Audemars Piguet watches are known for their classic style and strong presence in the luxury watch market. But what makes them stand out from other high-end watches?
The answer lies in several impressive qualities that define their excellence. Each watch is carefully made by skilled craftsmen who put their knowledge and passion into every small detail. From the precise movements to the beautiful finishing touches, Audemars Piguet watches represent unmatched craftsmanship.
These watches are famously expensive, unique, and sought after by collectors. If you're considering adding an Audemars Piguet watch to your collection, keep reading to discover 7 things you should know about Audemars Piguet watches.
1. Why Are Audemars Piguet Watches So Expensive?
Creating a watch is a complex task. A dedicated team spends a lot of time overcoming challenges while adding their unique touch. Today, skilled micromechanical engineers use computers to design watches and movements, a process that can take years, especially when aiming for something truly unique.
Developing watch movements is costly, involving significant investment for design, implementation, and extensive testing to ensure durability. Companies spend millions or even billions on creating new calibers.
Designing a watch case and bracelet may seem easier than making complex movements, but it has its challenges, especially when engineers face tolerance issues. Renowned brands like Audemars Piguet use high-quality materials that require extensive manual craftsmanship, adding to the overall quality and attention to detail.
Pieces like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon, made from platinum with a smoke gray dial, highlight the craftsmanship of Audemars Piguet watches. Its slim design makes it comfortable to wear and is considered one of the brand’s finest creations. Each bracelet link is crafted precisely, and the finishing is exceptional. Making a timeless watch like an Audemars Piguet can take anywhere from a few days to several months or even years.
2. Materials Used in Audemars Piguet Watches
Audemars Piguet stands out not only for its design and patterns but also for carefully selecting materials and crafting techniques used to make its watches. The brand utilizes a range of materials, including luxurious 18k gold, high-grade platinum, classic stainless steel, sturdy titanium, innovative ceramic, and even sporty rubber and carbon.
For example, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection is known as the sporty younger sibling of the original Royal Oak collection, which debuted in 1972. Take the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Grand Prix” edition:
This limited-edition watch (only 75 pieces were made) features a 44 mm platinum case and a striking blue and black dial with the brand’s iconic Mega Tapisserie pattern. The dial is protected by a black forged carbon bezel and secured on a black leather strap with a platinum buckle. Combining these premium materials and exceptional chronograph functions makes this one of the most sought-after Audemars Piguet watches available.
3. Why Audemars Piguet Movements Cost More
Luxury watches feature exquisite mechanical movements, often with a hefty price tag. These carefully crafted timepieces showcase the artistry and precision of skilled watchmakers. Each part is delicately assembled, with gears and wheels working together to ensure accurate timekeeping.
Limited-edition watches combine craftsmanship and luxury, attracting buyers who appreciate exclusivity. Explore high-end watches and experience the perfect mix of style, precision, and luxury.
4. Limited Edition Audemars Piguet Watches
When a brand produces watches in large quantities, the costs for tools and development are spread across each piece, making them more affordable. Even if creating a new watch costs a million dollars, the price per watch remains low, making it accessible to more people. However, Audemars Piguet's exclusivity comes from its limited production runs.
The limited numbers of Audemars Piguet watches increase their desirability, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The uniqueness of these watches also adds complexity to creating their parts, resulting in meticulous craftsmanship and higher production costs. These factors contribute to the reputation of Audemars Piguet watches as luxurious, expensive timepieces that embody artistry and precision.
5. A Team of Skilled Craftspeople Makes Each Watch
Creating a unique and timeless luxury watch is a significant task. It requires a highly trained team of watchmakers who dedicate their skills and knowledge to bring the watch to life. They work tirelessly for an entire year, infusing their passion into every detail. From the initial design to the fine decoration and finishing touches, every step is done with precision.
Finally, the mechanical watch undergoes strict testing to ensure it performs perfectly. This careful craftsmanship and attention to detail transforms these timepieces into functional accessories and lasting works of art.
Consider the careful work involved in hand-polishing hundreds of tiny watch parts under a microscope, where every brush stroke demands focus and precision. It’s a labor of love that takes time, patience, and skill from a team of expert artisans.
When thinking about buying an Audemars Piguet watch, remember the extensive efforts put in by this exceptional team. Each piece is carefully crafted and inspected to ensure only the best materials and craftsmanship are used.
The result? An extraordinary watch that tells time with unmatched accuracy and stands as a symbol of its makers' dedication and artistry. Owning an Audemars Piguet watch means possessing a piece of horological excellence and a symbol of timeless elegance.
6. Understanding Audemars Piguet Watch Prices
Given their craftsmanship, precision engineering, and beautiful design, Audemars Piguet watches are valuable despite their high prices. The attention to detail and use of top-quality materials make each timepiece a masterpiece, sure to be treasured for generations.
The brand itself also carries weight, symbolizing luxury and status. If the watch holds personal value, it can become a cherished heirloom representing exceptional taste and sophistication.
7. Popular Audemars Piguet Watch Styles
The Royal Oak immediately comes to mind when you think of Audemars Piguet. Launched in 1972 by designer Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak collection has become an iconic symbol of luxury, watchmaking excellence, and innovative design. With its unique octagonal shape, visible screws similar to those on a diver's helmet, and expertly crafted integrated bracelet, the Royal Oak exemplifies Audemars Piguet's commitment to advancing the art of watchmaking.
From the fine finishing of its brushed and polished surfaces to the intricate details of its dial, every part of the Royal Oak showcases the brand’s dedication to artistry and craftsmanship. It is a remarkable timepiece that captures the essence of timeless elegance and modern innovation.
Gerald Genta faced a unique challenge: to design a versatile watch for any occasion in just one day. He succeeded, inspired by the idea that if screws could seal a helmet's faceplate against water, they could do the same for a watch. This brilliant concept led to the Royal Oak’s immense popularity, with 90% of Audemars Piguet watches sold today being Royal Oaks.
Audemars Piguet watches easily attract attention, whether it's the classic 1972 Royal Oak, the stunning Tourbillon Chronograph Open-worked Royal Oak, or the elegantly crafted Audemars Piguet Code 11.59.
These remarkable timepieces are instantly recognizable due to their meticulous design, luxury appeal, unmatched craftsmanship, fine materials, and rich heritage spanning generations. With a perfect mix of elegance, sophistication, and unique charm, these timeless watches embody the ultimate dream for collectors worldwide.
Explore the 7 Things You Should Know About Audemars Piguet Watches at On Demand Luxe
In conclusion, Audemars Piguet watches are not just timepieces but works of art that blend luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation. Every detail, from their unique designs to the high-quality materials used, reflects the brand's commitment to excellence. Understanding the value of these watches can help you appreciate their place in the world of luxury horology even more.
If you want to add an Audemars Piguet watch to your collection or learn more about these incredible timepieces, On Demand Luxe in Miami is here to help. Our team is knowledgeable and passionate about luxury watches, ensuring you find the perfect piece that fits your style.
Contact us today to explore our collection and discover the world of Audemars Piguet!
