In the high-end replica watch circle, APS factory has always been known for its “details”. Whether it is Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet, it can always combine complex functions and original texture just right. Recently, its popular model – **APS 26240 (reproduction of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26331/26320)** has ushered in a true “core revolution”:The V2 version is officially equipped with native card-free + four-weight integrated movement, completely bid farewell to the old design of the early V1 version that relied on speed and slow needles.
Don’t underestimate this change. For ordinary users, it may just “sound more advanced”; but for those who know watches, this directly determines the accuracy of travel time, long-term stability, and even whether it can be repaired after sales.
What is “no card”? Why is it so important?
Traditional mechanical watches adjust the running speed by relying on the “speed needle” – changing the effective length of the hairspring by moving a metal needle. This method is low-cost and fast, but it has a fatal drawback:It will deviate as soon as it is touched, and the error will become larger and larger over time., especially when worn daily, bumps are inevitable and the stability of walking will be greatly reduced.
AndFree-sprung is completely different. It cancels the speed needle and uses four adjustable weight screws on the balance wheel., control the speed by fine-tuning the center of gravity and inertia of the balance wheel. This structure is widely used by top brands such as original Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, and is the iconic feature of high-end movements——More stable, more accurate and more durable。
The pain point of V1: If you want to be “card-free”, do you have to spend hundreds of dollars to modify it first?
Although the early APS 26240 V1 has integrated the 4401 movement structure, there are still two speed and slow needles under the balance wheel. In order to pursue the “original feel”, many players can only find a masterCutting speed needle, forcibly changed to no card.
The result?
- After modification, you cannot adjust it (no weights are added), and you can only stare blankly if you walk fast or slow;
- Once something goes wrong, the manufacturer directly refuses to insure: “You have tampered with the movement”;
- After long-term use, the deviation becomes larger and larger, but there is no way to adjust it.
To put it bluntly,Spending money and taking risks。
The breakthrough of V2: there is no card when leaving the factory, and all four weights are included!
APS finally heard the voices of users this time. V2 versionNative card-free design, integrated directly on the balance wheelFour adjustable weight screws, truly achieve:
✅ No modification required: Save hundreds of dollars in modification fees, and the movement structure is intact;
✅ Can be precisely adjusted: Rotate the weight to fine-tune the speed and polarization, and the error control is more flexible;
✅ Worry-free official warranty: No unauthorized changes, repairs can be made without any hindrance;
✅ Highly aligned appearance: The balance wheel is clean and neat, without the speed needle blocking it. The CD pattern and radial pattern are finely polished. The golden splint has a very high degree of color restoration. The three-eye timing layout is precise and there are almost no flaws.
Looking from the back of the movement, the completion of the V2 version is close to the original level, truly achieving “both internal and external repairs”.
The fronts are almost the same, how to choose? It depends on your needs!
Interestingly, V1 and V2 are on the front of the dialalmost no difference——The hands, scales, small dials, sapphire mirror, and luminous filling are all consistent. The caliper device is hidden deep in the movement and cannot be noticed in daily wear.
So the selection logic is very clear:
- Limited budget, mainly daily commuting? V1 is completely sufficient, and its appearance and functions are not compromised;
- Those who pursue the ultimate restoration, plan to collect for a long time, or are movement enthusiasts? V2 is the ultimate answer——Get it right in one step, save worry and effort, and preserve your value in the future。
Conclusion: The “original thinking” of replica watches is awakening
The upgrade of APS 26240 V2 is not only a technical iteration, but also a sincere response to user pain points. It no longer allows users to “spend money to find trouble”, but directly makes the standards that should be high-end configurations directly into factory defaults.
If you like the design language of the Royal Oak and want the movement to be “real”, then the V2 version is undoubtedly the best choice on the market.The most worthy replica option. The V1 is still a cost-effective and pragmatic choice.
Both are excellent, and choosing according to your needs is the wisdom of playing watches.