Audemars Piguet is one of the most renowned firms in the select world of Haute Horlogerie, was It was established by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet in 1875 in the town of Le Brassus del Vallée de Joux in Switzerland. This manufacturer has created watches with all kinds of significant complications throughout its history and has generated many innovations and patents.
In 1972, with the launch of the Royal Oak designed by Gerald Genta, Audemars Piguet revolutionized the world of watchmaking and dictated a trend that continues to this day. With this steel watch with an integrated bracelet and the same level of finishings as its gold watches, Audemars changes the rules and demonstrates that Haute Horlogerie does not have to be at odds with steel or sportsmanship. The aesthetic bases of the original Royal Oak, with its characteristic octagonal bezel where eight hexagonal screws stand out, are maintained to this day and have evolved with the “Offshore,” a more robust variant of the Royal Oak that further elevates its sporty character.
Audemars Piguet’s Millenary watch collection is recognizable at first sight by the oval shape of its case. Likewise, the off-center disposition of the dial marks the style of the last editions that allow you to contemplate the caliber from its frontal part. Audemars Piguet distinguishes itself by exquisitely adorning its movements, offering unique finishes that delight visually.
The current catalog of Audemars Piguet is composed of three major groups. The first one is formed by the Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Offshore, and the Royal Oak Concept, a variant that embraces the most avant-garde technical advances of Audemars Piguet. The second group, of a more classic aesthetic character, is made up of the Jules Audemars collection and the Millenary, distinguished by its original oval case with an off-center sphere. Finally, we have the Jules Audemars watch collection, where Audemars applies its knowledge of Haute Joaillerie to combine it with watchmaking.
Consider that an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak stainless steel watch costs around $29,000 in new condition. The difference in price compared to the second-hand models that include a 39 mm box is minimal, and these pieces are around twenty-eight thousand dollars. The estimation of new and utilized watches has expanded as of late. That’s why the Royal Oak reference 15202 is considered an excellent investment. Besides, this model is the one that most closely resembles the original 1972 watch.
The first editions from the ’70s are in great demand by collectors. The first version of Royal Oak has been identified with reference number 5402, and its price is around 30,000 dollars. Even rarer are the prototypes that were made in white gold and exceed $60,000.
The company’s motto has always been: “To break the rules, you must first master them,” and this is what it has done for generations. Audemars Piguet changes the game’s rules from a deep respect for tradition, with this same spirit dare to play with the beautiful aesthetics of your watch and venture to adapt it to your style. You can undoubtedly do it if you put an audemars piguet rubber strap on it; doing so won’t just permit you to communicate your character by distinguishing yourself even more from the crowd, but you can also keep the original bracelet in case you want to resell your watch for a higher price due to its good condition. Online you will find the ideal audemars piguet rubber strap.
