Audemars Piguet is a brand that combines the weight of history with innovation, and its attitude of constantly evolving has earned it the reputation of being one of the world's three greatest luxury watch brands, at the pinnacle of the watch industry.
They are the creators of the now-common stainless steel watch, and launched the original and top model, the Royal Oak, in 1972. They also sparked the boom in luxury sports watches, commonly known as ragspo watches, which continues to dominate the world.
The beginning of this revolution dates back to 1875. Founded by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edouard-Auguste Piguet, the brand took its name and became an independent company called Audemars Piguet. Audemars focused on movement development, while Piguet focused on sales, which helped spread the brand's name worldwide. Its history of developing the world's first minute repeater elevated it to the forefront of prestigious maisons.
In a world where luxury houses generally acquire or merge with larger corporations, Audemars Piguet is a rare and valuable brand that has remained family-run since its founding. Despite a lack of capital and unstable times, Audemars Piguet's ability to survive uninterrupted for nearly 150 years has allowed it to enjoy the brilliance of a top-class house.
Audemars Piguet's Features
Audemars Piguet is one of the world's three greatest watch brands and is also known as the "top watch." In 1972, at a time when thin, small, gold, and platinum watches were the norm, the 39mm stainless steel Royal Oak was born, ushering in the boom for "big, thick" watches, now dominated by brands like Panerai and Hublot. Not only was it large, but its high functionality as a sports watch also captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts.
The Royal Oak was designed by Gérald Genta, a watch designer who has worked on numerous famous watches, and is based on the porthole of the British Royal Navy ship, the Royal Oak. The octagonal bezel and case are secured to the caseback with hexagonal screws, and the dial features a delicate guilloched tapestry lattice.
As one of Switzerland's leading watchmakers, the family-run company has a strong reputation for its timepieces, while also embracing the concept of "harmony between tradition and innovation." Each watch is handcrafted by numerous artisans, with an annual production of approximately 40,000 pieces and a rich collection of 42 different movements.
Audemars Piguet's most popular models
The Royal Oak, the world's first luxury stainless steel sports watch, is undoubtedly Audemars Piguet's most representative model. The company's many series, including the Extra-Thin, Offshore, Jumbo, and Dual Time, are also attracting attention.
In 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore was released, a sportier and more powerful variant. As its name suggests, the Offshore boasts 100 meters of water resistance, a large case, and bold colors, earning it the nickname "The Beast." The original Offshore was designed by Emmanuel Guilloet, a 22-year-old Audemars Piguet employee who would later go on to design for Cellini and Harry Winston.
However, when it was first announced at Baselworld, there was overwhelming criticism from within the company that the stainless steel chronograph was too large and would not sell, and it is said that Gérald Genta, who designed the original Royal Oak, was furious, saying that the watch he had designed had been ruined.
