APS Factory Audemars Piguet 26240 V2 free

Audemars Piguet Wristwatch 26240 model is produced by APS Factory with a solid stainless steel case, standard case diameter and high-precision automatic Super Clone movement architecture. It is among the most successful 1:1 super clone watch reviews on the market, with its sapphire crystal AR coating glass, original case tolerances and detailed workmanship.

Real free-sprung vs fake free-sprung: the 'crucial' difference in the balance wheel

Most people get excited when they hear the word 'free-sprung'; But most of the so-called 'free-sprung' mechanisms on the market are actually low-equipped versions with 'removed nuts but no weight'. The difference of APS Factory V2 is that it ensures structural integrity. In other words, he not only removed the fast-slow arm (loose) completely, but also placed 4 adjustable balance weights on the yellow balance wheel and replicated the design logic of the original high-end movement exactly.
It is necessary to know this: the same type of flyback watch (high-end series) of the original Omega is sold at prices starting from XXX, and only at that level, this type of free-sprung weighted balance wheel is used. APS Factory V2 has achieved this workmanship at a replica price; It literally creates a 'class difference'.

In comparison, the V1 version also uses the Shanghai 4401 integrated movement; but here 'secret nut' has been implemented, so it's still essentially a nut setting. Although some competing products (e.g. DDF Factory Dandong 4401 version) claim to be free-sprung, they do not even contain weights. These are in the 'looks similar but the essence does not match' category; long-term sensitivity and stability are questionable.

Dynamic performance: invisible details, the real mastery of the work
The interesting thing is that the V2's weights become 'invisible' due to the centrifugal force when the balance wheel rotates at high speed, they are almost unnoticeable to the naked eye and do not give any feeling of artificiality in daily use. V1's hidden loop occasionally gives a slight trail when viewed from extreme angles; Although it does not affect the use, it can be a little psychologically 'disturbing' for enthusiasts who seek the highest similarity.
More importantly, V2 has preserved the hacking feature (the second hand stops while adjusting the time). This is not often seen in replicas in the same price segment; The setting becomes more precise and the enjoyment of use increases.

Determination: the experienced is reliable, the newcomer is promising

V1 has received stable feedback for nearly a year since its launch in late 2024; In general, it did not cause any problems such as stopping or major deviations. The only minor flaw is the occasional 'hand drift' (chronograph hand not returning exactly to zero); but this does not affect the function. V2 has not been released long yet, but since it is developed on the same mature mechanism platform, its core structure has not changed; In addition, the manufacturer's commitment to improvements in details such as engraving and assembly looks promising.

However, be careful: There is a risk of 'leaving the needle' in V2, which is a general problem of the series. If it bothers you, it can be sent to the manufacturer later and fine-tuned.

How should the dial be chosen? Black and white are the most guaranteed, others should be careful

APS Factory V2 offers many color options; But in terms of similarity ratio and usefulness:

Black dial: zero chromatic aberration, clear texture pattern, natural reflection of the CD pattern on the small dial; It is almost not visible in daily use.
White dial: spacious and pleasing to the eye, its texture brightness is largely compatible with the original, it suits business-daily everywhere.
Charity blue, purple, green and two-tone models: it is necessary to be careful, either because there is no original reference or due to chromatic aberration and coating workmanship problems (for example, there is a risk of rust in the two-tone model).
In detail, V2 has reached the upper level of the domestic replica in points such as texture combination and date position. Even though there are millimeter differences with the original, they are not noticeable in daily use and do not damage the 'reputation' in any way.

V1 vs V2, which one to choose after all?

Choose V2: if your budget is sufficient, if you are looking for an exact replica of the movement workmanship, if you intend to wear it for a long time or make a collection, V2's free-sprung weighted balance wheel + integrated movement combination is definitely the 'top equipment' of the 26240 series.
Choose V1: if you care more about price/performance, 'whether there is a loophole or not' does not matter to you, V1's stability has already been proven, its price is lower and More than enough for daily use.

What about DDF Factory's Dandong 4401 version? It is currently not sufficiently tested in the market and its weightless design has a structural shortcoming. I recommend you put it on standby, I do not recommend it as a main time.

The release of the APS Factory 26240 V2 free-sprung version is not only a version renewal, but also a sign of the transition of the domestic replica from the 'usable' level to the 'careful' level. Deeply reproduced the core craftsmanship of the original at a reasonable price; It offers both a solid mechanism 'inside' and a meticulous dial 'outside'. If you are looking for a high-fidelity flyback chronograph that can both be worn daily and satisfy your collecting desires, the V2 is probably your best choice at this stage.

I hope my article was useful to you. I will share more detailed disassembly, real shot review and real-replica comparison in the future.