Audemars Piguet is a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer that was founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in the village of Le Brassus, Switzerland. The company is known for producing some of the finest and most complicated timepieces in the world, and it has a reputation for innovation and excellence that has earned it a loyal following among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
The history of Audemars Piguet dates back to the late 19th century, when Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet were both apprentices at a watchmaking workshop in the Swiss town of Le Brassus. In 1875, they decided to go into business together, and they founded Audemars Piguet.
From the beginning, Audemars Piguet was committed to producing high-quality, handcrafted timepieces that were made with the finest materials and the latest technology. The company quickly gained a reputation for its attention to detail and its commitment to innovation, and it became known for producing some of the most complicated and accurate timepieces in the world.
Over the years, Audemars Piguet has continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking, and it has consistently introduced new and innovative timepieces that have set new standards for craftsmanship and precision. Some of the company’s most famous creations include the Royal Oak, a luxury sports watch that was introduced in 1972, and the Millenary, a line of watches that features a unique, oval-shaped case and an off-center dial.
Today, Audemars Piguet is considered one of the premier luxury watch brands in the world, and its timepieces are sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts from all over the globe. The company is still based in Le Brassus, and it continues to produce some of the finest and most innovative timepieces in the world, thanks to its dedication to quality and craftsmanship. So, Audemars Piguet is a brand with a long and rich history, and it is sure to continue producing some of the finest timepieces in the world for many years to come.
Audemars Piguet is known for producing a wide variety of high-quality, luxury watches, and some of the brand’s most popular models include:
- Royal Oak: The Royal Oak is a luxury sports watch that was introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1972. It is known for its octagonal bezel and its integrated bracelet, and it is considered one of the most iconic and recognizable watches in the world.
- Millenary: The Millenary is a line of watches that features a unique, oval-shaped case and an off-center dial. It is known for its distinctive design and its exceptional craftsmanship, and it is a popular choice among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
- Jules Audemars: The Jules Audemars collection is named after the co-founder of Audemars Piguet, and it features elegant, classic timepieces that are known for their precision and attention to detail.
- Offshore: The Offshore collection is a line of rugged, sporty watches that are designed to withstand the elements. They are popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, and they are known for their durability and performance.
- Code 11.59: The Code 11.59 is a relatively new collection that was introduced by Audemars Piguet in 2019. It features a unique, circular case and a bold, modern design, and it has already gained a loyal following among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is a luxury sports watch that was introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1972. It is known for its distinctive octagonal bezel, which is set with eight hexagonal screws, and its integrated bracelet, which is made of stainless steel or gold. The watch was designed by Gérald Genta, who was inspired by the design of a diving suit, and it was the first watch to be made of steel and to be sold at a luxury price point.
At the time of its release, the Royal Oak was considered a revolutionary design, and it quickly gained a loyal following among collectors and watch enthusiasts. In the years since its introduction, the Royal Oak has become one of the most iconic and recognizable watches in the world, and it is considered a classic among collectors.
Today, the Royal Oak is available in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel, gold, and titanium, and it is still one of the most popular and highly sought-after watches produced by Audemars Piguet. It is known for its durability, precision, and exceptional craftsmanship, and it remains a symbol of luxury and style.
Millenary
The Audemars Piguet Millenary is a line of watches that features a unique, oval-shaped case and an off-center dial. It was introduced by Audemars Piguet in the mid-1990s, and it is known for its distinctive design and exceptional craftsmanship.
The Millenary was inspired by a watch that was made by Audemars Piguet in the 1920s, and it was designed to be a modern interpretation of that classic timepiece. The watch features a round movement that is set in an oval case, which gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance. The off-center dial is positioned at the bottom of the case, and it is surrounded by a ring of diamonds.
Over the years, the Millenary has gained a loyal following among collectors and watch enthusiasts, and it has become one of the most popular and highly sought-after watches produced by Audemars Piguet. It is available in a variety of materials and styles, including stainless steel, gold, and platinum, and it is known for its precision, attention to detail, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Jules Audemars
The Jules Audemars collection is a line of elegant, classic timepieces that are produced by Audemars Piguet. It is named after Jules-Louis Audemars, who was one of the co-founders of the company, and it is known for its precision and attention to detail.
The Jules Audemars collection was introduced by Audemars Piguet in the 1980s, and it was designed to be a tribute to the company’s heritage and tradition. The watches in this collection are known for their classic, understated design, and they feature elegant, refined details such as guilloche dials, moonphase displays, and hand-engraved cases.
Over the years, the Jules Audemars collection has gained a loyal following among collectors and watch enthusiasts, and it has become one of the most popular and highly sought-after collections produced by Audemars Piguet. It is available in a variety of materials and styles, including stainless steel, gold, and platinum, and it is known for its precision, attention to detail, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Offshore
The Audemars Piguet Offshore collection is a line of rugged, sporty watches that are designed to withstand the elements. It was introduced by Audemars Piguet in the 1990s, and it has become one of the most popular and highly sought-after collections produced by the brand.
The Offshore collection was inspired by the Royal Oak, which is one of Audemars Piguet’s most iconic and recognizable watches. However, while the Royal Oak is a classic, understated timepiece, the Offshore is designed to be more bold and rugged, with a larger case and a more sporty design.
The Offshore collection is popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, and it is known for its durability and performance. The watches in this collection are available in a variety of materials and styles, including stainless steel, gold, and titanium, and they feature a range of complications and functions that are designed to meet the needs of active individuals.
Today, the Audemars Piguet Offshore collection is one of the most popular and highly sought-after lines of watches produced by the brand, and it is known for its durability, performance, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Code 11.59
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 is a relatively new collection of watches that was introduced by the brand in 2019. It is known for its bold, modern design, and it has already gained a loyal following among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
The Code 11.59 collection is named after the 11th hour of the 59th minute, and it is designed to be a reflection of the brand’s history and heritage. The watches in this collection feature a unique, circular case and a bold, modern design, and they are available in a variety of materials and styles.
One of the standout features of the Code 11.59 collection is its movement, which is visible through the openworked dial and the sapphire crystal caseback. The watches in this collection are also equipped with a range of complications and functions, including chronograph, tourbillon, and moonphase displays.
Overall, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 is a relatively new collection, but it has already gained a reputation for its bold, modern design and its exceptional craftsmanship. It is sure to continue to be a popular choice among collectors and watch enthusiasts for many years to come.
Some of the most expensive Audemars Piguet watches ever sold include:
The Audemars Piguet “Grand Complication” pocket watch, which was sold at auction for $4.7 million in 2012.
The Audemars Piguet “Royal Oak” wristwatch, which was sold at auction for $800,000 in 2018.
The Audemars Piguet “Millenary” wristwatch, which was sold at auction for $620,000 in 2016.
The Audemars Piguet “Jules Audemars” wristwatch, which was sold at auction for $570,000 in 2018.
These prices are for watches that were sold at auction, and it is possible that private sales of Audemars Piguet watches have achieved higher prices.
It is difficult to predict exactly what the future holds for Audemars Piguet, as the watch industry is subject to many different factors that can influence its performance. However, Audemars Piguet has a long history of innovation and excellence in the watchmaking industry, and it is likely that the company will continue to produce high-quality timepieces that are sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts.
In recent years, Audemars Piguet has focused on introducing new materials and technologies into its watchmaking process, such as ceramic and carbon fiber, as well as developing new in-house movements. It is possible that the company will continue to explore these areas in the future, in an effort to stay at the forefront of the industry and offer its customers the latest and most advanced timepieces.
Overall, it seems that the future looks bright for Audemars Piguet, as the company has a strong reputation and a proven track record of success. It is likely that the company will continue to be a leader in the luxury watch market for many years to come.
