Want to know why luxury watches from Audemars Piguet are some of the most coveted pieces in the watch community?
If so, then this guide will give you a few reasons why.
Based on the fascinating history of Audemars Piguet, we found out where this famous Swiss watchmaking brand got its now prestigious name.
So today, we will learn about the advantages of owning AP watches (especially the Royal Oak wristwatch) and what makes the brand’s watches so special.
So if you want to know more about this topic, here is our detailed guide on why men should wear an AP watch.
Related: Audemars Piguet vs Patek Philippe
5 Reasons Why Audemars Piguet Watches Are So Special
To understand why Audemars Piguet watches are exceptional, here are the 5 advantages you can get in owning a luxury watch from the prominent Swiss watch brand.
#5. Audemars Piguet Watch Supply
Have you read our comparison of Patek Philippe and Rolex watches?
If so, you already know that one common denominator between these two brands is the limited watches they produce each year.
And that is also true with the Audemars Piguet.
In fact, the famous watch brand based in Le Brassus, Switzerland, only produces a maximum of 40,000 watches per year, a number far less than the tremendous demand for their timepieces in the current market.
Besides their timekeeping accuracy and complex movements, their limited production is also one of the main reasons why AP watches are generally more expensive than other luxury watch brands.
And as the demand for their watches grows, especially the most iconic and rare models, we can expect the prices to rise even further.
#4. Audemars Piguet Marketing
We can easily say that Audemars Piguet is a household name when it comes to creating in-demand watches in the market today.
And this amazing brand recognition is due to their brilliant marketing strategy.
Their most iconic luxury sports watch, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, has been worn by many prominent celebrities like Tom Cruise, Ed Sheeran, and John Mayer, which makes AP watches more coveted and highly desired by many.
They even teamed up with the GOAT, LeBron James, to create his own limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches.
Not only that, they also sponsored several events around the world to promote their timepieces.
Moreover, they collaborated with Marvel Studios to create the extremely rare Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon, an iconic timepiece loved by both fans of the celebrated superhero and serious watch lovers.
#3. Audemars Piguet Watches Retain Value
Another compelling reason to buy an Audemars Piguet is its ability to retain or even double its value in time, and this is due to the intricate movements Audemars Piguet’s watches have.
Since it was established, this brand has been known for creating highly complicated watches, such as the first skeleton watch, the first perpetual calendar wristwatch, and the first wristwatch with minute repeating movement.
This complex watchmaking mastery of the brand is still evident in the modern watches they released, like the new watch in the Code 11.59 collection.
Another example is the Grande Complication Royal Oak Offshore debuted in 1997.
It features a total of 23 complications, which include a moon phase indicator, a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a chronograph function, and more.
The more complicated the watches are, the more they are valued in the watch community, making these timepieces a valuable asset worth investing in.
#2. Audemars Piguet Design
The octagonal shape of the classic Royal Oak model cemented Audemars Piguet’s place as one of the leaders of the watchmaking world.
Its classic design became a timeless symbol of both elegance and sportiness.
But that didn’t stop there. Audemars Piguet continued to innovate the overall looks of their watches to match the new lifestyle and needs of modern men today.
They’ve released the Royal Oak Offshore Diver, a watch specifically designed for all water-based pursuits. And there comes the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, which offers the needed functionality for sports and car racing.
Besides using precious metals such as rose gold, yellow gold, or high-quality stainless steel, Audemars Piguet now offers a new innovative Royal Oak model made in full black ceramic (also available in white and blue).
This Royal Oak Offshore collection not only illustrates the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. But also demonstrates how elegance and adventure can coexist inside a single timepiece.
#1. Audemars Piguet Quality
It’s not only the design and watch movements that make Audemars Piguet watches special. As far as quality is concerned, they will surely live up to and even exceed your expectations.
Their watches are expensive to make and develop, which requires them to use high-quality materials and hire engineers and expert watchmakers who painstakingly create timepieces using their hands.
They invest time, effort, and meticulous attention to detail in every step of the watchmaking process.
Each watch they make is carefully tested before they release them from their workshops to ensure that every timepiece with an AP logo is made to the highest standard possible.
One example is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, which takes almost two years just to perfectly develop the case alone.
Why Do Collectors Love Royal Oaks?
#1. Story
All Audemars Piguet watches, such as the Royal Oak models, have a story of their own.
The concept of Royal Oak began when Georges Golay, managing director of Audemars Piguet, asked the legendary Gerald Genta to create a watch design that would save the company from the threat of bankruptcy due to the quartz crisis in 1970.
And after one day, at the Swiss Watch Show in 1971, AP and Genta presented the idea of creating a new watch made of stainless steel with an octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet.
Soon after the watch went into production in 1972, it instantly became a hit and became the iconic timepiece that we know today, the Royal Oak watch.
#2. History Of Excellence
Audemars Piguet was in a league on its own in terms of watchmaking experience and mastery of innovations. Since the time of pocket watches and grandfather clocks, Audemars Piguet has displayed ingenious Swiss design and quality.
And like their other watches, Royal Oaks alone has a rich history of excellence.
Since its launch in 1972, many Royal Oak references and variations have appeared over the years, which means that there are Royal Oak timepieces that will surely suit the tastes and preferences of every watch enthusiast.
And this history of excellence is proven by the fact that 90% of Audemars Piguet watches sold today are all Royal Oak models.
#3. Elegant Design
Based on the accounts, the design of the iconic Royal Oak watches was inspired by Gerald Genta from a diver’s helmet and the portholes of battle cruisers.
This elegant design revolutionized the luxury watch industry and instantly became one of the most iconic watches of all time.
And even though the design of these watches evolved almost every decade since it was released, Audemars Piguet ensures that the essence of the original stays intact.
Each iteration of this model is a testament to the brand’s devotion to preserving the classic design while embracing contemporary aesthetics and technological advancements of the modern age.
Should You Buy New vs. Pre-Owned
If you are going to buy a new Audemars Piguet watch, you are guaranteed that the timepiece you will receive will be in outstanding condition without any damage.
However, because of their limited production and strictly exclusive distribution, be prepared to be on a long queue of waiting lists, which may take months or even years before you receive the watch that you’ve pre-ordered.
So honestly, we prefer purchasing in the pre-owned market instead. Besides having a hassle-free transaction, you can choose from even more watch models that conform to your taste, style, and needs.
Benefits Of Buying Pre-Owned
#1. Price
One of the advantages you can get in buying an Audemars Piguet watch in the pre-owned market is a significant price discount for a high-quality timepiece.
Like other things, pre-owned watches are sometimes much cheaper than brand-new ones.
That is why investing in a pre-owned luxury watch can be a more stable investment compared to other luxury goods.
#2. Value
Audemars Piguet timepieces can preserve or even appreciate their value after some time, making them a popular investment option for many enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Their exclusivity and rarity in the market also play a crucial part in the value of every Rolex watch.
That is why investing in a pre-owned Audemars Piguet can be a more stable investment compared to other luxury goods such as cars.
#3. Quality
Even if it was a pre-owned watch, that doesn’t remove the fact that these watches are made by Audemars Piguet to the highest standard.
Brand new or pre-owned, we must remember that AP watches are not mass-produced, and master watchmakers of the brand spend a lot of time ensuring all of their timepieces can work for a significant amount of time.
With their quality, you are guaranteed that even if you buy the pre-owned, you are still getting a timepiece that can stand the test of time.
Advantages Of A Audemars Piguet – Conclusion
And that’s it!
Those are the reasons why many watch enthusiasts consider Audemars Piguet watches special. And with this guide, we hope that this inspired you to get a watch from AP someday.
And if you want to acquire one of them now, you can check out our article about some of the cheapest Audemars Piguet on the market today.
If you have questions, queries, or suggestions, feel free to leave us a message below.
