Speaking of the “hardcore player model” of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the 26240 flyback chronograph is absolutely unavoidable. The biscuit pattern dial + three small dials + flyback function are full of mechanical beauty. No wonder it has become the “favorite” of many advanced watch friends.
If I wanted to play a 26240 replica before, I could only choose APS factory. However, APS has been completely out of stock recently, and the resumption of production is far away, leaving many cousins with a problem: Who else can they choose now?
After actual testing by purewatches, the answer is very clear – DDF factory. Not only can it benchmark APS in core configuration, but there are even surprises in individual details. Today we will put aside the fictitious parameter stacking and talk about the real performance of this watch.
1. Overall workmanship: alternating brushing and polishing, with a good sense of edges and corners
The soul of Royal Oak is that angular design language.
The DDF factory has a very correct attitude towards mold opening this time. The entire watch is alternately brushed and polished. The brushing on the front is delicate and smooth, and the mirror polishing on the side is sharp and reflective. The ridges at the intersection of the two are clean and neat, without the common “round corners” or “fleshiness”, which is very impressive.
The headpiece (the first section of the lug) has a slightly movable structure, which can naturally fit the curvature of the wrist after wearing it, exactly the same as the original. In order to save on the process, many small factories make the headpieces dead, which makes the strap stiff and irritating, but DDF has not been lazy in this detail.
2. Disk surface details: biscuit pattern + CD pattern, full three-dimensional sense
The 26240 disk is the soul of the Royal Oak series.
The DDF factory has restored the iconic biscuit texture (Grande Tapisserie). Each small square has sharp edges and clear concavity. When the light rotates, you can see uniform radial patterns, and the texture is very high-end.
The three small dials have a CD pattern (concentric circle pattern), which forms a texture contrast with the main dial and has a very strong three-dimensional effect. The hands and hour markers are treated with platinum effect, the edges are smooth and burr-free, and the luminous filling is even, with no overflow or depression.
The calendar window is located between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock. The font thickness and ink texture are consistent with the original version and will not appear flat or blurry. These small details are often the places that best reflect the factory’s capabilities.
3. Movement core: True 4401 all-in-one machine, the flyback chronograph is so fragrant
The movement is the core competitiveness of DDF Factory 26240 and the key to its ability to benchmark APS.
It is equipped with a real 4401 integrated movement, not the 2824 with fake plywood. The moment you open the back, you can understand why I say it is the ceiling of appearance:
- chamfer polishing: The edges of the plywood are finely chamfered, and there is a delicate gloss change when the light turns;
- Fish scale polishing: The main plywood has a delicate fish scale pattern, and the Geneva ripples on the automatic rotor are clear and deep;
- No card structure: There is an adjustable counterweight on the balance wheel, which is consistent with the original structural principle. The running time stability is far superior to ordinary fast and slow needle movements.
The measured daily difference can be controlled within ±5 seconds/day. This data is already very good in replica watches.
The most amazing thing is the flyback chronograph function. Ordinary chronographs require three steps of stop, zero, and start to start a new round of timing; but flyback chronographs can directly press the zero button while timing is in progress, and the hands will instantly return to zero and restart timing, all in one go.
The operating logic of this movement from the DDF factory is completely the same as the original: start/stop with the button at 2 o’clock and reset to zero at 4 o’clock. When the chronograph is running, press the 4 o’clock button, and the second hand will fly back to zero and start again immediately, without delay or lag. This kind of functional restoration cannot be achieved by installing additional modules. It must be achieved with an integrated chronograph movement structure.
4. Watch strap and buckle: chamfering and polishing + hidden fine-tuning for online comfort
The sides and inside of each section of the strap are chamfered and polished, making it smooth to the touch without cutting your hands, and will not cause any irritation when worn for a long time.
There is a hidden fine-adjustment mechanism inside the buckle, which can be extended by about 5 mm. It can be easily adapted to thicker wrists in summer or wearing thick clothes in winter. This design is so practical.
The engraving on the bottom of the buckle—including the brand logo, material identification, and independent coding—the font thickness and depth are consistent with the original version. The background color is matte dark gray, not cheap bright white laser engraving, and the details are well controlled.
5. Multiple versions to choose from: ceramic ring/rose gold/weighted version to choose from
In addition to the steel model with blue surface, DDF Factory also launched multiple versions simultaneously:
- Ceramic ring version: The black and gray color scheme is more sporty, suitable for watch friends who like a low-key and tough style;
- Rose gold full gold version: If you have sufficient budget and want the visual effect of a “big gold watch”, this one is very suitable;
- Counterweight version: The weight of the entire watch is close to the pressing feel of an original gold watch, and the texture is more solid.
No matter which style you prefer, DDF Factory can basically satisfy you. This is much more flexible than many factories that only make one version.
6. Real advantages and disadvantages, don’t brag or discredit them
Advantages:
- True 4401 integrated movement, supports flyback timing and restores functions in place
- No card structure + chamfering and polishing, the appearance and stability of the movement are both online.
- Biscuit pattern plate + CD pattern small plate, strong three-dimensional effect, high-quality details and texture
- The strap is chamfered and polished + hidden fine-tuning, making it highly comfortable to wear.
- Multiple versions available, ceramic ring/rose gold/weighted version to match as you wish
- DDF factory has stable quality control, current shipments are normal, and after-sales feedback is positive.
Disadvantages:
- The price may be slightly higher than other factories
- The frequency of daily use of the flyback function is not high, and extreme parties need to treat it rationally
- Replica watches are replicas after all, and you need to accept them psychologically
- There may be slight polishing differences in individual batches. It is recommended to confirm the quality inspection before purchasing.
7. Buying Suggestions: Who is suitable to buy?
If you like the flyback chronograph design of 26240, but feel that the premium of the original version is too high, then this model from DDF is indeed worth considering. It is not the kind of low-end product that is fake at first glance. It will not look shy for daily wear or gatherings with friends.
Especially the combination of true 4401 integrated movement + flyback function + card-free structure is currently a high-quality choice among replica Audemars Piguet chronographs. Although there is still a slight gap from the original version, considering the appearance, movement, and functional practicality, it does deserve the title of “APS replacement”.
Purewatches’ suggestion is: If you pursue high restoration and stability, but don’t want to spend a lot of money to buy the original version, DDF factory Audemars Piguet 26240 is a reliable choice on the market. Before buying, it is recommended to find reliable channels and confirm the quality inspection details to avoid pitfalls.
Warm reminder: This article is only for communication and reference for watch enthusiasts, and supports genuine products and rational consumption. Buy a watch because you like it, don’t let “face” kidnap your wallet. Having fun wearing a watch is the most important thing.