Audemars Piguet

About the brand

Audemars Piguet

History

Audemars Piguet, one of the world's most respected luxury watch brands, was founded in 1875 by the eponymous watchmakers Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in Le Brassus, in the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland. The two partners had the vision of creating outstanding mechanical watches of the highest precision and complexity. As early as 1885, Audemars Piguet presented his first wristwatch, laying the foundation for a tradition of innovation in the watch industry.

In the decades that followed, the brand focused on developing complicated movements and special complications. In 1892, the first Grande Complication, a watch with multiple functions such as a chronograph, a perpetual calendar and a minute repeater, was produced by Audemars Piguet. This demonstrated the exceptional craftsmanship and technical advancement for which the brand became known.

The biggest revolution in Audemars Piguet's history came in 1972 with the launch of the Royal Oak, designed by designer Gérald Genta. The Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch made of stainless steel and fundamentally changed the perception of wristwatches. With its distinctive octagonal case, integrated bracelet and striking dial, the Royal Oak set new standards in the watch industry and quickly became a symbol of style and status.

Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Audemars Piguet expanded its product range by introducing new models and complications, including the Royal Oak Offshore, the sporty and robust version of the iconic Royal Oak. These watches are known for their innovative engineering, creative design and outstanding craftsmanship, making them highly sought-after collector's items.

Today, Audemars Piguet stands for craftsmanship, exclusivity and innovation. The brand remains true to its tradition by combining highly complex movements and contemporary design. With a strong presence in the world of luxury watches and a loyal following, Audemars Piguet has carved out a firm place for itself in the history of watchmaking and continues to symbolize luxury and sophistication.

The founders

Jules-Louis Audemars, born on April 17, 1851 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, and Edward-Auguste Piguet, born on August 14, 1853 in Les Brassus, Switzerland, were the visionary founders of the renowned watch brand Audemars Piguet. From a young age, both showed a strong passion for watchmaking and aspired to create high-quality timepieces.

In 1875, when Jules-Louis Audemars was only 24 years old, the two friends founded the Audemars Piguet watchmaking company in Le Brassus, in the Vallée de Joux. Their goal was to develop exceptional mechanical watches that would impress with both their technical sophistication and their aesthetic design. From the beginning, the focus was on innovative movements and complicated mechanisms, which quickly made the brand famous in the world of haute horlogerie.

The first successes were not long in coming: in 1882, Audemars Piguet presented its first wristwatch, laying the foundation for the brand's development in the years that followed. In 1892, Audemars Piguet produced its first Grande Complication, which combined several functions such as a chronograph and a minute repeater. These technical masterpieces confirmed the brand's skills in the complex art of watchmaking.

Audemars and Piguet were not only talented watchmakers, but also innovative thinkers. Their tireless commitment to precision and quality led to numerous technological advances that continue to shape Audemars Piguet's legacy today.

The brand gained international fame and recognition for its elegant yet sporty watches, especially after the launch of the legendary Royal Oak in 1972, which revolutionized the luxury sports watch market.

The two founders always brought the value of tradition and craftsmanship into their ventures. Jules-Louis Audemars was known for his love of nature and his commitment to preserving the Vallée de Joux, while Edward-Auguste Piguet had a great love of music and often organized cultural events in his hometown.

Jules-Louis Audemars died in 1918 and Edward-Auguste Piguet followed him in 1919. However, their legacy lives on in the Audemars Piguet brand, which to this day stands for excellence, innovation and uncompromising quality. The principles they followed when they founded the manufacture are still embedded in the designs and manufacture of each of the brand's watches, making Audemars Piguet a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship in the world of watches.

Iconic models

First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak is Audemars Piguet's flagship model and is often considered the first luxury sports watch. Its striking octagonal case and iconic "tapisserie" dial revolutionized the design of the modern watch industry. The Royal Oak represents a harmonious combination of elegance and sportiness and has established itself over the years as a timeless symbol of luxury.

The Royal Oak Offshore, a sportier variant, was introduced in 1993 and offers a robust, masculine design. With larger cases and a variety of color and material combinations, the Offshore particularly appeals to athletes and adventurers. Its distinctive style makes it a sought-after watch among collectors.

The Millenary, which was launched in 1995, impresses with its elliptical case and an innovative dial design that gives the wearer a unique view of the movement. This watch combines classic watchmaking craftsmanship with modern flair and appeals to watch lovers who are looking for something special.

Introduced in 2019, the Code 11.59 brings a breath of fresh air to Audemars Piguet's designs. With its round case and a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements, it attracts a new generation of watch lovers. This collection shows how Audemars Piguet continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking.

The Royal Oak Concept embodies Audemars Piguet's technical mastery. With a futuristic design and innovative materials, this watch is a prime example of the brand's high standards and creativity, and will appeal to watch enthusiasts looking for novelties in the world of luxury watches.

Frequently asked Questions

What is the average cost of an Audemars Piguet?

Prices of Audemars Piguet watches vary considerably, with entry-level models typically starting at around 15,000 euros. However, for coveted special editions or limited models, prices can rise to over 100,000 euros. In general, the average price for a new Audemars Piguet is between 20,000 and 50,000 euros, depending on the specific model range, the materials used and the complexity of the movement.

The iconic Royal Oak collection, as the brand's flagship, often attracts collectors and watch enthusiasts, which is also reflected in the prices. For the high-end complications, such as the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, the prices can be significantly higher, which underlines their exclusivity and the exquisite craftsmanship of the brand.

Which Audemars Piguet models are suitable for beginners?

For beginners, the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models combine an attractive design with typical Audemars Piguet quality. The Royal Oak, especially the steel version, is considered a classic and offers an affordable entry into the brand, while the Royal Oak Offshore is sportier and more distinctive. Both models combine first-class craftsmanship with a timeless style, making them ideal for new collectors. Personal style preferences and available budget should also be taken into account when making a selection.

Why are Audemars Piguet watches so popular?

Audemars Piguet has made a name for itself through exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. The brand uses only the finest materials and combines traditional watchmaking with modern technologies, ensuring both robustness and precision. Each watch is made with the utmost care and in limited editions, making it a symbol of exclusivity and luxury. In addition, Audemars Piguet is often associated with a sophisticated lifestyle, which is also reflected in the popularity of the watches among collectors and celebrities.

Which Audemars Piguet watches are the hardest to buy?

Some of Audemars Piguet's most sought-after models, such as the Royal Oak Offshore in steel and the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, are particularly difficult to acquire due to their enormous popularity and limited production numbers. The Royal Oak "Jumbo" and special special editions are also often hard to find, making them sought-after collector's items. The combination of exquisite craftsmanship and limited editions makes these models particularly rare and sought-after by watch enthusiasts and collectors.

How long does one have to wait on average for an Audemars Piguet?

Wait times for Audemars Piguet watches can vary considerably depending on the model and demand. On average, buyers can expect to wait several months to a year. Popular models can take even longer to arrive as demand exceeds supply. Unlike Rolex, there are no official "waiting lists" as allocation is often based on purchase history and relationships with dealers.

Will the value of an Audemars Piguet increase over time?

Audemars Piguet watches have the potential to increase in value, especially iconic models such as the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore. In recent years, many models have experienced significant increases in value, driven by the principle of supply and demand as well as the exclusivity associated with the brand.

How do you know if an Audemars Piguet is real?

To verify the authenticity of an Audemars Piguet watch, there are several key factors to look out for. At Watchcircle, each watch undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it is genuine and in perfect condition. Our watchmaking specialists inspect each watch in detail and check:

  1. Dial and logo : Pay attention to the quality of the dial and the precision of the logo. Genuine Audemars Piguet watches are characterized by flawless printing quality and precise lettering.
  2. Case and materials : The case should be made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, gold or platinum. The workmanship should be excellent, with no rough edges or unevenness.
  3. Movement : Authentic Audemars Piguet watches feature precise mechanical movements, usually engraved with the brand name. Checking the movement requires expertise, so we recommend having it done by a specialist.
  4. Serial number and model number : Each model has a unique serial number, usually engraved between the lugs of the case. This number can be used to verify the age and authenticity of the watch. On genuine Audemars Piguet watches, the serial numbers are always clearly legible and correctly placed.
  5. Weight : Genuine Audemars Piguet watches are heavier than fakes due to the materials used. If a watch seems light or unwieldy, it could be fake.

What is the Royal Oak?

The Royal Oak is one of Audemars Piguet's most famous models and is considered a pioneer of luxury sports watches. Designed by Gérald Genta and first introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak is characterized by its distinctive octagonal case and integrated bracelet. It was one of the first watches to blur the lines between sporty and elegant timepieces, setting new standards in the watch industry. Available in a variety of versions, including automatic, chronograph and tourbillon models, the Royal Oak is extremely popular with collectors and watch enthusiasts alike.

What is the Royal Oak Offshore?

The Royal Oak Offshore is a sporty take on the classic Royal Oak, introduced in 1993. With a larger case and a more robust design, it particularly appeals to sporty wearers. This watch combines the signature design of the Royal Oak with improved water resistance and a variety of functionalities such as chronograph functions. The Royal Oak Offshore is known for its striking dials and use of innovative materials such as ceramic and titanium, making it a modern and versatile watch.

What is the Millenary?

The Millenary is another notable model from Audemars Piguet, first introduced in 1995. This watch features a unique oval case and exclusive asymmetrical dial design that sets the watch apart from other models. Millenary watches often feature complicated mechanical movements and showcase the craftsmanship of haute horlogerie. Its appealing aesthetics and technical sophistication make the Millenary a sought-after choice for connoisseurs and collectors of luxury watches.

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