The world of luxury watches is rewarding for people who understand the market and know which brands to invest in. This way, they not only have a beautiful timepiece to wear but also a ‘nest egg’ that will grow in value over time.
One such brand is Audemars Piguet. Founded in the 19th century, this Swiss luxury watchmaker has established an outstanding reputation for precision, high quality, and fine craftsmanship. But what truly sets it apart from other luxury watches?
The answer is not one but encompasses a multitude of remarkable qualities that make Audemars Piguet so popular among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. These watches are legendary, expensive and extremely collectable.
This blog explores all the reasons that make Audemars Piguet a cherished treasure for collectors.
About Audemars Piguet
Watchmaking was a popular profession in 19th-century Switzerland. Two friends, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, discovered their shared passion for watchmaking. After realising this, in 1875, in Le Brassus, they decided to combine resources and create a joint brand: Audemars Piguet.
Initially, Audemars focused on the production and technical aspects of the watches, while Piguet supervised the sales and management. In 1882, Audemars Piguet created and released its first-ever timepieces under the brand name, and in the following ten years, it made approximately 1600 watches, with at least one complication, if not many.
The first breakthrough came along in 1892 when AP introduced the minute repeater wristwatch. Throughout the years, it continued to advance in the field of watchmaking, introducing innovative complications and renowned models.
Finally, the release of the ‘Royal Oak’ in 1972 marketed a new direction for Audemars Piguet. It was the first-ever luxury sports watch, and most importantly, it laid the foundation for the entire luxury sports watch genre.
Prior to the release of the Royal Oak, AP was struggling and needed something fresh to make a comeback in the market. Worried for the brand’s future, they called upon famous designer Gerald Genta, giving him the task of creating something new and exciting they could release. And, yes, it had to be finished overnight.
Despite some initial controversy, Genta’s design became a huge success and elevated Audemars Piguet’s reputation as an innovative visionary in the market.
Today, Audemars Piguet remains in the hands of the founding families and is independent and family-owned. Sitting alongside Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe in the Holy Trinity of watchmaking, Audemars Piguet is a key player in the luxury watch market, renowned for its lasting impact in the realm of horology.
Reasons Why Audemars Piguet Is A Popular Choice
1. Introduced a new era in design
Introduced in 1972, the AP Royal Oak brought a revolution in the industry with its striking design and integrated bracelet, symbolising luxury and innovation. The unique and unconventional design of the Royal Oak, crafted by legendary designer Gerald Genta, marked a turning point in watch design. Genta took inspiration from a diver’s helmet to design the octagonal bezel with visible screws. This daring move led to the introduction of the world’s first luxury sports watch and changed the horology landscape forever. The brand’s innovativeness also shines through the AP Royal Oak Offshore, released in 1993.
2. Mastered the art of superior craftsmanship
What fetches Audemars Piguet its collector status is its unmatched craftsmanship. The watches are easily distinguishable for their distinct designs and precision engineering. The brand only uses superior and premium materials like stainless steel, titanium, gold and platinum to craft the timepieces, exuding the highest level of quality. The ‘Grande Tapisserie’ dial pattern is AP’s signature style, showcasing the brand’s commitment to detail. You can easily identify when you see one.
3. Genius in innovative mechanics
Crafting an Audemars Piguet movement is no easy feat and involves hours of meticulous craftsmanship to ensure high-level precision and accuracy. There’s a dedicated team for crafting intricate AP movements that undergo meticulous testing to ensure longevity and quality. AP exercises full control by designing and manufacturing its movement, ensuring mechanical brilliance at all stages. In fact, this process often spans years, especially when the brand is trying to create something one-of-a-kind. Did you know that in 1892, the brand unveiled its first-minute repeater wristwatch, marking the beginning of horological excellence?
4. Releases limited editions and special versions
Audemars Piguet produces limited-edition and rare watches for special occasions such as anniversaries, special events or collaborations with celebrities. This limited production strategy helps the brand retain its exclusivity and high prices. By managing the production, the brand ensures there’s always more demand than supply in the market, thus preserving its value and appeal. Unlike mass production, Audemars Piguet pays great attention to curating limited edition pieces, including rare materials and unique designs, ensuring some pieces appreciate in value over time.
5. Significant history and heritage
The extensive history of Audemars Piguet justifies the incredible popularity of the watches. Founded in 1875 by Edward Auguste Piguet and Jules Louis Audemars, the brand boasts a rich legacy in luxury watchmaking and has several achievements tagged to its name. From launching the first-ever minute repeater wristwatch to developing the iconic Royal Oak, the brand has consistently stood at the forefront of horological invention. The Royal Oak demonstrated the brand’s commitment to innovation by breaking away from traditional practices. With such innovation in its history, the Audemars Piguet remains one of the leading watchmakers globally.
6. Ability to retain value
Over the years, Audemars Piguet has proven to be a fruitful investment as the watches tend to hold value and even appreciate over time. Due to their quality, unique designs, precious materials and durability, the watches are considered a smart investment. The Royal Oak Offshore, for instance, is an attractive choice as the watch is known to fetch significant returns upon reselling. Moreover, the Swiss Maison produces the watches in limited quantities, making them even more valuable to collectors. Collectors and enthusiasts are willing to offer extra for these watches, making them a valuable asset. This also makes the aftermarket for AP watches extremely robust.
7. A dream for every collector
Ever since its inception, Audemars Piguet has maintained an outstanding reputation for precision, high quality and fine craftsmanship. All these qualities are highly revered by collectors, buyers and connoisseurs, making AP watches a collector’s dream. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone new in the space, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is bound to capture your imagination. It boasts a timeless appeal and is a statement of your personal taste and style. Moreover, the brand’s extensive history of producing notable watches means that vintage Audemars Piguet watches are more desirable to collectors.
Parting Thoughts
Audemars Piguet’s reputation as an esteemed watchmaker makes the watches incredibly popular and sought-after by collectors and aficionados alike. From the iconic Royal Oak to its audacious complications, the brand has consistently shattered expectations and redefined what luxury watches can be. But it’s not just about technical and design mastery; the investment opportunities deeply resonate with buyers, making each watch a coveted piece.
As the brand continues to push boundaries, it remains a true symbol of the relentless pursuit of perfection, appealing to anyone who values craftsmanship and innovation.
