Which is better, Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet watches? It’s hard to choose, right?
Both of these watchmaking manufacturers are great in their own respective ways. But the question of which is better is still debatable as of now.
Today we will help you further understand the difference as well as the similarities between these watchmaking giants. Just like our comparison of Rolex vs Patek Philippe watches.
We uncovered every angle of each brand in a point-on-point comparison and reviewed them for design, performance, and movements.
In summary, it was close, but after days of comparing, here’s what we found:
- Audemars Piguet offers better value and suits the modern man.
- Patek Philippe offers more elegance and suits the classic man.
We ultimately chose Patek Philippe as the winner, with the brand being great for veteran watch collectors.
Read along for our in-depth comparison between Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet watches.
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Patek Philippe Watches vs. Audemars Piguet Watches
Overall Design
These two brands both prove to us that they got what it takes when it comes to innovating a perfect blend of classic and modern design in their watches. However, there are differences between these two Swiss watchmakers.
Patek Philippe timepieces often offer extravagant and timeless designs, which became the identity of their luxury watches. Its complex complications add more elegance to its already stunning beauty.
On the other hand, Audemars Piguet watches are known for being trendy, sporty, and contemporary design. They offer a fresher and more youthful style, making them more desirable for modern gents of today.
But who will be the winner between Audemars Piguet vs Patek Philippe in terms of design? Well, the truth is, it depends on our personal preferences and how we carry our own style.
Performance
When it comes to performance, we can say that Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet’s timepieces are both sturdy and reliable.
But although they both create timepieces highly regarded for their performance, Audemars Piguet is much known for their tool and sports watches designed to withstand extreme environments. Making their luxury watches go-to pieces for men with active lifestyles.
But that doesn’t mean Patek Philippe is inferior in performance. It’s just that Patek Philippe focuses on creating complex in-house movements equipped with highly functional features that can perform tasks besides telling time.
Movements
If there is a notable common denominator between these two watchmakers, that will be their desire to develop highly accurate and functional watch movement.
Audemars Piguet has a long tradition of making some of the best openworked or skeleton movements. It started when they created the first skeletonized timepiece in history.
Meanwhile, Patek Philippe specializes in creating high-precision movements that power some of the most complicated watches ever made.
One example of this is the Grand Complication Ref. 5320G, one of their highly coveted models, and run by an in-house movement with numerous complications, including a perpetual calendar and moon phase indicators.
Patek Philippe Watches vs. Audemars Piguet Model Comparisons
Everyday Watches
When looking for an everyday watch, you must consider its versatility, comfort, and durability. Since this watch is designed for day-to-day wear, it should be versatile enough to complement your overall style effectively.
Here are the best watches from Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe that fit well in the everyday watch category.
Patek Philippe Nautilus vs. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding
| Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5811/1G-001 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Ref. 15550ST.OO.1356ST.06 | |
| Dimensions | 41mm diameter, 8.2mm thickness | 37mm diameter, 9.1mm thickness |
| Case Material | White gold | Stainless steel |
| Band | White gold Bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 120 meters | 50 meters |
| Caliber | Caliber 26-330 S C | Caliber 5900 |
| Movement | Automatic 45 hours Power Reserve | Automatic 50 hours Power Reserve |
| Retail Price | Starting at $66,800 | Starting at $26,400 |
Chronographs Watches
Chronographs are timepieces equipped with functions such as a stopwatch to measure and record time. They are specifically designed watches to help their wearer do specific tasks with ease and efficiency. This type of watch is commonly used by athletes and sports car drivers.
Here are two of the finest watches from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet with automatic movement chronograph functions.
Patek Philippe Nautilus vs. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
| Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph Ref. 5990/1A-011 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 26238CE.OO.1300CE.01 | |
| Dimensions | 40.5mm diameter, 12.53mm thickness | 42mm diameter, 15.3mm thickness |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Black ceramic |
| Band | Stainless Steel bracelet | Black ceramic bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 120 meters | 100 meters |
| Caliber | Caliber CH 28-520 C FUS | Caliber 4404 |
| Movement | Automatic 55 hours Power Reserve | Automatic 70 hours Power Reserve |
| Retail Price | Starting at $67,800 | Starting at $83,600 |
Dress Watches
A dress watch is specifically designed to be worn with formal attire. These watches are aesthetically elegant and designed to complement the overall appearance and style of the wearer in formal or professional settings.
There are many models from these brands which can fit into this category. For example, the classic Calatrava watches from Patek Philippe and Jules Audemars collection from AP.
But here are the finest pieces you should consider if you are looking for the best dress watches from these watchmaking brands.
Patek Philippe Grand Complications vs. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding
| Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 5327R-001 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Ref. 15510OR.OO.D002CR.02 | |
| Dimensions | 39mm diameter, 9.71mm thickness | 41mm diameter, 10.5mm thickness |
| Case Material | Rose gold | Pink gold |
| Band | Brown alligator strap | Black alligator strap |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters | 50 meters |
| Caliber | Caliber 240 Q | Caliber 4302 |
| Movement | Automatic 48 hours Power Reserve | Automatic 70 hours Power Reserve |
| Retail Price | Starting at $101,500 | Starting at $42,000 |
Diving Watches
A dive watch is specifically designed to withstand high pressure underwater. They are waterproof and are often equipped with functions to help track how long a diver was underwater and help the diver keep track of how much air was in the tank.
Here are two of our favorite watch models from these two brands.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut vs. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
| Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5168G-001 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Ref. 15720ST.OO.A009CA.01 | |
| Dimensions | 42.2mm diameter, 8.25mm thickness | 42mm diameter, 14.2mm thickness |
| Case Material | White gold | Stainless steel |
| Band | “Tropical” Composite strap | Gray rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 120 meters | 300 meters |
| Caliber | Caliber 26-330 S C | Caliber 4308 |
| Movement | Automatic 45 hours Power Reserve | Automatic 60 hours Power Reserve |
| Retail Price | Starting at $48,000 | Starting at $30,000 |
Watch Pricing
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is known for their expensive luxury watches. However, it is also one of the few watch brands which can retain or even double their price value over time.
This is because of their brand reputation, highly intricate complications, rarity, and very limited production.
In fact, some pre-owned watches from Patek Philippe have a higher resale value than certain Audemars Piguet watches.
And to give you an overview of how pricey this expensive watch may be, here is an updated Patek Philippe watch price guide.
| Category | Price |
| Grand Complications | Starting at $92,260 |
| Complications | Starting at $35,480 |
| Calatrava | Starting at $24,600 |
| Gondolo | Starting at $35,400 |
| Golden Ellipse | Starting at $34,070 |
| Nautilus | Starting at $34,890 |
| Aquanaut | Starting at $21,650 |
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet is one of the most famous Swiss watch brands in the world. As a member of the “Holy trinity” of the watchmaking industry, pieces from this Swiss watchmaker are often highly collectible and hard to find because of the long queue on the waiting list. This explains the high prices of their watches.
Even some of their entry-level watches are considered expensive, especially if you compare them to famous watchmaking brands here in the US.
If you want to know the retail price of their watches, here is an updated price chart for you.
| Category | Price |
| Code 11.59 | Starting at 34,300 |
| Royal Oak | Starting at $17,200 |
| Royal Oak Offshore | Starting at $29,000 |
| Royal Oak Concept | Starting at $169,000 |
Availability
Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe are considerably difficult to acquire due to the high demand and limited production. Getting a brand-new watch from these manufacturers would put you on a waiting list that can sometimes last for several years.
However, if you are determined to own a watch from them, exploring the secondary market is not a bad idea.
But if you are opting for this, just keep in mind that you shouldn’t be surprised if some models are priced significantly higher than their original retail price.
History
Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe are two watch brands that are both highly regarded for their fine watchmaking reputation and exceptional craftsmanship.
If you hear about the “Holy Trinity” of the watchmaking industry, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe are two of the three brands alongside Vacheron Constantin.
These prestigious watchmakers share the devotion and passion for horological innovations that lead to their unmeasurable contributions to the world of horology.
Patek Philippe’s history began when Antoine Patek and François Czapek established the company in 1839. They are known for their superb traditional craftsmanship and are company behind some of the most complicated watches in history.
Today under the leadership of the Stern family, Patek Philippe watches are still considered one of the highly desirable timepieces for many watch collectors.
On the other hand, the Audemars Piguet brand is known for its uniquely elegant designs, superior quality, and high-accuracy movements. Their history started when Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet established their workshop in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland.
They are best known for creating some of the finest sports watches in the market today, the Royal Oak Offshore collection.
Patek Philippe History Timeline
Here are some highlights from the history of Patek Philippe watches:
1839 – Patek, Czapek & Cie is founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek
1844 – Receives a bronze medal for his keyless winding at the Industrial Exposition in Paris
1851 – The company name becomes Patek, Philippe & Cie
1869 – Patek Philippe creates the first Swiss wristwatch that was made for the Countess of Hungary
1910 – Patek Philippe creates the “Duke of Regla” Westminster chime pocket watch
1925 – Patek Philippe creates its first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar
1944 – Patek Philippe wins a record number of first prizes for precision in the Geneva Observatory competition
1962 – A Patek Philippe tourbillon movement achieves the still unbeaten world timekeeping precision record for a mechanical watch at the Geneva Observatory
1997 – Launch of Aquanaut collection
2012 – Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Dubai
2018 – Launch of the World Time Minute Repeater Ref. 5531R
Audemars Piguet History Timeline
Here are some highlights from the history of Audemars Piguet watches:
1875 – Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet started working together in making watches
1881 – Audemars Piguet & Cie was officially founded
1892 – Created the first wristwatch minute-repeating movement, which was then sold to Louis Brandt & Frère (Omega SA)
1899 – Manufactured a ‘Grand Complication pocket watch with 7 complications, including grande & petite sonnerie, minute repeater, alarm, perpetual calendar and deadbeat seconds, chronograph, and split-seconds hands.
1921 – Developed the world’s first jumping-hour watch
1934 – Unveils the first pocket watch with skeletonized dial
1946 – Produced the world’s thinnest watch with 1.64 mm thick movement
1972 – Introduced the first luxury sports watch, the Royal Oak collection
1986 – Developed an ultra-thin automatic tourbillon watch with only a 5.3 mm thickness
1995 – Manufactured the first automatic ‘Grand Complication’ watch
2006 – Introduced the first direct-impulse escapement
2008 – Developed the first watch with a carbon case and carbon movement
2015 – Introduced the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher
2019 – Introduced the world’s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar watch
2021 – Audemars Piguet collaborates with Marvel to create the limited edition Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther”.
Brand Champions and Product Marketing
These two brands are famous for their iconic watches that are loved and cherished by both men and women in the watch community.
In fact, their exquisite timepieces are the go-to watches of many celebrities and famous people because of their understated elegance, quality, and precision.
However, in terms of what is more fashionable, AP watches are slightly ahead of Patek Philippe watches, thanks to high-profile celebrity ambassadors such as Jay-Z, Lebron James, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who have their own version of Royal Oak watches designed by legendary Gerald Genta.
But when we talk about prestige, we will give our vote for Patek Philippe’s high-end watches.
Why?
This is because this Swiss watchmaking manufacturer doesn’t even have any watch ambassadors but still manages to dominate the market all because of their timeless design and high precision movements.
This is evident even in the watch’s price value. Patek Philippe’s most popular watches often have a higher resale value than other watch brands in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on your personal preference. Patek is more elegant, while AP is more modern.
No, on average Patek Philippe watches are more expensive.
Rolex is Patek Philippe’s competitor and not Audemars Piguet.
Patek Philippe Vs Audemars Piguet – Conclusion
There you have it! That is the head-to-head comparison of Audemars Piguet vs Patek Philippe watches. We hope this guide can help you pick the best timepiece that would suit your preference and lifestyle.
And if you want to have a luxury watch but don’t have enough budget, worry no more. You can check out our article about the cheapest Patek Philippe timepieces here.
