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 founder
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
Audemars Piguet's iconic models are not just timepieces, but also masterpieces of watchmaking that embody the history and heritage of the brand.
Royal Oak : One of Audemars Piguet's most famous models, the Royal Oak was created in 1972 by designer Gérald Genta and revolutionized the concept of luxury sports watches. With its distinctive octagonal case and integrated bracelet, it not only changed the watch world but also created a new segment in the market. Known for its precise craftsmanship, sophisticated design and superb mechanical movements, the Royal Oak is a symbol of style and elegance that is highly appreciated by both watch lovers and fashion-conscious people.
Royal Oak Offshore : Launched in 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore expanded the concept of the Royal Oak with a more robust design and sportier features. It is a larger and more powerful version, distinguished by its distinctive rubber elements and bold coloring. This model particularly appeals to younger buyers and sports enthusiasts, while still remaining true to Audemars Piguet's DNA.
Millenary : The Millenary collection features an oval case and an innovative asymmetrical dial that reveals the mechanical movement. With its unique shape and focus on the inner workings, the Millenary embodies Audemars Piguet's artistic approach to watchmaking. These watches combine classic design with the latest technology and have established themselves as a popular choice for lovers of exceptional watch design.
Royal Oak Concept : This model embodies the future of Audemars Piguet and is an example of the brand's innovative strength. With an avant-garde design and a skeleton dial, the Royal Oak Concept shows how mechanical watches can be reinterpreted in modern times. It combines technological finesse with artistic expression and thus appeals to watch lovers who appreciate both tradition and innovation.
Audemars Piguet Chronograph : Audemars Piguet's chronographs, especially those in the Royal Oak collection, are known for their sporty elegance and precise functionality. They combine classic watchmaking with modern design while offering the ability to measure time intervals precisely. These watches are valued companions both in everyday life and on special occasions.
These models demonstrate how Audemars Piguet is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking by combining innovative designs and world-class technology. They are not only timeless classics, but also expressions of status, style and craftsmanship.
WATCHCIRCLE FAVORITES
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Cartier Diabolo
Vendor:Regular price €9.450,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
Cartier Ronde Chronograph
Vendor:Regular price €6.000,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
Rolex Explorer
Vendor:Regular price €9.000,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
Rolex Daytona
Vendor:Regular price €36.900,00 EURRegular priceUnit price per