Audemars Piguet is regarded as one of the most prestigious watchmaking brands in the world. Since its founding in 1875, the brand has produced many innovations and icons coveted by collectors. This article will explore Audemars Piguet’s illustrious history and reputation for craftsmanship, discuss its notable watch designs and collections, and explain why these timepieces are considered prestigious investments that can be treasured for a lifetime.
A Rich History of Watchmaking Excellence
Audemars Piguet has been crafting fine watches since 1875, making it one of the oldest fine watchmakers still in business today. The brand was founded in Le Brassus, Switzerland by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, who were both skilled watchmakers. In the early years, Audemars Piguet focused on creating complications for pocket watches, earning a reputation for their precise mechanics. By the early 1900s, they had shifted towards wristwatches as mechanical watches grew in popularity. Throughout the 20th century, Audemars Piguet pushed the boundaries of horology with innovative designs and complications in their watches. Some of their most notable contributions include creating the first-ever minute repeater wristwatch in 1892 and inventing the concept of the tourbillon in a wristwatch in 1882. Today, Audemars Piguet watches represent the pinnacle of fine Swiss watchmaking.
Unmatched Craftsmanship and Precision
What truly sets Audemars Piguet apart is the incredible attention to detail and level of craftsmanship that goes into each watch. All Audemars Piguet timepieces, even their most basic models, feature intricate mechanisms hand-finished by talented watchmakers. The brand is known for utilizing advanced architecture and micro-adjustment techniques to achieve unprecedented levels of precision. For example, their self-winding movements are finely tuned so that each watch gains or loses no more than a few seconds per day. Their more elaborate complications like perpetual calendars or minute repeaters are finished to a tolerance measured in thousandths of a millimeter. Watch components also undergo rigorous quality controls, with Audemars Piguet rejecting any parts that don’t meet their extremely high standards. This dedication to perfectionism is what gives each Audemars Piguet watch its unrivaled performance and longevity.
Innovative Designs and Features
Throughout its history, Audemars Piguet has introduced many novel designs that revolutionized the watch industry. For instance, their Royal Oak collection from 1972 was a groundbreaking design as it featured a monobloc octagonal bezel constructed from a solid piece of stainless steel. This went against the grain at a time when precious metals dominated fine watchmaking. One of their most renowned innovations is the tourbillon escapement, which Audemars Piguet patented in 1882. More recently, models like the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon demonstrated Audemars Piguet’s relentless creativity in fusing modern materials like titanium and ceramics with intricate mechanical complications. Though rooted in tradition, Audemars Piguet timepieces also embrace new technologies to push design boundaries. An example is their use of experimental alloys like H4 and experimental case shapes on novel collections like the Code 11.59.
Iconic Models and Collections
Audemars Piguet is renowned for producing instantly recognizable watch designs that have become style icons. Perhaps their most legendary creation is the Royal Oak, launched in 1972. Known for its robust octagonal bezel with exposed hexagonal screws, the Royal Oak disrupted the watch world and defined luxury sports watches. Other classics include the Jules Audemars featuring a grand feu enamel dial and the Edward Piguet with its distinctive blued steel hands. Audemars Piguet also offers dressier collections like the Haute Joaillerie laden with diamonds. Recent icons include the Square Minute Repeater with its unique geometric case and California Dial watches bearing whimsical palm tree motifs. No matter the design, each Audemars Piguet collection aims to be a standout blend of innovation, luxury materials and peerless craftsmanship prized by aficionados.
The Prestige of Owning an Audemars Piguet
Part of the allure of Audemars Piguet is the immense prestige that comes with ownership of their watches. Having a timepiece from this hallowed brand immediately signifies the wearer is part of an exclusive circle appreciating the pinnacle of fine watchmaking tradition and heritage. Owning an Audemars Piguet also demonstrates astounding success, as their watches can easily sell for tens of thousands of dollars or more for special editions. Not only are Audemars Piguet watches conversation pieces, but they hold their high resale values remarkably well over decades. You may sell used Audemars Piguet watch, this makes them desirable assets to pass down through generations or to potentially sell later for a profit. With an Audemars Piguet on the wrist, the wearer joins a global community of connoisseurs recognizing these watches as works of horological art. It becomes a symbol of discerning good taste and membership in the top echelon of luxury collector enthusiasts.
Durability and Longevity
What truly sets Audemars Piguet apart from other luxury watch brands is the exceptional longevity of their timepieces. With generations of technical mastery and quality craftsmanship ingrained in their DNA, Audemars Piguet watches are engineered to last a lifetime and beyond with minimal servicing. Their movements use top-grade alloys meticulously finished to resist wear. Cases also undergo rigorous polishing, brushing, and controls to achieve scratch resistance along with pressure resistance up to 120 meters water depth. Even decades later, authentic vintage Audemars Piguet watches continue to tick with their precision intact thanks to their robust construction. With routine servicing every 5-10 years, Audemars Piguet timepieces actually gain value as they age gracefully. This makes them reliable heirlooms to cherish for generations. Their enduring quality also gives buyers confidence knowing an Audemars Piguet purchase is a sound long-term investment built to perform faithfully for decades.
Investment Value of Audemars Piguet Watches
Beyond enjoying the luxury and prestige, purchasing an Audemars Piguet watch can be considered a sound investment. Like fine art and classic cars, traditionally desirable Audemars Piguet models tend to appreciate substantially in value over time. This brand has a proven track record of watches increasing 2-10 times in worth a decade after production depending on the reference. Considered true collector’s items, special editions see some of the most dramatic gains. As examples, the concept watches Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin sold for $20,000 initially but now auctions for over $150,000. An original yellow gold Royal Oak “Jumbo” from the 1970s can sell for over $80,000 today compared to its initial $1,000 price tag. Audemars Piguet also produces limited series to fuel appreciation. Rarer vintage specimens are highly sought among aficionados, making Audemars Piguet an undeniably shrewd investment. Of course, watches should only be purchased if the owner appreciates this spectacular brand and not just for financial motives alone. Owning a collectible Audemars Piguet is its own reward.
Tips to find Authentic Audemars Piguet Watches
When shopping for an Audemars Piguet watch, it’s important to verify authenticity as this brand is frequently replicated. Deal directly with an authorized Audemars Piguet dealer for new watches still under factory warranty. Request paperwork and make sure serial numbers match case components. For vintage watches, carefully inspect casebacks and compare details to other authentic references. Ask for provenance documentation on older pieces. Use resources like the Audemars Piguet database to verify dates and specifications. Ensure the grade of materials matches the era the watch was produced in. Watch for inconsistencies – real Audemars Piguet watches are perfectly finished without flaws. Have a certified independent watchmaker authenticate timepieces before purchase if any doubts exist. With care and research, collectors can safely obtain authentic works of fine watchmaking to treasure for years to come from this legendary brand.
