How to choose Audemars Piguet watch
Audemars Piguet: A Legacy of Stability and Tradition
Step back in time and explore the history of Audemars Piguet, one of the oldest watch companies in the world. Founded in 1874 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, this brand is still run by descendants of the original founders. While this may seem like a useless fact, it is a testament to the brand's commitment to stability and seriousness. It also adds a certain aesthetic pleasure to the ownership of an Audemars Piguet timepiece.
But there's more to Audemars Piguet than just its history. Here are four major things that set this brand apart from other Swiss watch manufacturers:
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100% Manual Assembly - Unlike most other watch manufacturers, Audemars Piguet fully assembles their watches by hand. They rely solely on the skill of the watchmaker and traditional techniques honed over the centuries.
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In-House Calibres - Audemars Piguet uses only their own in-house manufactured calibres, never relying on outside sources.
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Sporty Design - Audemars Piguet is the only haute horology brand that embraces a sporty design. With their large octagonal cases, screws on a wide bezel, and massive bracelets, these watches are instantly recognizable.
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Versatility - While Audemars Piguet watches have a sporty attitude, they are also versatile enough to be worn with a classic suit. The designers have managed to seamlessly blend elements of sports style into an elegant design that can be worn for any occasion.
And perhaps the best thing about Audemars Piguet watches is that they are not just for show. They are practical, stylish, and a worthy choice for those with well-established, refined tastes. So if you're in the market for a high-quality timepiece that will stand the test of time, look no further than Audemars Piguet.
How to choose a watch
Collections
Are you in the market for an Audemars Piguet watch, but not sure where to start? Let's simplify things: there are two main categories of AP watches - Royal Oak and non-Royal Oak. So, before you start thinking about functions and features, consider which one is right for you.
The Royal Oak line was first introduced in 1971 by renowned watchmaker Gerald Genta. The iconic octagonal steel design, complete with visible screws on the bezel and bracelet integrated into the case, has become synonymous with the Audemars Piguet brand.
If you're drawn to the sporty, original character of this famous model and crave a watch that exudes style and brand recognition, then the Royal Oak is the perfect choice for you. But, if you prefer a more classic look, then take a closer look at the non-Royal Oak collections.
No matter which Audemars Piguet watch you choose, you can be sure that you're investing in a piece of history and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Watch materials
Audemars Piguet revolutionized the watchmaking industry by introducing steel watches alongside traditional luxury gold models. This Swiss brand is renowned for its use of high-quality steel alloys, ensuring improved durability and wear resistance. Steel Audemars Piguet watches look no less luxurious than gold, especially when combined with sporty details.
When choosing among gold models, consider the beautiful combinations of rose gold with dark shades of a strap or dial. The white gold models are elegant and modest, while the yellow gold models are perfect for those who want to make a bold statement. The brand also offers non-classic materials such as platinum, ceramic, titanium, carbon fiber, and tantalum in its men's collections. Women's collections are more limited, but still offer a range of stunning options.
Audemars Piguet watches are designed for those who appreciate style, luxury, and quality. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of gold or the boldness of steel, there is a perfect Audemars Piguet watch for everyone.
Shapes and sizes
Audemars Piguet is known for their iconic octagonal case shape, which was first introduced with the Royal Oak model. The distinct shape of the case with clear edges is a defining feature of the brand, and can be found in many of their collections. In the men's lines, the case is typically more angular and bold, while the ladies' lines tend to have slightly smoothed edges for a more delicate look.
While the octagonal case is the most recognizable design element of Audemars Piguet watches, the brand also offers other case shapes such as round, oval, and barrel-shaped. These models can be found in classic collections such as Tradition, Millenary, and Classique. These watches are more traditional and less attention-grabbing than the brand's signature octagonal case.
Audemars Piguet watches are known for their large size, with the average diameter of a Royal Oak watch ranging from 39-44 mm. However, due to the wide bezel, faceted shape of the case, and other design elements, the watches can appear even larger on the wrist. If brand awareness is important to you, then opting for a larger size watch can help you stand out from afar. Audemars Piguet offers a variety of large sizes, up to 59 mm.
For those with thin wrists and narrow cuffs, it's worth noting that there are not many small elegant watches in the men's collections of the brand. The choice is limited to several models in sizes 33-37 mm. Audemars Piguet watches are designed to make a statement and are typically not intended for a subtle look.
In contrast, women's Audemars Piguet watches have a wider range of sizes available, with diameters within 30-40 mm and several non-standard sizes models - 27-28 mm or 41-45 mm.
Movements and functions
Audemars Piguet is known for producing watches with mechanical calibers, and the brand prides itself on assembling these calibers entirely in their own manufactures. Their selection of models includes both automatic and manual winding movements, which are often highly complex and spectacular. As a result, the case back of many Audemars Piguet watches is made of transparent glass, allowing wearers to admire the intricate workings of the watch.
In recent years, Audemars Piguet has experimented with single men's quartz models, although such models are more commonly found in women's lines. While these quartz-based watches may not demonstrate the skills of watchmakers, they showcase the skills of jewelers and watch designers.
As a manufacturer of haute horology field watches, Audemars Piguet creates models with a wide variety of complications, including a repeater, a tourbillon, a jumping hour, and a perpetual calendar. These complicated models can be found in both classic collections and in the brand's sports lines.
Audemars Piguet watches, especially the Royal Oak models, are frequently counterfeited due to their popularity and recognizable design. Identifying cheap imitations is relatively easy as they often have a second-hand movement that is not smooth, uneven inscriptions and marks on the dial, carelessly polished bezel, and screws arranged asymmetrically. Knowing general rules for determining fake watches might help in such situations.
However, high-quality fakes can replicate the appearance of the watch so precisely that even experts might find it challenging to distinguish the original Audemars Piguet from a fake. They might even have a mechanical caliber installed, making the second-hand movement indistinguishable from the original.
Several details can help spot a high-quality fake watch of this brand, but a good eye is required. First, examine the dial. It is difficult to identify a fake by inscriptions, marks, or numbers, but the AP logo in non-authentic watches is often painted incorrectly. The letters are evenly placed, and the inscription looks symmetrical. The original logo has the letter A placed a little bit lower than the letter P, giving the logo a slightly asymmetrical appearance. Pay attention to the date windows, which should have smooth numbers taking up all the space in the window and remaining still without moving up or down.
Turn the watch over and closely examine the back cover, comparing it to the original or looking at a photo of an Audemars Piguet watch on the official website. The case back of this brand's watches is quite complex, with engravings, transparent glass, long inscriptions, screws, and other elements. All details must be in their place and precisely similar to the original.
If you have not noticed anything questionable in the watch, it is still not a guarantee of its authenticity. Remember that the only reliable way to verify the authenticity of a watch is to show it to an experienced watchmaker from a proven salon.
What is the price of authentic Audemars Piguet watch
Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious Swiss watch brands, along with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. As such, it produces some of the most expensive watches in the world.
Prices for authentic Audemars Piguet watches start at around $10,000 for the simplest quartz models, while mechanical models with interesting designs can be found in the $15,000-$30,000 range. The most expensive Audemars Piguet watches can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000, and are typically highly decorative models studded with diamonds or featuring complex mechanical complications.
Some of the most famous and expensive Audemars Piguet models include the Edward Piguet Tourbillon Skeleton in a rose gold case, a limited edition of the Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar with an ultra-thin case, women's mechanical watches with diamonds from the Lady Royal Oak series, and Haute Joaillerie diamond jewelry watches.
If you're looking for a new original Audemars Piguet watch, you can expect to pay a minimum of $8,000-$10,000 for a quartz model from the women's collection or a classic watch from the Millenary or Classique series. For a Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore, expect to pay between $15,000-$20,000 for a wider selection of interesting models.
