Brocot 1826 Automatic Royal Oak Homage
Sport-Lux / Homage Watch · Brocot; an 'homage' brand typically found in the fashion or budget luxury tier, known for utilizing historical names (originally a French clockmaking family).
Period: Modern (post-2010 design) / Gerald Genta Style. It mimics the luxury sports watch aesthetic defined by the 1972 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Type
Sport-Lux / Homage Watch
Brand
Brocot; an 'homage' brand typically found in the fashion or budget luxury tier, known for utilizing historical names (originally a French clockmaking family).
Movement
Likely an automatic/self-winding movement (indicated by the dial text 'Brocot' logo style), possibly a Miyota or NH35 based third-party caliber. Frequency likely 21,600 or 28,800 bph.
Dimensions
41mm case diameter, 11-12mm thickness, 50mm lug-to-lug, non-standard integrated lug width.
Description
This Brocot 1826 is a dedicated homage to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. It captures the iconic industrial-chic aesthetic of the 1970s through its angular case, integrated bracelet, and textured tapisserie dial. It serves as an accessible entry point for those who admire the Genta design language without the haute horlogerie price tag.
Key Features
Octagonal bezel with exposed screw heads, integrated bracelet design, tapisserie dial texture, '1826' branding referencing historical clockmaker Achille Brocot.
Dial Description
Silver/white 'Petite Tapisserie' patterned dial. Applied faceted baton indices, sword-style hands with luminous filling, and a date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed surfaces and polished chamfers. Features an octagonal bezel with exposed screws.
Crystal Type
Likely flat sapphire crystal, potentially with an internal anti-reflective coating.
Bezel Details
Fixed octagonal stainless steel bezel with eight functional hexagonal screws and vertical brushing.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down hexagonal steel crown with protective guards; likely unbranded or signed with minimal etching.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated stainless steel bracelet with characteristic flat rectangular links and a hidden folding butterfly clasp.
Caseback Details
Likely a screw-down solid stainless steel caseback or a mineral glass exhibition window showing the movement.
Movement Type
Likely an automatic/self-winding movement (indicated by the dial text 'Brocot' logo style), possibly a Miyota or NH35 based third-party caliber. Frequency likely 21,600 or 28,800 bph.
Water Resistance
Likely rated at 50m to 100m. Suitable for light swimming but not professional diving.
Origin & Provenance
Assembled in China; components potentially Sourced globally. Labeled 'Swiss Made' on the dial, though this claim for this specific brand may not meet modern FH standards for in-house Swiss components.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2023. A contemporary production aimed at the luxury-look market.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'homage culture' in modern watch collecting, where iconic high-end designs are democratized for a wider audience at the cost of brand prestige and originality.
Condition Notes
Very Good based on image. Sharp edges on the brushing; the crystal appears clear. Light surface wear on the bezel and links.
Value Estimate
$200 - $500 USD depending on the specific movement caliber inside and secondary market demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft brush and water; service the movement every 5 years; check water resistance gaskets annually if using in water.
Similar Watches
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500 (the original), Tissot PRX (official Swiss alternative), Maurice Lacroix Aikon (higher-end integrated sports watch).
Interesting Facts
The name Brocot refers to a famous 19th-century French horologist known for the 'Brocot escapement' and 'Brocot suspension.' Modern brands often acquire these names to add historical weight to modern homage designs.