Buying Guide 101: Audemars Piguet’s 3 Most Popular Models

The giant corporations with proven expertise and rich history in the field of luxury often dominate the conversation about timepieces. Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe are definitely on the list. Alongside them is Audemars Piguet that offers watches with iconic designs. If you are planning to reward yourself with a luxury watch, you might want to consider buying from this brand. It is suitable for you if complex mechanisms with innovative designs fascinate you. It provides a wide range of watches that you can choose from.

Making purchase decisions is not as easy as it may seem. It does not happen instantly just because you reached your target budget. You are probably still uncertain about buying an Audemars Piguet watch. Well, continue reading to know more about the brand and its collections. Then decide for yourself if buying it is worth pursuing.

The history of Audemars Piguet

The childhood friends, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet founded Audemars Piguet in 1875. Both of them had experience in building movements and adjusting watches. Their journey was not easy since they faced a lot of hurdles and difficulties. The production of watches happened in Switzerland’s Valle de Joux. The company was doing well during its first few years in the watchmaking industry. Jules and Edward worked side by side to ensure that the production of watches was efficient and the sales were high enough. The hands-on founders and creative watchmakers made it possible for the company to create numerous prize-winning mechanisms. Because of this, they caught the attention of watch enthusiasts in Europe and America, consequently increasing their target market. This brand is one of the best watchmakers in the world. Compared to other brands, Audemars Piguet price proves itself as the most luxurious brand to ever step in the market.

Drawbacks faced by Audemars Piguet in 1920

It was all fun and games for Audemars Piguet until the New York Stock Exchange experienced a downfall in the 20th century. It resulted in a significant decrease in the company’s overseas sales. To add up to the already stressful situation, both the founders died after two years. Their descendants replaced their positions. The challenges faced by the company did not end there because, in the same decade, Wall Street Crashed. It resulted in a severe reduction in the company’s productive capacity.

Audemars Piguet survived all the fallbacks over the years because it availed the 10-year loan of 15 000 Swiss Francs. The company spent over two decades before it started to occupy its competitive position in the industry again. It became possible in the hands of Georges Golay, a businessman who introduced innovative models.

The Royal Oak: The model that saved the company

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak saved the company from bankruptcy. Just when people thought that the end was near for them, they released this unusual timepiece that watch enthusiasts greatly patronized. It had an octagonal bezel with 8 screws. The fact that the manufacturer made its famed integrated bracelet through hands was impressive. Over the years, Audemars Piguet improved the way it looked and made it sportier to appeal to the younger generation.

AP models to add in your wrist watch collections

As the company continuously innovated its watch models, its offerings became more diversified. It means that it is now capable of providing timepieces that suit a variety of tastes. Buying one for yourself is a solid choice nowadays because its value will appreciate over time. To cut the chase, below are the top 3 AP models you must know about.

Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph

This model became available when the company reached its 20th anniversary in 1993. It is larger than the older offshore models. Its diameter measures 42 mm which is 3 mm wider than the very first Royal Oak. It has a chronograph function that measures time periods. Blue rubbered pushers and crowns with a bracelet and case made of stainless steel make it more aesthetically pleasing. Its price is roughly over 20 000 USD. So if you prefer low-priced yet large wristwatches, then this one’s for you.

Jules Audemars Grande Complication

This model has multiple complications, namely split-seconds chronograph, moon phase display, minute repeater, and perpetual calendar. You must expect that the more complications a wristwatch has, the higher its price. You need to secure 400 000 to 800 000 USD for this kind of timepiece. The model with a white dial and yellow gold case comes at a cheaper price. While the ones with a platinum case and skeletonized dial demand a higher price. It is the best reward you can give to yourself because it symbolizes success and hard work. It took a lot of time and craftsmanship for each complication to exist.

Royal Oak Self Winding

This model can easily catch other people’s attention with its octagonal porthole design. It has a thin case and a high level of precision. The case materials you can choose from are stainless steel, rose, or white gold. Its case size also varies from 36 mm to 41 mm. In this way, you have the freedom to choose if you want a small or a large-looking wristwatch.

When it comes to its price, you must prepare 20 000 to 50 000 USD depending on the type of material and condition. The model with stainless steel case and gold bezel bracelet is the most affordable. The yellow gold model is the most expensive. If you are eyeing this wristwatch, make sure to choose the one that fits your budget.

In a Nutshell

You now know some of the options you can choose from as well as the history of the brand. The company never fails to introduce wristwatches with impressive designs amidst the challenges it faces. However, they all come with a price.

If you consider yourself an authentic watch collector, you will purchase one of Audemars Piguet’s models. Whatever watch you get from this brand will give you a high level of accuracy, precision, and quality.