⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 2,000-word review:
The APS Factory Audemars Piguet 26240 replica (V2 Edition) is a game-changer. It introduces a true Free-Sprung Balance Wheel to the replica market.
- The Upgrade: No more fake regulator arms. The balance wheel has real adjustable weights.
- The Movement: Integrated 4401 Flyback Chronograph (Clone).
- The Dial: Black and White dials are near perfect; colored dials are risky.
Score: 9.8/10. The most mechanically accurate AP Chrono replica ever.
Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26240 |
| Factory | APS Factory (APS) – V2 (Latest Batch) |
| Case Size | 41mm Diameter x 12.4mm Thickness |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel |
| Dial | “Grande Tapisserie” with 50th Anniversary Logo |
| Movement | APS Custom 4401 Automatic (Free-Sprung Balance) |
| Functions | Flyback Chronograph, Date, Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds |
| Crystal | Sapphire with AR Coating |
| Bracelet | Integrated Steel Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp |
1. Introduction: The 50th Anniversary Icon Reborn
In 2022, Audemars Piguet celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak by releasing the Reference 26240. It featured a new dial layout, a new case geometry, and most importantly, the new in-house Calibre 4401. This watch redefined the luxury sports chronograph.
For replica makers, copying the 4401 was hard. The first version (V1) from APS was good, but it still had a “Regulator Arm” (a tell-tale sign of a fake movement).
Now, APS Factory has released the Audemars Piguet 26240 replica V2 (some call it V3). They claim it has a “Free-Sprung Balance Wheel” (No-Regulator). This is a feature usually found only in genuine high-end watches like Rolex and Patek.
In this review, we tear down the APS Audemars Piguet 26240 replica to see if this “Free-Sprung” technology is real or just a gimmick.
Table of Contents
2. The Movement Revolution: Free-Sprung Balance on the Audemars Piguet 26240 Replica
This is the most critical part of this review. The V2 update is all about the balance wheel of this Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
(Image Alt: Free-sprung balance wheel on APS 4401 clone movement)
What is Free-Sprung? (The Hardcore Tech)
- Standard Replicas (Regulated): Use a “Regulator Arm” to adjust the hairspring length to change speed. It is easy to make but less stable. This is how 99% of replicas are built.
- Genuine AP (Free-Sprung): Removes the regulator arm. Speed is adjusted by turning tiny Counterweights (Weights) on the balance wheel itself. It is more stable and accurate.
APS V2 Execution
- The Upgrade: APS V2 has removed the regulator arm. The balance wheel now features 4 adjustable weights.
- Is it Real? Yes. We tested it. Turning the weights actually changes the timing. It is a fully functional Free-Sprung balance on the Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
- Significance: This brings the movement visual accuracy from 90% to 98%. When you look through the caseback of this Audemars Piguet 26240 replica, it looks like a genuine high-horology movement.
Flyback Function & Stop Seconds
- Flyback: We pressed the reset button while the chronograph was running. The hands snapped back to zero and restarted immediately. It works perfectly.
- Stop Seconds: When you pull the crown to set the time, the small seconds hand stops completely. This was a flaw in V1 that V2 fixed, making the Audemars Piguet 26240 replica even more precise.
3. Dial Analysis: Which Color to Buy?
The 26240 comes in many colors. APS makes them all, but not all are equal on this Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
(Image Alt: Black vs white dial comparison on APS AP 26240 replica)
The Safe Choices
- Black Dial: Zero color difference. The “Grande Tapisserie” squares are sharp. The silver sub-dials contrast beautifully. This is the safest bet for an Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
- White Dial: Crisp and clean. The texture is deep. It matches the genuine “Silver-White” tone perfectly.
The Risky Choices
- Blue / Green / Purple: These colors are “Sunburst.” The genuine AP colors are very complex and change in the light. The replica colors are slightly flatter or have a different hue.
- Advice: Buy these colors for your Audemars Piguet 26240 replica only if you don’t mind a slight color difference compared to gen.
Date Window
- Position: Located closer to the edge than the old 26331. APS updated this correctly on their Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
- Font: The font is sans-serif and centered.
4. The Rotor Update: 50th vs Standard
Buyers need to be aware of the rotor variations on the Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
The “50 Years” Rotor (2022 Model)
- Design: Skeletonized with a large “50” logo.
- Availability: Most APS V2 stocks still ship with this rotor. It mimics the 2022 anniversary edition perfectly.
The “Standard” Rotor (2023+ Model)
- Design: Standard “AP” logo cutout.
- Update: Some newer batches (V3) are starting to ship with this rotor.
- Buying Tip: If you want a specific rotor for your Audemars Piguet 26240 replica, ask your dealer for QC photos of the caseback before shipping. Both are correct, just different model years.
5. The Case: 50th Anniversary Updates
The 26240 case is different from the 26331.
(Image Alt: Polished bevels on the stainless steel case of AP 26240 replica)
Bevels & Lugs
- Larger Bevels: The polished chamfers (bevels) on the lugs and bezel are wider on the 26240. APS captured this geometry update perfectly on their Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
- Thickness: 12.4mm. This is identical to the genuine. The integrated movement allows the watch to remain thin.
6. Bracelet & Finishing
The Royal Oak bracelet is famous for its light play. APS nailed it on this Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
(Image Alt: Brushed and polished bracelet links on APS Factory Royal Oak)
The Finishing
- Brushing: The vertical brushing is extremely fine.
- Polishing: The internal angles of the links are mirror-polished. When you roll your wrist, the bracelet sparkles.
- Flexibility: The links are loose and articulate well. It doesn’t feel stiff like cheap replicas.
The Clasp
- Engraving: The “AP” logo is deep. The double-deployant mechanism clicks shut securely on the Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
7. Comparison: APS V2 vs. V1 vs. DDF
DDF Factory also makes a 4401 clone. How does it compare?
| Feature | APS V2 (Latest) | APS V1 | DDF Factory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Wheel | Free-Sprung (Real) | Regulated (Fake Arm) | Regulated (No Weights) |
| Movement | Custom 4401 | Custom 4401 | Dandong 4401 (Modified) |
| Stop Seconds | Yes (Fixed) | No (Flaw) | Yes |
| Decoration | Best | Good | Good |
| Price | Highest | Medium | Medium |
Verdict: APS V2 is the clear winner. The free-sprung balance is a massive technological leap that DDF hasn’t matched yet in the Audemars Piguet 26240 replica market.
8. Pros & Cons
✅ The Pros
- Best Movement: Free-sprung balance is “High Horology” tech.
- Flyback: Fully functional.”The 4401 is complex. If you want a robust diver with a simpler movement, read our deep dive into the APS Factory Audemars Piguet Diver 15710.”
- Case Quality: Sharp bevels and correct thickness.
- Dial: Black and White are 1:1 on this Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
❌ The Cons
- Colored Dials: Blue/Green are slightly off.
- Rotor Noise: The 4401 clone is quieter than a 7750, but you can still hear it spin in a silent room.
- Price: It is expensive due to the movement.
9. Final Verdict – Is the APS V2 Worth It?
Yes. It is a milestone in replica history.
The APS Factory Audemars Piguet 26240 replica is more than just a copy; it’s a piece of engineering. By implementing a Free-Sprung Balance, APS has brought replicas closer to genuine Swiss watchmaking than ever before.
If you are a movement geek or a perfectionist, the V2 is worth the extra money over the V1 or DDF.
Check the latest price and stock here.
FAQ: Common Buyer Questions
Q1: What does “Free-Sprung” mean for me?
A: It means the movement is more stable and looks 99% like the genuine AP 4401 from the back. It eliminates the “Regulator Arm” which was an easy way to spot a fake Audemars Piguet 26240 replica.
Q2: Is the Flyback function reliable?
A: Yes, but it puts stress on the gears. We recommend stopping the chronograph before resetting it to prolong the life of the watch.
Q3: Is it waterproof?
A: Rated for 3ATM to 5ATM. Safe for hand washing. Do not swim with a chronograph (pushers can leak).