depth.
- Turn the crown. A hand-wound movement gives resistance through the full wind. A quartz movement gives none.
- Check the strap. Originals use alligator or calf with a signed deployant or pin buckle. Thin generic leather is a common cost cut.
- Verify the hands. Leaf or baton hands should reach the minute track and match the dial finish.
Movement Choices in Replicas
Most Edward Piguet replicas run on one of three movements. Quartz versions are the cheapest and the thinnest, but they lose the sweep of a mechanical second hand. Asian automatic movements, often small clones, add a rotor and some thickness. Hand-wound mechanical movements come closest to the original feel and let the case stay slim.
Common Flaws to Reject
- Dial printing that bleeds or sits off-center
- Sub-dial hands that are too short or too long
- Caseback text with wrong spacing or missing reference numbers
- Lugs with sharp edges and uneven polishing
- Sapphire that shows a heavy blue tint under light
Wear and Care Notes
Rectangular dress watches catch on cuffs more than round ones, so check the lug ends for burrs before you wear the watch. Keep the case away from perfume and sunscreen, which break down plated finishes over time. Have a watchmaker pressure-test the case before wearing it near water, since most dress replicas carry no real water resistance rating. Store it flat or on a small pillow so the strap does not crease at the lugs.