The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch is a luxury and absolutely iconic timepiece that was first released in 1972. It was designed by the legendary watchmaker Gerald Genta and is known for its unique octagonal shape and distinctive bezel with exposed screws. The Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch on the market, and its bold design and high-quality craftsmanship quickly made it a favorite among watch enthusiasts. Over the years, the Royal Oak has been updated with new features and designs, but it has remained true to its original concept and continues to be a highly sought-after watch. Today, it is considered a modern classic and a symbol of luxury and style.
Due to its arguably unparalleled popularity, other watch brands started experimenting with their own take on the luxury sports watch look and design, which in turn helped expand the luxury watch customer base substantially.
With the understanding that the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is definitely a substantial purchase, and not always a feasible financial decision, we set out to find the best alternative designs that resemble this classic. Of course, we are not talking about exact dupes—we specifically searched for watches that are unique in design, and give the same (or similar) feel in style and overall impression.
Without further ado, let’s see what the market has to offer as far as alternatives to the AP Royal Oak.
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Similar Watches to The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Tissot PRX
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Powermatic 80.111
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 12 mm (integrated bracelet)
- Price: Around $600
The Tissot PRX is a recent release (from 2021) and it leans towards a more sporty look due to the integrated bracelet. PRX is an acronym for Precise, Robust, and X for water resistant up to 10 bars (100 meters). The bezel is lifted from the core case, giving the timepiece more depth. And let’s face it: it’s a cool looking watch that has already generated a lot of buzz – and rightly so. We can only recommend it.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Ml115
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Under $2,000
The flagship watch from Maurice Lacroix, the Aikon was first launched with a quartz movement and is now available with a Swiss automatic movement to take things to the next level. With a simplified and classic dial (three hand movement with date window at the 3 o’clock position), the attention is really drawn to the guilloche pattern that stretches along the dial. The pattern and the deep blue color gives the watch a mesmerizing depth, and the thicker bezel and integrated stainless steel bracelet makes it a perfect combination of sporty and elegant in appearance.
Baume et Mercier Riviera
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Sellita SW200
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Price: Under $2,000
The Baume et Mercier Riviera is a versatile watch that goes well with a wide array of outfit choices. It is the perfect accessory for sporty, formal, and casual outings. Its dodecagonal case and blue dial with a distinctive design, and the Sellita SW200 Swiss-made automatic movement make this timepiece an ideal option for those seeking versatility.
Our favorite part is the Riviera’s unique decoration of the dial that represents the meeting of the mountains and the sea. This watch embodies casual elegance and is inspired by the carefree way of life on the French Riviera.
G-SHOCK "CasiOak" - Carbon Core Guard GA-2100-1A
Specs:
- Movement: analog & Digital
- Caliber: Casio 5611 Module
- Battery: SR726W
- Case Width: 45.4 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Under $100
All throughout the world, people are aware of the G-Shock and consider it legendary. Since its creation several decades ago, it has been issued in a variety of forms and versions and has grown immensely popular, ranking among the most popular watches sold worldwide.
As a result of its iconic status, the G-shock design is now widely recognized as a symbol of toughness and durability.
The GA-2100 G-shock model has earned the nickname “CasiOak” due to its design resemblance to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
And while the two watches are definitely not in the same weight group, that doesn’t reflect on the GA-2100’s overall quality. It is well-known for holding up through various shocks, bangs and rough handling that other timepieces simply couldn’t withstand.
Bulova 96D138
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 44 mm
- Lug Distance: 24 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Price: Under $300
This one is for the subtle bling lovers: the Bulova 96D138. The stainless steel 6-hand chronograph with 8 hand-set diamonds on the midnight blue dial, combined with the 8 decorative small screws on the bezel is a dynamic look with a relatively big (44 mm) case width. Definitely a statement piece at a very affordable price point!
Victorinox I.N.O.X. Mechanical
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Sellita SW200-1
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Price: Under $1,000
The I.N.O.X. Mechanical is the newest addition to the Victorinox I.N.O.X. collection. This innovation replaces quartz with mechanical movement in a finely built delicate mechanism. The dial’s complex guilloche pattern is not only a distinctive, timeless element, but it’s also meant to resemble the handle of a Swiss Army Knife. To cap it off, Victorinox has invented a hardwood strap that is the first of its type. It’s the perfect invention that goes hand in hand with our environmental mission. It’s strong, robust, and fashioned into a leather base.
Timex Essex Avenue
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Case Height: 8 mm
- Water Resistance: 50 m
- Price: Under $100
The Timex Essex Avenue is an excellent affordable alternative to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for those who are looking for a slightly more elegant and subdued look. The angular bezel is placed on a much thinner case – 8 mm in height – and the 40 mm case width makes it an excellent size for most wrists. The combination of the blue dial with orange accent colors brings well placed visual dynamics into the picture. A great choice!
Hublot Classic Fusion
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: HUB1110
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Price: Around $6,000
The Hublot Classic Fusion is a lot more than a “Royal Oak” alternative, but given the similarities in design and overall look, we wanted to mention this beauty as well in case you’re ready for something from the “luxury” category.
Hublot’s own HUB1110 caliber gives you a 42 hours power reserve. The 42 mm case width is a good size for most wrists, and additionally, the Classic Fusion is relatively thin at 10.6 mm, making it a comfortable wear.
The case itself is surprisingly visually complex, featuring high polish details as well as contrasting titanium in a satiny finish. We love titanium for the simple reason that it ensures toughness and remains light on the wrist. The simple dial design with the date window at 3 o’clock position makes this watch a surprisingly elegant choice!