Like the majority of the finest watch brands, Audemars Piguet - also referred to as AP - originated in Switzerland; more precisely in Vallée de Joux, a region famed for its production of complicated watch movements. It was here that Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-August Piguet founded the company in 1875. Since its start the ultra-luxury brand has expanded globally, now having a worldwide presence in 88 countries and running three production sites in Switzerland: Le Brassus, Le Locle and Meyrin.
In 1972 Audemars Piguet released their legendary Royal Oak model. It was received with such high levels of praise and admiration, becoming an icon for Audemars Piguet till this day, because its self-winding movement with a central rotor is the world’s thinnest. As well as the pioneering design behind the Royal Oak, the watch brags an octagonal bezel and a dial with a "Tapisserie" guilloche – an engine-turned pattern. This unique design encompasses both the tradition and avant-garde style that Audemars Piguet watches are famed for. Whilst the mechanisms have the traditional expertise of haute horologists, the appearance and style of Audemars Piguet watches are modern and experimental, making them perfect for a watch enthusiast, a watch collector and also for those seeking the finest in-trend style.
The brand’s groundbreaking thinnest central rotor is a micro example of the pioneering spirit which Audemars Piguet embodies on a macro scale. Indeed, Audemars Piguet have been innovators from their origins, with an enduring list of the ‘world’s firsts’; in 1889 they released the first ultra-complicated pocket watch named “universal”, in 1995 the first perpetual-calendar wristwatch with leap year cycle indication and in 1986 the smallest tourbillon in the world in the first self-winding tourbillon wristwatch.
Audemars Piguet is still under the ownership of its founding families, a fact which highlights the strength of their passion which has endured throughout generations, and which the two families constantly bring to the brand and the watches they produce. If you want to join the exclusive circle of owners of Audemars Piguet watches just take a look at our online collection of watches which you can order straight to your door. Alternatively, give us a call to request additional information on any of our watches from our experts who will be happy to help you. They can also help you book an appointment to view the watches of interest in person in our showroom in Mayfair, London if desired. We buy and sell genuine used, preowned Audemars Piguet watches and offer part-exchanges.
