Audemars Piguet, often called AP, is one of the most respected and admired luxury watch brands in the world. Even if someone doesn’t consider themselves a watch expert, they usually recognize the name.
AP has built its reputation on bold designs, innovative engineering, and truly exceptional craftsmanship. If you’ve ever wondered why Audemars Piguet watches are so admired—or why they command such high prices—this blog will walk you through the 7 important things you should know before buying, collecting, or simply appreciating Audemars Piguet watches.
1. Audemars Piguet Has a Long and Proud History
One of the main reasons Audemars Piguet stands out is its deep heritage. The brand was founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, by two young watchmakers—Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet.
What makes their story special is that the company has stayed family-owned ever since. This is rare in today's luxury watch world, where big corporations own many iconic brands.
From the very beginning, Audemars Piguet focused on creating complicated, high-quality mechanical watches. They weren’t interested in mass production or shortcuts. Instead, they remained loyal to traditional Swiss craftsmanship and, over the decades, became known for pushing boundaries in both design and technology.
This long history and family tradition add emotional value to every AP watch. When you wear one, you’re not just wearing a luxury timepiece—you’re wearing a piece of watchmaking heritage that has stayed true to its roots for almost 150 years.
2. The Royal Oak Completely Transformed the Luxury Watch Industry
If there’s one model that made Audemars Piguet a household name, it’s the Royal Oak. Before the Royal Oak was released in 1972, luxury watches were typically made of precious metals like gold or platinum. Stainless steel was not considered premium.
Then came AP’s bold idea—a luxury sports watch made entirely of stainless steel, priced higher than some gold watches at the time. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak introduced a brand-new look and attitude to the watch world. Its octagonal bezel, exposed screws, integrated bracelet, and sporty feel created an entirely new category: the luxury sports watch.
At first, people were shocked. But soon, it became one of the most iconic watches ever made. Today, the Royal Oak is the foundation of AP’s identity and one of the most sought-after watches globally. If you ever see someone wearing a Royal Oak, it’s instantly recognizable—even from across the room.
3. Audemars Piguet Watches Are Hand-Finished With Extreme Detail
Another thing you must know about Audemars Piguet is their absolutely unmatched finishing. AP watches are not just assembled—they are hand-finished using traditional techniques that take hours, sometimes even days, per watch.
From the polished bevels to the brushed surfaces and intricate engravings, AP watches are full of artistic detail. The brand is known for mastering techniques like:
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Côtes de Genève (Geneva stripes)
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Polished chamfers
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Perlage (circular graining)
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Hand-polished screw heads
Even parts of the movement that you can’t see are finished beautifully. This is what separates an authentic luxury watch from a regular high-quality one. When you buy an AP, you’re not just paying for materials—you’re paying for the hundreds of hours skilled artisans dedicate to making every piece perfect.
This level of craftsmanship is one of the reasons why collectors admire AP so much. Each watch feels like a handmade piece of art.
4. AP Movements Are Some of the Best in the World
Audemars Piguet is known not only for its design and finishing—they’re also masters of mechanical engineering. Their watch movements are among the most respected in the industry. AP is famous for creating extremely complex mechanisms, including:
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Perpetual calendars
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Minute repeaters
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Dual time and world time watches
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Tourbillons
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Chronographs
One of their most outstanding achievements is the ultra-thin movement. In fact, AP is responsible for some of the thinnest self-winding movements ever made. Ultra-thin watches may look simple, but the engineering behind them is incredibly challenging. It requires shrinking components without losing accuracy or durability—something AP has mastered.
Many watch lovers believe that AP belongs to the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking, alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, mainly because of the remarkable quality of its movements.
5. Not All AP Watches Are Easy to Buy—Many Are Extremely Hard to Get
If you’ve ever tried buying an Audemars Piguet directly from a boutique, you probably know it’s not as simple as walking in and purchasing one. Many models, especially from the Royal Oak line, have extremely long waitlists.
In fact, some collectors wait months or even years to get certain models. This limited availability comes from AP’s production philosophy. Unlike many luxury watch brands that manufacture hundreds of thousands of watches per year, AP produces only around 50,000 annually.
That might sound like a lot, but demand is far higher than supply. This scarcity makes AP watches:
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More desirable
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More collectable
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And often more valuable on the secondary market
Some models, especially limited editions, have become incredibly valuable over time.
So, if you’re planning to buy an AP, be prepared for the process. It’s not always simple—but that’s part of what makes the brand special.
6. Audemars Piguet Watches Hold Their Value Exceptionally Well
While no luxury watch should be purchased solely as an investment, it’s still important to know how well a watch retains value. Audemars Piguet is considered one of the strongest luxury brands in the resale market, especially for models like:
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Royal Oak
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Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
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Royal Oak Self-Winding
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Limited edition collaborations
The combination of high demand, limited production, and iconic design helps AP maintain strong value over time. Some models even appreciate in value, depending on market trends.
However, it is essential to note that the luxury watch market can fluctuate. Value retention depends on many factors:
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Condition of the watch
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Original box and papers
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Model rarity
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Market demand
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Whether it’s a discontinued model
Still, compared to many other luxury brands, AP remains one of the better options if you want something that will hold its value well over the years.
7. AP Watches Are More Than Just Timepieces—They Represent Art, Status, and Innovation
At the end of the day, an Audemars Piguet is not just a timepiece. It represents a lifestyle, a passion, and a level of appreciation for true craftsmanship. People who choose AP usually admire:
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Bold and unique designs
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Handcrafted watchmaking
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Technical innovation
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Artistic details
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Mechanical excellence
The brand appeals to those who don’t just want a luxury watch—they want something that stands out and makes a statement.
Audemars Piguet is often seen on the wrists of celebrities, athletes, musicians, and entrepreneurs. But what truly sets the brand apart is that, even amid all the attention, it remains deeply connected to its roots in craftsmanship and quality.
Each watch is a combination of tradition and modern creative expression. The blend of history, innovation, and individuality makes AP watches truly special.
Final Thoughts: 7 Things You Should Know About Audemars Piguet Watches
Audemars Piguet is a brand that blends tradition, creativity, and mechanical mastery. Whether you're drawn to the iconic Royal Oak, fascinated by the complex movements, or simply appreciate finely crafted luxury, AP watches offer something genuinely meaningful.
If you're considering buying an Audemars Piguet, understanding these 7 key points will help you make a more confident, informed decision.
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