Audemars Piguet, now a household name in luxury watches, was founded way back in 1875. The two founders, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, set up shop in the Swiss village of Le Brassus, deep in the Vallée de Joux. It’s a small place, but their dreams were big, and that’s how they got started with making watches that would one day be famous all over the world. They didn’t stop there, oh no! In 1881, they gave the company a name—Audemars Piguet & Cie—marking the start of a long and successful journey.
Now, folks, what’s real special about Audemars Piguet is that it’s still a family-owned business. That’s right, it didn’t get sold off to some big corporation. For all these years, the same family has been at the helm, keeping the knowledge and skill of watchmaking alive, passing it on to the next generation. That’s not something you see every day!
As for the brand’s history, well, it’s full of innovations. One of their big claims to fame was in 1892, when they made the world’s first wristwatch with a minute-repeating movement. And not just any minute repeater, mind you, but one made at the request of Louis Brandt, who started Omega. Later, Omega used that very same movement in their own wristwatches. Can you imagine?
Over the years, Audemars Piguet has brought out all sorts of famous collections, including the Royal Oak, which became a true icon. And they didn’t stop with just watches that tell time. Oh no, they’ve also dabbled in haute joaillerie, which is fancy talk for high-end jewelry watches. It’s clear that the folks over at Audemars Piguet know how to blend beauty and precision.
Even today, they continue to lead the way in innovation. The new CEO, Ilaria Resta, has shared how the brand keeps pushing for new ideas, making watches that stir up passion and emotion. They’re not just about old legends—they’re about creating new ones. And that’s something we can all appreciate, right?
So, when folks talk about Audemars Piguet, they’re not just talking about a company that makes fancy watches—they’re talking about a legacy. It’s a brand that’s been around for over a hundred years, still making waves in the watch industry. And they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
Whether you’re in the market for a timepiece or just curious about the company, one thing’s for sure—Audemars Piguet’s story is one for the ages.
Tags:[Audemars Piguet, Swiss watchmaking, luxury watches, Royal Oak, watch history, family-owned business, minute repeater, haute joaillerie, Ilaria Resta, luxury brands]