The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked is, for many, the final boss of watch collecting. It’s a masterpiece of horological architecture that usually comes with a price tag—and a waitlist—that could make a grown man weep. Enter the “Super Clone.” We’re living in an era where the gap between high-end replicas and the real deal is narrowing to a sliver, and the white gold 16204BC clone is perhaps the most ambitious attempt yet. It’s not just about copying a shape anymore; it’s about mimicking the soul of a skeletonized movement.
The Visual Impact of White Gold
While the genuine article is forged in 18-carat white gold, the Super Clone typically utilizes 316L or 904L stainless steel with a heavy, high-quality plating. To the untrained eye—and even some trained ones—the luster is remarkably close. The “Jumbo” 39mm case hits that sweet spot of proportions, maintaining the iconic octagonal bezel and the sharp, alternating brushed and polished finishes that define the Royal Oak. The way the light dances off the edges of the integrated bracelet is, frankly, dangerous for your productivity. It has that substantial “heft” that prevents it from feeling like a toy, even if it isn’t quite as heavy as solid gold.
Engineering the Skeleton
The heart of this watch is the openworked movement, and this is where Super Clone Watches either sink or swim. Replicating the Calibre 7124 is a nightmare of geometry. This version does an admirable job of capturing the depth and layering of the bridges. You get to see the gear train and the mainspring barrel in a way that feels mechanical and intentional, rather than just “stamped out.” While a loupe might reveal that the hand-finishing on the chamfered edges isn’t quite at the level of a master watchmaker in Le Brassus, the visual complexity is stunning for anyone viewing it from a natural distance.
On the Wrist: The “Extra-Thin” Factor
The “Extra-Thin” designation isn’t just marketing; it’s a commitment to wearability. One of the biggest tells in lower-tier clones is a “fat” case, but the top-tier Super Clone manages to keep the profile impressively slim. It slides under a shirt cuff with the kind of elegance you’d expect from a watch costing six figures. The integrated bracelet is supple, avoiding the “hair-pulling” stiffness found in cheaper replicas. It wraps around the wrist with a fluid motion that mimics the genuine AP taper perfectly.
Real Talk: Does It Hold Up?
Buying a Super Clone Audemars Piguet is a bold move. You aren’t just buying a timekeeper; you’re buying a conversation piece. The transparency of the dial means there is nowhere to hide flaws. However, for the enthusiast who appreciates the design language of Gérald Genta but doesn’t have the “spend-history” at an AP boutique to even be considered for a real one, this is a fascinating piece of kit. It’s a tribute to how far manufacturing technology has come—offering about 90% of the experience for a fraction of the astronomical secondary market price. It’s witty, it’s sharp, and it looks absolutely lethal on the wrist.
