Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet in short
Audemars Piguet is a Swiss haute horlogerie manufacture, founded in Le Brassus in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. It remains in the hands of its founding families and is best known for the Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta and unveiled in 1972.
Facts and Background
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1875 |
| Origin | Le Brassus, Vallée de Joux, Switzerland |
| Founders | Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet |
| Ownership | Independent, family-owned by the founders' descendants |
| Renowned for | Royal Oak, grand complications |
| Price bracket | High luxury, typically from five figures upwards |
Alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet forms part of the revered Holy Trinity of Swiss watchmaking. In 1972, the manufacture disrupted the watch industry with the Royal Oak: a luxury sports watch crafted in stainless steel, defined by its octagonal bezel, visible screws, and integrated bracelet. Gérald Genta’s groundbreaking design has grown into one of the most coveted timepieces in the world.
Iconic Audemars Piguet Models
- Royal Oak — the definitive luxury steel sports watch with its signature octagonal bezel, also offered in feminine proportions
- Royal Oak Offshore — launched in 1993 as a bolder, muscular, and sportier evolution
- Code 11.59 — a contemporary, round design introduced in 2019 showcasing intricate architecture
- Complications — tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and minute repeaters
Audemars Piguet: Authenticity and Verification
Counterfeits of the Royal Oak are prevalent. Only purchase through official boutiques, authorised retailers, or reputable secondary-market specialists, and always request the original box, papers, and comprehensive service records. A trusted watchmaker can inspect the movement to confirm authenticity.
Sizing, Fit and Maintenance
A mechanical timepiece should be serviced periodically according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Water resistance diminishes over time as gaskets degrade; ensure water seals are pressure-tested during routine servicing.
Buying Audemars Piguet in the Netherlands
Audemars Piguet is available through its dedicated boutiques, as well as selected authorised luxury retailers. Brands.nl does not sell watches directly; we provide independent, editorial brand overviews.
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Frequently asked questions about Audemars Piguet
- How much does an Audemars Piguet cost?
- Audemars Piguet sits firmly in the ultra-luxury segment; new models typically start well into five figures, with high complications commanding significantly more.
- Who designed the Royal Oak?
- Gérald Genta. The Royal Oak was first unveiled in 1972.
- Is Audemars Piguet independent?
- Yes, the maison is still privately owned by the descendants of its founding families.
- Does Audemars Piguet make ladies' watches?
- Yes, including dedicated smaller Royal Oak references and diamond-set iterations.
- How do you avoid a counterfeit Royal Oak?
- Buy strictly through official channels or trusted pre-owned specialists, complete with original box and papers, and have the movement verified by an expert watchmaker.
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Brand editors — interior, fashion & lifestyle
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Laatst inhoudelijk gecontroleerd: 31 oktober 2026