Celebrating its 150th year in 2025, Audemars Piguet stands as a pinnacle of horological excellence, a name synonymous with innovation, artistry, and unwavering dedication to the craft. As one of the esteemed members of the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking, alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet has consistently redefined the boundaries of what’s possible in a wristwatch. From their historic roots in Le Brassus, Switzerland, to their contemporary mastery of complex complications and avant-garde designs, the brand’s legacy is built on a foundation of groundbreaking achievements.
Our Audemars Piguet Ultimate Guide aims to offer a simplified exploration of the brand’s rich history, iconic collections, and technical prowess, providing an insight into the world of this legendary manufacture. From the revolutionary Royal Oak to the modern complexities of the Code 11.59, join us as we navigate the diverse landscape of Audemars Piguet’s creations.
A Rich History and Heritage
Audemars Piguet’s story begins in 1875, nestled in the serene Vallée de Joux, Switzerland. Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, two passionate watchmakers, joined forces to create a manufacture dedicated to crafting complex and precise timepieces. Their early focus on grand complications, like minute repeaters and chronographs, laid the foundation for the brand’s reputation as a master of horological artistry. This dedication to traditional craftsmanship, combined with a spirit of innovation, has been the cornerstone of their enduring legacy.
The brand’s history is punctuated by significant milestones that showcase its pioneering spirit. Audemars Piguet was among the first to produce a minute repeater wristwatch and also championed the art of skeletonized watches, revealing the intricate mechanics within.
The quartz crisis of the 1970s posed a formidable challenge, but Audemars Piguet’s bold response—the introduction of the Royal Oak—not only saved the company but also redefined the luxury sports watch category. This daring move solidified their position as a visionary force in the industry.
Today, Audemars Piguet continues to honor its heritage while embracing contemporary innovation. The brand’s philosophy, “To break the rules, you must first master them,” reflects their commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. As a family owned company, they maintain their independence, ensuring that the legacy of their founders—a relentless pursuit of excellence and a dedication to the art of haute horlogerie—remains at the heart of every timepiece they create.
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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: A Revolution
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, with its distinctive octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, is the brand’s flagship model, defining the luxury sports watch category. It has become the cornerstone of Audemars Piguet’s catalog, heavily influencing the brand’s identity and driving its success.
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The Birth of the Royal Oak
In 1972, Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak, a timepiece that would forever alter the landscape of luxury watches. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, it was a bold departure from traditional dress watches. Inspired by a diver’s helmet, the Royal Oak featured an octagonal bezel secured by visible screws, an integrated bracelet, and a meticulously finished stainless steel case. This daring combination of industrial design and high-end craftsmanship created the entirely new category of the luxury sports watch, a concept initially met with skepticism but soon embraced as a stroke of genius.
The Royal Oak’s initial appeal stemmed from its audacious design and the sheer audacity of crafting a luxury watch from stainless steel, a material previously associated with tool watches. Despite its high price point, the Royal Oak quickly gained traction among influential figures and connoisseurs who appreciated its unique aesthetic and technical prowess. The watch’s integrated bracelet and case created a seamless, cohesive design, while the visible screws and octagonal bezel became instantly recognizable hallmarks, setting it apart from anything seen before.
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Variations and Evolutions: Royal Oak Offshore, Royal Oak Concept, and Royal Oak Self-Winding
Over the years, the Royal Oak has evolved into a diverse collection, encompassing a wide range of sizes, materials, and complications. The Royal Oak Offshore, introduced in 1993, brought a bolder, more robust aesthetic, catering to a younger audience. The Royal Oak Concept line pushed the boundaries of technical innovation, showcasing cutting-edge materials and complex movements. From classic self-winding models to intricate perpetual calendars and chronographs, the Royal Oak family has expanded to meet the varied tastes of collectors, all while retaining the core design elements that define its iconic status.
Limited editions and special collaborations have further enriched the Royal Oak’s legacy, adding to its desirability and collectability. The use of materials like titanium, ceramic, and forged carbon has showcased Audemars Piguet’s commitment to innovation. Each variation, whether a subtle refinement or a radical departure, pays homage to the original design while pushing the boundaries of what a luxury sports watch can be.
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Shop Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Watches
Impact on the Watch Industry
The Royal Oak’s impact on the watch industry is undeniable. It single-handedly created the luxury sports watch category, inspiring countless brands to follow suit. Its groundbreaking design challenged the prevailing notions of what a luxury watch should look like, proving that a sports watch could be both rugged and refined. The Royal Oak’s success demonstrated the demand for versatile timepieces that could seamlessly transition from casual to formal settings, a trend that continues to shape the industry today.
Beyond its aesthetic influence, the Royal Oak redefined the concept of value in watchmaking. It transformed stainless steel from a utilitarian material into a symbol of luxury, demonstrating that design and craftsmanship could elevate a watch to the highest echelons of horology. The Royal Oak’s enduring popularity and high resale value have solidified its status as an icon, influencing the design and marketing strategies of countless watch brands and cementing its place as a pivotal moment in watchmaking history.
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Other Notable Collections
Beyond the famous Royal Oak, the Audemars Piguet catalog is a testament to their long history of high horology, and contains some of the most iconic watches ever made. Here’s an overview of their primary collections:
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Jules Audemars
The Jules Audemars collection represents the classic and elegant side of Audemars Piguet, paying homage to one of the brand’s founders. These timepieces are characterized by their refined, understated designs, often featuring round cases and traditional complications. This collection focuses on showcasing the brand’s mastery of haute horlogerie in its most pure and timeless form, emphasizing precision and craftsmanship.
Within the Jules Audemars line, one finds a range of sophisticated complications, including perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and tourbillons. These watches are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing precious metals and showcasing the brand’s expertise in traditional watchmaking techniques. The collection is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s commitment to preserving the art of classic watchmaking.
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Code 11.59
The Code 11.59 collection, introduced in 2019, represents Audemars Piguet’s bold step into contemporary design and innovation. This collection aims to redefine the classic round watch with a complex case construction, featuring an octagonal middle case sandwiched between a round bezel and caseback. It also brought new movements and dial designs to the brand. This collection generated much conversation and debate within the watch community.
Code 11.59 features a wide range of complications, from simple time-only models to complex chronographs and perpetual calendars. The collection showcases Audemars Piguet’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, utilizing advanced materials and innovative movement designs. It is designed to attract a modern audience with its contemporary aesthetic and forward-thinking approach.
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Shop Audemars Piguet Millenary Watches
Millenary
The Millenary collection stands out with its distinctive elliptical case design and three-dimensional dials, offering a unique perspective on watchmaking. These watches emphasize artistic expression and architectural aesthetics, showcasing the intricate mechanics of the movement through off-center dials and skeletonized components. The collection is known for its visual depth and technical complexity.
The Millenary collection highlights Audemars Piguet’s ability to blend horological expertise with artistic creativity. It features a range of complications, often displayed in an open-worked format, allowing the wearer to appreciate the intricate workings of the movement. The use of various materials and finishes further enhances the collection’s unique character, making it a favorite among those who appreciate avant-garde watch design.
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Shop Audemars Piguet Remaster Watches
Remaster
The Audemars Piguet [Re]master collection, introduced in 2020, represents a fascinating bridge between the brand’s rich history and its contemporary design ethos. This line focuses on reinterpreting iconic vintage timepieces from Audemars Piguet’s archives, bringing them to a modern audience with updated proportions, materials, and movements. Each [Re]master piece is carefully curated to capture the essence of its historical inspiration while incorporating contemporary watchmaking techniques, thus creating a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.
The [Re]master collection is more than just a reissue; it’s a thoughtful reimagining. Audemars Piguet delves deep into its past, selecting timepieces that represent significant moments in its history. By maintaining the original design’s spirit while integrating modern advancements, the [Re]master series offers collectors a chance to own a piece of horological history with the reliability and precision of a contemporary watch. This approach provides a fresh perspective on the brand’s heritage, appealing to both vintage enthusiasts and modern collectors alike.
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Where to Purchase Your Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet watches can be acquired through two primary channels: authorized dealers (ADs) and the secondary market. Authorized dealers represent the brand directly, offering brand new watches with the full manufacturer’s warranty and after-sales service. These boutiques provide a luxurious buying experience, allowing customers to view and try on various models while receiving expert guidance. However, due to high demand and limited production, acquiring certain popular models through ADs can be challenging, often involving long waitlists and established relationships.
The secondary market, encompassing online platforms, auction houses, and pre-owned watch dealers, offers a wider selection of Audemars Piguet watches, including discontinued or vintage models.
This market can provide opportunities to find rare or highly sought-after pieces that are unavailable through ADs. Prices in the secondary market fluctuate based on demand, condition, and rarity, potentially offering competitive deals or significant premiums for certain models. However, it’s crucial “buy the seller” and ensure the trustworthiness and reputation of the retailer before you purchase.
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Audemars Piguet Ultimate Guide Final Thoughts
Audemars Piguet’s story is one of unwavering dedication to the art of haute horlogerie, a legacy built on innovation, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From the revolutionary Royal Oak to the contemporary complexities of the Code 11.59, each timepiece reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We hope this guide has provided you with a deeper appreciation for the world of Audemars Piguet.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a budding enthusiast, we invite you to explore our collection at Buy Best Quality Watches .com, or talk to our experts through (404) 814-1814 or info@swisswatchexpo.com.
Discover the artistry and innovation that makes Audemars Piguet a true legend in the world of luxury watches.
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