Audemars Piguet History and Price Range in the USA: A Complete Guide

Now, let me tell y’all about this fancy watch company called Audemars Piguet, or AP for short. I ain’t much of a watch expert, but I know a thing or two about what makes ’em tick. AP’s been around for a long time, started way back in 1875, all the way in Switzerland, in a place called Le Brassus, in the Vallée de Joux. Now, don’t go thinking it’s just some small-time operation; this is a big deal in the watch world.

It all started with two men, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. They were both watchmakers, but they didn’t really know each other ’til later on in life. They teamed up in 1875, and that’s when Audemars Piguet was born. By 1881, the company officially became Audemars Piguet & Cie. They ain’t just making ordinary watches, no ma’am. These folks are known for making some of the finest, most complicated watches in the whole world.

Now, you might be wondering, “How much does one of these fancy watches cost?” Well, let me tell ya. The price can vary quite a bit. On average, you’re lookin’ at about $37,000 for one of their watches. But depending on the model, that price can go anywhere from $4,000 to a whopping $330,000. Yup, you heard that right—$330,000! Now, I don’t know about you, but I’d have to sell my house to afford one of those! But the most popular model, the Royal Oak, usually runs around $44,000. That’s what a lot of folks are looking for when they want to show off their wealth and class.

Now, this Royal Oak watch, it’s something special. It was first introduced back in 1972, and it’s got this octagonal bezel that folks just love. If you see someone with one of these on their wrist, you know they ain’t playin’ around. It’s become the signature watch of the brand, and it’s the one people look for the most. But, don’t get confused—AP makes a whole bunch of other fancy models too, like the Royal Oak Offshore, Royal Oak Concept, and Code 11.59, just to name a few. They’re all part of their lineup, but the Royal Oak still takes the crown.

What makes these watches so expensive, you ask? Well, it ain’t just the brand name. These watches are made with the finest materials, and a lot of ’em have complex movements that take a skilled watchmaker hours—sometimes days—to put together. I heard they even made the first wristwatch with a minute-repeating movement back in 1892. That means the watch could chime the time without you having to look at it. Fancy, right?

Now, y’all might be askin’, “How does this compare to Rolex?” Well, let me tell you, Rolex is no slouch, but if you’re lookin’ at an entry-level watch, Rolex will be cheaper. But if you want something really special, something that screams luxury, Audemars Piguet is where you wanna go. Rolex might be more common, but Audemars Piguet, well, that’s for the folks who really want to stand out. I mean, there’s a reason Audemars Piguet is part of the “holy trinity” of Swiss watchmaking, alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. These companies make the most complicated and beautifully finished watches in the world, and not just anybody can get their hands on one.

Another thing that makes Audemars Piguet so unique is that they don’t make a whole lot of watches each year. In fact, they only make about 50,000 watches a year, which is a drop in the bucket compared to the bigger brands like Rolex. That makes each watch even more special. You ain’t gonna see just anyone walking around with one of these, and that’s part of the allure.

So, if you’re looking to get yourself a watch that’ll last a lifetime and show everyone you’ve got good taste, Audemars Piguet is a name you should know. Just be ready to part with a whole lot of money, but I reckon it’s worth it if you want a piece of true Swiss craftsmanship on your wrist.

There’s a lot more history and fine details to these watches, but I reckon that’s enough to get you started. If you’re serious about watch collecting, Audemars Piguet should definitely be on your radar. Just make sure you’ve got a good chunk of change saved up before you go shopping for one!