The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has always been a grail piece for many collectors, and the 15400 with its 41mm case and black “Grande Tapisserie” dial is one of the most talked-about references. APS Factory recently released their super clone of this model, and after having it in hand and shooting some real photos, here are my impressions.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the watch feels substantial without being overly heavy. APS has done a good job balancing the case thickness and bracelet weight. On the wrist, the integrated bracelet flows smoothly, and the brushed finishing catches light naturally. Compared to other factories’ Royal Oak attempts, this one doesn’t immediately scream replica.
Dial Under Natural Light
In the photo I took under warm indoor lighting, the black dial doesn’t shout for attention—it’s subtle, almost understated. But tilt it slightly and the signature “Grande Tapisserie” pattern pops out, with each tiny square reflecting light differently. The applied markers look sharp, and the Audemars Piguet logo is aligned cleanly. If you’ve seen the gen side by side, the biggest difference comes down to the depth of the tapisserie engraving, which APS gets very close but not quite identical.
Bezel and Case Finishing
The octagonal bezel with its eight screws is always the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak’s defining feature. Here, APS nails the brushed top surface and polished chamfers that play with reflections beautifully. Under a loupe, the polish transition isn’t as crisp as the genuine, but to the naked eye, it’s extremely convincing. Even in casual wrist shots, the watch holds up well.
On the Wrist
At 41mm, the Royal Oak 15400 is not a small watch, but the slim profile helps it sit comfortably. I wore it for an entire afternoon, and it didn’t feel bulky. The bracelet articulation is solid, and APS has even used ceramic sleeves in the links to reduce wear, which is something you’ll appreciate over time. The clasp snaps shut securely with a satisfying click.
Movement and Performance
APS equips this piece with a modified Miyota-based movement. From the exhibition caseback, the rotor is decorated to resemble the Audemars Piguet caliber 3120. It doesn’t have the same level of finishing as the gen, of course, but it runs smoothly and keeps reliable time. Power reserve in my test was about 42 hours, which is plenty for casual wear. Unless you’re showing the movement to a trained watchmaker, nobody will notice the difference.
Final Thoughts
The APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400 Black Dial super clone is one of the best options currently available in the watch replica market. The case and dial details come very close to the genuine watch, and the wearing experience is spot on. From my hands-on experience, it’s a watch that not only looks good in photos but also feels right on the wrist. While purists will always point out small tells, for most collectors this is a highly satisfying piece—one that bridges the gap between aspiration and accessibility.
