Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26240 Silver

Quick Questions

How does the BLS Factory Royal Oak 26240 compare to the genuine silver dial version?
What makes the Grande Tapisserie dial so hard to replicate perfectly?
Can you spot the difference between the replica and real case finishing?
Is the BLS movement a reliable alternative to the in-house Calibre 4401?
Where can you buy the best Royal Oak 26240 replica without getting scammed?

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26240 with a silver dial is a masterpiece of haute horlogerie, and its iconic Grande Tapisserie pattern is a true test of craftsmanship. BLS Factory has attempted to recreate this legendary timepiece, and while they have achieved a high level of visual fidelity, the differences become apparent under close inspection. This detailed analysis compares the BLS with the genuine 26240ST, focusing on dial, case, hands, crown, and movement.

Dial Details: The Grande Tapisserie Challenge

The genuine silver dial is produced using a hand-engraving technique that requires 12 steps and about seven hours of work per dial. The pyramid-shaped squares catch light in a unique way, with a silky lacquer finish. The BLS version replicates the pattern but struggles with depth consistency and edge sharpness. Under magnification, the squares are less defined, and the sub-dials lack the faint sunburst effect seen on the original. The printed 'AUDEMARS PIGUET' logo on the may show slight ink irregularities, whereas the genuine is crisp and perfectly aligned.

Case and Bracelet Craftsmanship

The genuine 26240ST case is a marvel of finishing, with 24 polished bevels, 16 screw heads, and 27 different surfaces treated with alternating satin and mirror polish. The octagonal shape is iconic, and every edge is razor-sharp. The BLS case mimics the geometry but often has coarser brushing, less defined chamfers, and the hexagonal screws may sit unevenly or have burrs. The bracelet, though well-made, also lacks the smooth articulation and precise beveling of the original.

Hands, Markers, and Lume

The genuine uses white gold hour markers and Royal Oak-shaped hands with a high-polish finish. The center of the chronograph seconds hand has a perfectly proportioned counterweight. The BLS version often has a hollow or overly rounded axis, and the lume application may have bubbles or be uneven. The Super-LumiNova on the genuine is smooth and bright, while the 's glow fades faster and appears less uniform.

Crown and Water Resistance

The crown on the genuine features a deeply stamped 'AP' logo with a three-dimensional effect, sharp teeth, and a smooth screw-down action. The BLS crown often has a shallower logo, rougher edges, and less reliable water resistance. The gap between the crown and case is also less precise on the, which can affect durability.

Movement: The Heart of the Difference

The genuine 26240 is powered by the in-house Calibre 4401, a flyback chronograph with 70 hours of power reserve and 381 components. Its finishing includes Geneva stripes, perlage, and beveled edges, with a 22K gold rotor. BLS uses a modified 7750 movement (from Dan Dong or Shanghai) with decorative plates. Key tells are the shock absorber (KIF vs. triangular), the balance wheel (open-coil vs. adjustable), and the overall rough edges in less visible areas. While the may mimic the layout, the performance and finishing are not on par.

In conclusion, the BLS Factory Royal Oak 26240 is an impressive for its price, but it cannot fully capture the essence of the genuine article. For collectors, the differences in dial texture, case finishing, and movement quality are deal-breakers. However, for those who appreciate the design and want a reliable timepiece without the astronomical cost, the BLS version offers a compelling alternative.