⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 2,200-word review:
The APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph (26420 Black Ceramic) is a groundbreaking replica. It is the first to feature a True Flyback Chronograph function thanks to the integrated 4401 clone movement.
- The Movement: Custom 4401 Integrated Calibre (Not a 7750).
- The Function: Fully functional Flyback Chronograph.
- The Case: Real Ceramic Bezel + 316L Steel.
Score: 9.8/10. The most advanced AP Chronograph replica to date.
Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26420SO |
| Factory | APS Factory (APS) |
| Case Size | 43mm Diameter x 14.4mm Thickness |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel with Black Ceramic Bezel |
| Dial | Black “Méga Tapisserie” with Silver Sub-dials |
| Movement | APS Integrated 4401 Automatic Flyback Chronograph |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Date, Flyback Chronograph |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Colorless AR Coating |
| Strap | Quick-Release Black Rubber Strap |
1. Introduction: Why the Royal Oak Chronograph 26420 Stands Out
The royal oak chronograph collection is the backbone of Audemars Piguet’s modern lineup. While the standard 26331/26240 models are elegant, the Royal Oak Offshore 26420 is a beast. Launched in 2021, the 43mm Offshore features a more aggressive design, a new in-house 4401 movement, and a quick-release strap system.
For replica collectors, this model was always a “Grail.” Why? Because replicating the Flyback Chronograph function was impossible with standard movements. Older replicas used modified 7750 movements which were thick, unreliable, and lacked the Flyback feature.
Enter APS Factory. They shocked the market by releasing a custom Integrated 4401 Movement. This allowed them to create a royal oak chronograph replica that functions exactly like the genuine watch.
In this comprehensive review, we will dissect the APS 26420. Is it worth the premium price? Does the Flyback actually work? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
2. The Movement Revolution: APS Integrated 4401
This is the most important section. The movement is why this watch is special.
What is a Flyback Chronograph?
A standard chronograph requires you to Stop -> Reset -> Start to time a new event.
A Flyback Chronograph allows you to press the “Reset” button while the timer is running. The hands instantly fly back to zero and restart immediately. This is a complex feature used by pilots to time consecutive flight legs.
- APS Achievement: The APS 26420 is the first royal oak chronograph replica to have a working Flyback function.
Integrated vs. Modular
- Old Way (7750): Standard movement + extra gears on top. Result: Thick (16mm+), wobbly pushers, unreliable.
- APS Way (4401): Built from scratch as a chronograph. The column wheel and vertical clutch are part of the main plate.
- Result: The pushers feel crisp. The case thickness (14.4mm) matches the genuine spec perfectly.
Decoration
The movement is visible through the sapphire caseback. APS has done a fantastic job:
- Rotor: 22k gold-plated, blackened skeleton rotor.
- Plates: Geneva stripes and polished bevels.
- Engraving: Deep, gold-filled engravings of “Audemars Piguet”.
3. Case & Materials: The Science of Ceramic
The 26420 features a mix of high-tech materials that requires advanced manufacturing.
Zirconium Oxide Ceramic (The Bezel)
The octagonal bezel is not just black painted steel; it is solid Zirconium Oxide Ceramic.
- Manufacturing Process: The ceramic powder is pressed into a mold and sintered at 1400°C. This makes it incredibly hard (1500 Vickers).
- Hardness: It is virtually scratch-proof. Only a diamond can scratch it. Keys, coins, and door frames will not leave a mark.
- Finishing: The top is vertically brushed, while the beveled edges are mirror-polished. This contrast is a hallmark of a high-end royal oak chronograph. APS nails this finish.
316L Stainless Steel Case
The main case is 316L steel.
- Polishing: The transitions between brushed surfaces and polished chamfers are sharp.
- Crown Guards: The new 43mm design features redesigned pushers and ceramic crown guards that look modern and sleek.
4. Dial Details: “Méga Tapisserie” Evolution
The dial of the royal oak chronograph 26420 is bold and legible.
Méga Tapisserie Pattern
The “Méga” pattern features large, raised squares.
- Texture: APS stamps the dial with high pressure to create sharp, defined squares. They are not melted or rounded.
- X Pattern: If you look closely, the squares are connected by small “X” shapes, a detail specific to the 43mm Offshore.
Sub-Dials
- 3-6-9 Layout: Unlike the old 12-9-6 layout of 7750 movements, the APS 4401 allows for the correct 3-6-9 sub-dial layout.
- Small Seconds: Located at 6 o’clock.
- Chronograph Minutes/Hours: At 9 and 3 o’clock.
Hands & Markers
The white gold applied markers and hands are filled with super-bright lume. The chronograph hands (central seconds, minute counter, hour counter) are color-coded red for easy reading.
5. Strap System: Quick-Release Tech
Audemars Piguet introduced a new quick-release system for the 43mm royal oak chronograph.
How it Works
You press the two buttons on the lugs, and the strap pops off. You can swap between rubber and leather straps in seconds without tools.
- APS Replication: APS has fully replicated this mechanism. It clicks in securely and releases smoothly. This is a massive convenience upgrade.
The Rubber Strap
- Material: High-quality vulcanized rubber. It is soft, odorless, and dust-resistant.
- Buckle: A robust pin buckle with the AP logo. (Note: The 43mm Offshore uses a pin buckle, not a deployant clasp, which is correct to gen).
6. On-Wrist Experience: The 43mm Beast
Is the royal oak chronograph 26420 too big?
SiSize Analysis
- Diameter: 43mm.
- Thickness: 14.4mm.
- Wearability: While big, the new case design curves the lugs downwards more aggressively than the old 44mm models. This makes it hug the wrist better. It fits wrists down to 17cm (6.7 inches).
Comfort
The rubber strap and balanced weight make it surprisingly comfortable for a large sports watch. It has a commanding presence—people will notice this Royal Oak Chronograph.
7. Operation Guide: How to Use the Flyback
Since this Royal Oak Chronograph has a complex movement, knowing how to use it prevents damage.
Standard Chronograph Use:
- Start: Press the top button (2 o’clock). The big red hand starts moving.
- Stop: Press the top button again.
- Reset: Press the bottom button (4 o’clock). The hands snap back to 12.
Flyback Use:
- Start: Press the top button.
- Flyback: While running, press the bottom button. The hands will reset to zero and immediately start running again.
- Warning: Do not spam this feature. It puts stress on the gears. Use it sparingly to show off your Royal Oak Chronograph to friends.
8. Comparison: APS vs. Genuine
How close is the APS Royal Oak Chronograph to the $45,000 genuine model?
What is Spot On?
- Case Dimensions: 1:1 match.
- Dial Texture: The “Méga Tapisserie” is perfect.
- Functionality: The Flyback feature works exactly the same.
The Tells (Expert Level)
- Date Font: The genuine date font is slightly bolder.
- Movement Finish: While the APS movement is decorated beautifully, under a 10x loupe, the anglage (beveled edges) on the genuine 4401 is hand-polished and shinier.
- Balance Wheel: The position of the balance wheel is correct, but the shock absorber design is slightly different on the replica Royal Oak Chronograph.
Verdict: On the wrist, it is 98% accurate. Only a watchmaker opening the caseback would know for sure.
9. APS Factory vs. ZF Factory
ZF Factory also makes AP replicas. Which one is better for the Royal Oak Chronograph?
| Feature | APS Factory | ZF Factory |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Custom 4401 (Flyback) | Modified 7750 (No Flyback) |
| Thickness | 14.4mm (Correct) | 15.5mm+ (Thick) |
| Sub-dial Layout | Correct | Often slightly off |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Winner: APS Factory.
ZF has not yet released a competitive version of the 43mm Offshore Royal Oak Chronograph with a clone movement. APS is currently the monopoly holder for high-end 4401 replicas.
10. Pros & Cons
✅ The Pros
- First Real Clone: The integrated 4401 is a game-changer for the Royal Oak Chronograph.
- Flyback: Fully functional flyback chronograph.
- Case Quality: Ceramic bezel finishing is top-tier.
- Quick Release: Makes strap changes fun.
❌ The Cons
- Size: 43mm is large. Not for small wrists.
- Complexity: More functions = more things that can break (though APS is reliable).
- Price: It is one of the most expensive Royal Oak Chronograph replicas due to the movement tech.
11. Final Verdict – Is the APS 26420 Worth It?
Yes. It is the new king of Offshore replicas.
The APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26420 represents the bleeding edge of replica technology. By cloning the 4401 movement, APS has solved the thickness and functionality issues that plagued Royal Oak Chronograph replicas for a decade.
Who should buy it?
- Fans of large, masculine sports watches.
- Tech geeks who love the Flyback mechanism.
- Anyone who wants the most accurate modern Royal Oak Chronograph replica.
If you have the wrist size to pull it off, this is a masterpiece.
Check the latest price and stock here.
FAQ: Common Buyer Questions
Q1: Does the Flyback function really work?
A: Yes! You can press the reset button while the timer is running, and it will instantly reset and restart. This is the definition of a Flyback Royal Oak Chronograph.
Q2: Is the bezel real ceramic?
A: Yes. It is Zirconium Oxide ceramic. It is scratch-proof and will stay black forever.
Q3: Can I swim with it?
A: Yes, it is rated for 5ATM. Just ensure the crown and pushers are screwed down tight.
Q4: Can I use genuine straps?
A: Yes. The quick-release mechanism is 1:1 with the genuine Royal Oak Chronograph. You can buy genuine AP straps and they will click right in.