A Guide to Audemars Piguet Watches

Audemars Piguet sits comfortably but somewhat covertly among the elite names in Swiss luxury watchmaking, celebrated for its technical mastery and enduring style. The family-owned house has remained fiercely independent, which is rather a rarity in the industry. However, this independence has allowed Audemars Piguet to preserve its founding traditions and the spirit of innovation and meticulous craftsmanship that define the brand.

^{Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time Tantalum}

^{Sold for £24,000}

In addition to its prestige, what sets Audemars Piguet apart is the brand's commitment to exclusivity. The firm famously limits its annual production to roughly 40,000 pieces, a figure dwarfed by its competitors'. This scarcity ensures that each AP watch is not just an accessory, but a symbol of refined taste recognised only by ‘those in the know’. To wear an Audemars Piguet watch is to make a statement to a select few who truly appreciate what goes into each timepiece.

Audemars Piguet's story is one of perpetual innovation. The brand is credited with a series of industry-defining breakthroughs such as the world's first minute-repeating wristwatch movement in 1892, reviving the skeleton watch in 1934, and innovations of the perpetual calendar and integrated chronograph functions. Such complications, now considered unremarkable in haute horology, helped set new standards for excellence at the time.

^{A Rare Platinum Audemars Piguet Royal Oak}

^{Sold for £15,000}

Perhaps the most prestigious collection from Audemars Piguet is the Royal Oak. Launched in 1972, this groundbreaking model was conceived overnight by legendary designer Gérald Genta, who was famously tasked to create ‘an unprecedented steel watch’ before the Basel watch fair. The resulting octagonal bezel, echoing a ship's porthole, secured by exposed screws reminiscent of an old-fashioned diving helmet, and a fully integrated strap, caused quite a stir at its unveiling, when gold dominated the luxury market. The Royal Oak's revolutionary design immediately set it apart, making it an icon that has secured the brand's legacy while setting a new direction for the industry.

Following the Royal Oak's success, Audemars Piguet introduced the bolder, sportier Royal Oak Offshore, embraced by modern collectors for its robust proportions while retaining the recognisable DNA of the original. The brand's other collections, including the contemporary Code 11.59, the futuristic Royal Oak Concept, the refined Jules Audemars, and the eye-catching and off-centre Millenary, demonstrate the brand's ability to marry the tradition of Swiss watchmaking with avant-garde design.

^{Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Rose Gold}

^{Sold for £15,000}

Audemars Piguet's allure reaches far beyond watch enthusiasts. Worn by royalty, Hollywood stars, and hip-hop legends, AP watches remain coveted not only for their technical merit but for their aura of rarity. Their value often appreciates over time, especially for limited models in immaculate condition, regularly serviced, and complete with the original box and papers.  

Dawsons Auctioneers have over 20 years of experience selling Audemars Piguet, achieving high prices at auction with expert appraisal and bespoke marketing. Our expert team understands the market demand for AP watches and can make informed valuation estimates. Additionally, should your watch be valued at over £1000, you will pay no seller's fees if it is successfully sold at one of their auctions – meaning you get 100% of the hammer (auction sale price).

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Buy or sell your Audemars Piguet watch with Dawsons

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