Audemars Piguet

Still owned today by its original founding families, Audemars Piguet is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world.

Right now the premiere model in the Audemars Piguet lineup, the Royal Oak, is so desired that it is a ghost in the marketplace. Like Patek Philippe’s Nautilus model, the Royal Oak often fetches prices well over suggested retail.

Audemars has a legacy of fine watchmaking dating back to 1875. But it was in 1972 that the company shifted towards a path of greatness by introducing this iconic model.

The Royal Oak is simple, rugged, thin and highly recognized by the inner circle of enthusiasts who appreciate the brand.

Audemars Piguet is also adept at grand complications and they continue to earn high credibility with annual creations that push new boundaries of what a mechanical timepiece can do.

Their motto is ‘to break the rules, first you must master them’.

• Key Models: Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, Millenary, CODE 11.59, Complications
• Price range: $13,000 – $150,000+
• Approximate average price: $37,000
• Approximate annual production: 42,000
• Ownership: Independent and family owned
• Audemars Piguet fun fact: The most expensive Audemars Piguet sold was a signed Audemars Piguet Geneve Leap Year Perpetual for $545,000 in 2015.