Audemars Piguet
The break with convention from the Vallée de Joux
In 1972 Audemars Piguet redefined what a luxury watch could be with the Royal Oak. To this day the house in Le Brassus remains family-owned — one of the few manufactures to have turned a single design idea into its own identity.
The evolution of Audemars Piguet
In 1875 Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet founded their workshop in Le Brassus, in the Vallée de Joux. Both came from watchmaking families in the region and specialised early in complicated movements: perpetual calendars, split-seconds chronographs, minute repeaters.
1972 marked the turning point. At the Basel watch fair AP presented the Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta: an octagonal steel case with eight visible screws, an integrated bracelet and a tapisserie dial. Its price exceeded that of many gold watches. The industry reacted with disbelief — the market proved it right over the following years.
In 1993 the Royal Oak Offshore expanded the idea into something larger and more robust. In 2019 came Code 11.59, an attempt at a second independent line with a round case and octagonal centre.
Audemars Piguet remains owned by its founding families and, compared with larger houses, produces in modest numbers. The shift from a dealer network towards its own boutiques has further tightened availability on the primary market.
- Founded
- 1875 in Le Brassus
- Headquarters
- Vallée de Joux, Switzerland
- Founders
- Jules Louis Audemars, Edward Auguste Piguet
- Owner
- Founding families
- Milestone
- Royal Oak, 1972
- Signature
- Octagonal bezel, tapisserie dial
What matters with Audemars Piguet
- 01
The Royal Oak carries almost the entire secondary market for the brand. Steel references and limited anniversary editions are particularly sought after.
- 02
The integrated bracelet is a critical value factor at AP: stretched links or an over-polished bracelet end are difficult and costly to correct.
- 03
On rose gold models, close attention to edge sharpness pays off. The transitions between satin-finished and polished surfaces are the true hallmark of quality.
Audemars Piguet at Predeluxe
Questions about Audemars Piguet?
Book a complimentary live call with our specialists. We will explain the process, answer detailed questions and guide you in your decision — regardless of whether the piece is currently available.
We purchase Audemars Piguet — discreetly, verified and at fair market terms.
Send us a few details about your watch. You will typically receive an initial assessment from our experts in Zurich and Dubai within 24 hours.