Audemars Piguet 15710ST Fake Watch Warning

JP_iron_head · 2019-10-08T10:22:46Z

JP_iron_head's story exposes fake Audemars Piguet 15710ST on Chrono24. Learn how to spot fakes and buy safely in the pre-owned market.

JP_iron_head

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

8 replies4166 views6 photos

JP_iron_head shares a cautionary tale about the perils of buying luxury watches online, specifically an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver 15710ST. His experience highlights the critical importance of scrutinizing both the seller and the watch itself, even on seemingly reputable platforms.

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Here is my little funny story...

Once upon a time, a watch enthusiast wanted to buy an AP Diver 15710ST with sapphire caseback to be able to admire the marvelous AP calibre 3120, and enjoy a beautiful sporty watch that he likes. So I started to look for one, mainly on chrono24.

This week-end I found one proposed by a non professional dealer and, I don't know, something on the pictures let me think that there is something wrong ... I asked him a picture from the back of the watch to check the mouvement and here is what he send to me ...

I took about a sec to laughing out loud, what the fuck is this??? I type then AP fake 3120 on Google, just to be sure ... So here is a comparison between a AP 3120 and a fake 3120...

*FLAWS not FLOWS ont the picture

I have report this watch to chrono24 and it has been removed. End of the first part of my story.... The moral of this first part is: Buy the seller, not the watch. Which lead us to the second part of my little funny story.

Few days after I found another one, that is still for sale on chrono24 for 12 600€, the dealer is a trusted seller, has a lot of good comments, and sell many other AP, I feel confident, I make an offer for his watch, days pass and no news, deal is avoided since I have no answer. I continue to look for another one, few days after, I fall again on this one, i have to say that there is no bow and paper with the watch and I thought that could be a leverage to discuss the price. I start to check his picture in details and WOW... I realized this one is also a FAKE... Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat, a pro with lot of AP in stock, trusted seller on Chrono24 is selling a FAKE... Whaaaaaat????

I decided to go further to confirm my bad feelings and I checked the back, even if he tried to hide it, here is the picture that he posted on chrono24...

And now a little comparison ....

So moral of this story... Do not buy only the seller! Buy both! And double check

I didn't named the so called pro who is selling this watch, but since the watch is still for sale on Chrono24 it will not be hard to find it.

I have to say that I have bought most of my watches on chrono24, and that I had problem only once and the seller had refund me totaly, everybody knows that you have beware of non pro seller or not trusted seller on Chrono24, but wow, it's hard to believe that some pros are doing this kind of things, and it scares me, because in this case you can check the calibre, but what if it was an AP 15703 with solid caseback...

For me the hunt continues !

Have a good day all, and take care.

PS: I didn't put the name of the trusted seller but if a moderator, wants to add it, be my guest, If I'm not in the good section you can also move my post.

PSS: My English is not very good, I hope you'll excuse me if there are spelling errors or mistakes

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Ref. 15703

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver reference 15703 represents the brand's interpretation of a diving timepiece within the Offshore collection. This 42mm stainless steel model was produced from 2010 to 2015, featuring a black dial configuration and rotating inner bezel construction.

The case construction utilizes stainless steel with sapphire crystal protection and 300-meter water resistance. The automatic caliber 3120 movement provides 60 hours of power reserve. The watch is fitted with a rubber strap for sport-oriented wear.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a diving-focused Audemars Piguet with practical specifications. The 42mm case size and rubber strap configuration position it for active use, while the inner rotating bezel distinguishes its timing mechanism from conventional external bezel designs. The five-year production window creates defined availability parameters for collectors tracking this specific reference.

Specifications

Caliber: 3120

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 42 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 300m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

It is alarming that even curated platforms like Chrono24 can feature fake watches. A key indicator of a fake movement can be the incorrect placement of the ratchet and pawl, which should be next to the winding crown.
To mitigate risk, it is advisable to purchase watches directly from boutiques or from a select few highly vetted second-hand and vintage dealers known for their return policies, prioritizing authenticity over potential discounts.
Successful pre-owned watch purchases are possible but depend entirely on acquiring from extremely trusted sources.
The increasing sophistication of counterfeit watches means that only experts can reliably identify fakes, underscoring the need for vigilance and a keen eye.

The Discussion

Catulle

Oct 8, 2019

Do NOT buy from Internet bottom feeders. [nt]

MichaelC

Oct 8, 2019

I only buy from Boutiques and authorized dealers.

Life is easy in this regard. I have successfully purchased pre-owned watches, but only from extremely trusted sources.

JP_iron_head

Oct 8, 2019

I found this on the web... didn't realised that the balance wheel isn't even at the good place.

FlyingSnoopy

Oct 8, 2019

Now I only...

buy from boutiques and very few well checked second hand and vintage dealers that I know they will take back the watch if anything is wrong. Better to give up on the discount than ending up with a lemon Cheers

amanico

Oct 8, 2019

Golden words, my friend. [nt]

れい

Oct 8, 2019

Scary! 😟

Nowadays fakes are so good only those who are expert enough can identify. Good thing that you have hawk's eyes 👍