Today let’s talk about the OM Factory’s AP Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, specifically the “Panda Dial” Audemars Piguet 26331. Honestly, when it comes to craftsmanship, OM Factory did a pretty good job. First up, the size of this watch—it matches the genuine Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in terms of dial diameter. As for the thickness, OM Factory really tried to stay true to the original, much like what they did with their 7750 Daytona. They got rid of some unnecessary movement components to keep the thickness close to the original. The thickness for this watch comes in at 13.2mm compared to the original’s 11mm. Sure, there’s still a bit of a gap, but for a chunky AP piece, it’s not too bad! Although, according to some watch enthusiasts, it’s still slightly off compared to the real deal.
When it comes to replica watches, OM Factory really tried to nail the details here. However, trimming down the movement components to achieve the right thickness did come with a downside—the chronograph sub-dials on the left and right are non-functional. Yup, they’re basically just for show. The center chronograph hand works fine, but those two side sub-dials don’t move, which is a bit of a letdown. On the bright side, having fewer moving parts should also mean fewer repairs down the line. For those into chronograph watches, it’s best to use the functions sparingly anyway, to keep the movement in good shape. So, while this AP Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26331 from OM Factory isn’t perfect, it’s definitely solid overall and worth considering. Despite the non-functional sub-dials, the small sub-dial at 6 o’clock works as expected, keeping accurate time.
In terms of flaws, there are three main things to consider with OM Factory’s AP 26331. First, the non-functional chronograph sub-dials, which can be disappointing if you want the full experience. Second, the thickness at 13.2mm is a bit thicker than the original 11mm, which might bother some purists. Lastly, the top and bottom pushers on the side are actually fixed in place and not operational. On the bright side, though, the other details are spot on, and if you’re into this piece, it might just scratch that itch for you.
