Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet history in brief

Founded

1875

Headquarters

Le Brassus, Switzerland

Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet founded the company in the Vallée de Joux, and it remains family-controlled. AP built its early reputation on complicated movements, but its defining moment came in 1972 with Gérald Genta's Royal Oak — an octagonal steel sports watch priced like gold. Initially controversial, the Royal Oak created the luxury steel sports watch category. Production is small relative to demand, at roughly 50,000 watches per year.

Signature Audemars Piguet models

• Royal Oak — The original luxury steel sports watch with its 'Tapisserie' dial and integrated bracelet.
• Royal Oak Offshore — A larger, bolder chronograph introduced in 1993.
• Code 11.59 — A round, more classical collection launched in 2019.

Tips for buying a Audemars Piguet

• ▸Steel Royal Oaks are allocated by boutiques to established clients; expect a wait or a secondary-market premium.
• ▸Verify any pre-owned Royal Oak through an independent watchmaker — high-quality fakes exist.
• ▸Code 11.59 models are far easier to obtain at retail and offer AP finishing at a lower relative premium.

Best for: Collectors who want one of horology's 'holy trinity' brands and the most influential sports watch design.