Audemars Piguet
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Audemars Piguet
The Founder
History
Iconic Models and Watches
Frequently Asked Questions
AP watches are popular due to their exceptional quality, innovation, bold design, limited production, and heritage. The brand has produced watches for royalty, celebrities, and other high-profile individuals, cementing its reputation as a symbol of prestige and exclusivity.
The Royal Oak’s iconic status results from its innovative design, exceptional quality, exclusivity, enduring popularity, and cultural significance. It has remained a highly sought-after timepiece for many years and has proven to be a lasting symbol of luxury and sophistication.
The cost of a new entry-level AP watch typically begins at approximately US$20,000 to US$25,000, while more intricate and exclusive models may exceed US$1 million in price. It is important to remember that pricing may fluctuate significantly depending on various factors, such as scarcity, condition, and historical significance.
AP is known for producing bold and distinctive watches, and many of their models feature larger case sizes. While they now offer smaller case sizes, they remain committed to their signature statement-making style.
The hardest AP watch to buy depends on several factors, such as demand, availability, and production volume. The Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin in steel is highly sought after for its iconic design, while the Royal Oak Offshore “Safari” features a distinctive dial and bezel. Other challenging models to secure include the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and the Royal Oak Concept.
AP’s Code 11.59 collection breaks with the brand’s traditional watch designs by featuring a more contemporary and avant-garde aesthetic. The collection includes a variety of complications and features, including chronographs, perpetual calendars, and open-worked dials.
AP’s watch movements feature a range of unique complications, including minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, and tourbillons. The brand is known for its innovative approach to watchmaking, and its movements are highly regarded for their precision and reliability.
The waitlist time for an AP watch varies depending on the model and demand. Highly exclusive models may have waitlists of 5-8 years, while less exclusive models may be available immediately or within a few months of placing an order.
AP watches are highly sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts, with their desirability contributing to the increasing value of their timepieces. However, it’s important to note that not everyone shares this appreciation, and past performance does not guarantee future returns. As such, it is highly recommended that prospective watch investors conduct thorough research before making any purchase decisions.
At Wristcheck, we employ a rigorous and thorough authentication process to ensure the authenticity of every watch we sell. Our Swiss-trained watch specialists meticulously examine every detail of the watch to ensure that it meets our high standards. We offer authentication services for watches, and our Wristcheck grading system provides an additional level of assurance to our customers. To have your watch authenticated and graded by our experts, please contact us to book an appointment.
AP provides a warranty period of two years from the date of purchase for all new AP watches. In addition, Wristcheck offers a 12-month warranty for each eligible watch, on top of any remaining Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) warranty that may apply.
The Royal Oak collection is one of AP’s most iconic and recognizable designs, featuring a distinctive octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. Some popular watches in this family include the Royal Oak 15400ST.OO.1220ST.01, the Royal Oak 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01, and the Royal Oak Extra-Thin 15202ST.OO.1240ST.01.
The Royal Oak Offshore collection is a more sporty and rugged version of the Royal Oak, featuring a larger case and more aggressive design elements. Some popular watches in this family include the Royal Oak Offshore Diver 15710ST.OO.A002CA.01, the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26400SO.OO.A002CA.01, and the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph 26421ST.OO.A002CA.01.
The Royal Oak Concept collection showcases AP’s cutting-edge technology and avant-garde design, featuring innovative materials and complex mechanisms. Some popular watches in this family include the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT 26589IO.OO.D002CA.01, the Royal Oak Concept Carbon 26265FO.OO.D003CU.01, and the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher 26221FT.OO.D002CA.01.
The Jules Audemars collection is named after one of the AP’s founders and showcases traditional watchmaking techniques and elegant designs. Some popular watches in this family include the Jules Audemars Selfwinding 15180OR.OO.A002CR.01, the Jules Audemars Extra-Thin 15180BC.OO.A002CR.01, and the Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar 26564IC.OO.D002CR.01.
The Millenary collection is known for its distinctive oval case and unconventional dial layout, showcasing AP’s creativity and innovation. Some popular watches in this family include the Millenary Frosted Gold Philosophique 77244BC.GG.1272BC.01, the Millenary Hand-Wound 4101OR.OO.01, and the Millenary Minute Repeater 26371TI.OO.D315CR.01.
Celebrities known for wearing AP include LeBron James, Jay-Z, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Serena Williams, and many more. Jay-Z has even collaborated with the brand.
Not only because of materials like gold, platinum, and advanced alloys, but because each timepiece has complex movements that require advanced horological expertise. This dedication to craftsmanship leads to limited production, increasing exclusivity. Collectively, these factors elevates the brand's prestige and makes owning an AP a luxury, justifying the premium price.
The Royal Oak Offshore models are a gateway for those looking to own an AP watch without venturing into the higher price points of the flagship collections.
AP is one of the few remaining independent, family-owned watchmaking companies in the world. The brand is still owned by the descendants of the original founding families, the Audemars and Piguet families.
According to a Business of Fashion interview with its CEO, AP produces approximately 40,000 watches annually. This limited production reflects the brand's commitment to the quality of each watch.
You sure can. Try on and purchase an Audemars Piguet watch in Hong Kong at Wristcheck’s boutique shop in Central. Make an appointment now.
With no import duties and no sales tax, Hong Kong is a popular destination for purchasing luxury watches like Audemars Piguet at a low price.
Yes, Audemars Piguet is generally more expensive than Rolex, due to its complexity, exclusivity, and use of high-end materials. However, this also depends on the model as well.
This will depend on the individual's taste. Rolex can have a more classic look, whilst Audemars Piguet can have a more unique look.
Audemars Piguet (AP) watches are generally more expensive than Cartier watches. AP is known for its high-end, intricate watch mechanisms and exclusivity, particularly in the Royal Oak line, which typically command higher prices than most Cartier models. Cartier offers a range of luxury watches that are often more accessible in terms of price.
This depends on the individuals taste. Rolex tends to have a more classic look, whilst Audemars Piguet can have a more unique look to it.
Patek Philippe is generally more expensive than Audemars Piguet.
The best-selling watch of Audemars Piguet is the Royal Oak. Introduced in 1972 and designed by Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak is famous for its distinctive octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, making it an iconic symbol of the brand.
Whether Audemars Piguet (AP) is "nicer" than Rolex depends on personal taste.
Determining whether Patek Philippe is "better" than Audemars Piguet (AP) depends on what aspects you value in a watch.
Audemars Piguet watches generally retain or even increase in value over time, particularly popular models like the Royal Oak.
The most sought-after model within the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak line is the Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin, particularly the reference 15202. This model closely resembles the original Royal Oak design by Gérald Genta from 1972, known for its ultra-thin case and the iconic "Tapisserie" pattern on the dial. Collectors highly value the 15202 for its heritage, design fidelity to the original, and its exceptional craftsmanship.
The most popular color for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is typically the blue dial. This color is especially favored in the classic Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin models, such as the reference 15202. The blue dial versions are highly sought after for their striking looks and the way they highlight the Royal Oak's signature "Tapisserie" pattern, making them a top choice among collectors and enthusiasts.
No, Richard Mille watches are generally more expensive than Audemars Piguet.