Audemars Piguet
Few names in watchmaking are as instantly recognizable — or as daring as Audemars Piguet. Makers of the Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and Code 11.59, AP is one of the most repsected and revered names in luxury watches. Since 1875, the brand has continuously pushed boundaries, balancing bold design with the kind of traditional Swiss craftsmanship that remains untouched by time.
AP Watch Reviews
Audemars Piguet: Bold Design, Timeless Craftsmanship
Long before the Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet had already built a formidable reputation among collectors and connoisseurs for its technical mastery and refined complications. Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, the brand specialized in minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, and chronographs - handcrafted mechanical marvels that stood alongside the finest creations of Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. By the mid-20th century, Audemars Piguet had established itself as a discreet but deeply respected name in haute horlogerie.
Then came 1972 - the year that changed everything. The Royal Oak, introduced that year, shocked the industry with its Gerald Genta-designed angular case, integrated bracelet, and exposed screws - a luxury steel sports watch at a time when gold dominated. The Royal Oak Offshore took that spirit further in the 1990s, amplifying everything - size, presence, and attitude - to meet a new generation of collectors. And with the Code 11.59, Audemars Piguet once again proved it can reinvent itself, blending contemporary aesthetics with serious watchmaking substance.
Beyond Design: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
But Audemars Piguet isn’t just about design - it’s about dedication to the art of haute horlogerie. From their Le Brassus workshops come some of the most intricate calibres ever made, featuring perpetual calendars, tourbillons, and minute repeaters. Every detail, from the hand-finishing of a case edge to the brushed and polished facets of a bracelet link, reflects a commitment to excellence that few brands can match.
The Collector’s Market
In today’s pre-owned and vintage market, Audemars Piguet enjoys almost cult-like demand. Early Royal Oak references have become icons in their own right, while limited editions and discontinued models continue to climb in value. Availability at retail remains extremely limited - a testament to both the brand’s exclusivity and enduring appeal.
Whether you’re drawn to the sharp geometry of the Royal Oak, the muscular stance of the Offshore, or the refined modernity of the Code 11.59, Audemars Piguet represents the ultimate expression of confidence in watch form.