vintage Audemars Piguet wrist watches | For watch collectors, Audemars Piguet is a brand that needs no introduction – with its iconic designs and exquisite craftsmanship, this luxury Swiss watchmaker has been producing some of the world’s most sought-after timepieces since 1875. You know that details matter if you’re an antiques enthusiast or collector. Look no further than Audemars Piguet wristwatches for the ultimate vintage luxury and craftsmanship. We’ll guide collectors to these exquisite timepieces and explore their history, value, and aesthetic appeal.

What is Audemars Piguet?

Audemars Piguet is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet. The company has been headquartered in the Vallée de Joux since its inception and remains family-owned.

Audemars Piguet is renowned for its complicated watches, including the world’s thinnest minute repeater (the calibre 2870) and the first wristwatch with a tourbillon (the calibre 2870). The brand also produces the world’s most expensive watch, the Diamond Punk Tourbillon, which retails for over $5 million.

Today, Audemars Piguet continues to produce some of the most sought-after watches in the world. The company’s signature Royal Oak collection is trendy among collectors, with vintage pieces often fetching high prices at auction.

Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in the Swiss village of Le Brassus. The company has a long and storied history, creating some of the world’s most iconic timepieces. Today, Audemars Piguet is renowned for its innovative design and superb craftsmanship.

History of Audemars Piguet Watches

The history of Audemars Piguet watches began in 1875 when Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, two young watchmakers from the Swiss village of Le Brassus, decided to go into business together. The pair had apprenticed under some of the most respected watchmakers of their day and quickly established a reputation for creating high-quality timepieces.

In 1892, Audemars Piguet released its first-minute repeater wristwatch. This groundbreaking timepiece was one of the first wristwatches ever made with this complication. The minute repeater function allowed the wearer to hear the time being chimed on demand. This watch was an instant hit with collectors and remains one of the most sought-after models today.

Over the next few decades, Audemars Piguet continued to innovate and released several more iconic timepieces. In 1925, they unveiled the world’s thinnest pocket watch, which measured just 2mm thick. In 1931, they released the world’s first skeletonized wristwatch.

Types of Vintage Audemars Piguet Wrist Watches

Audemars Piguet is a Swiss luxury watchmaker that was founded in 1875. The company produces modern and vintage watches, with the latter being highly sought after by collectors. There are several types of vintage Audemars Piguet wristwatches, each with unique features and design elements.

The first type of vintage Audemars Piguet wristwatch is the Royal Oak. 

This watch was introduced in 1972 and was designed by Gerald Genta. The Royal Oak is characterized by its octagonal bezel, which is made of stainless steel or gold. It also has a distinctive dial with “tapis serie” patterning.

The second popular type of vintage Audemars Piguet wristwatch is the Jules Audemars. 

This watch was introduced in 1987 and is named after one of the company’s founders, Jules-Louis Audemars. The Jules Audemars is distinguished by its thin case and simple, elegant dial. It is available in both automatic and manual wind versions.

The third type of vintage Audemars Piguet wristwatch is the Millenary. 

This watch was introduced in 1995 and featured an oval-shaped case with a platinum bezel. The Millenary also has an unusual dial layout, with the hour markers placed at the outer edge instead of around the circumference.

How to Date and Authenticate an Audemars Piguet Watch?

Audemars Piguet watches are some of the most sought-after timepieces in the world, and for a good reason. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, adding an Audemars Piguet watch to your collection is always a wise investment. But with so many different models and variations on the market, it can take time to figure out where to start.

In this collector’s guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about vintage Audemars Piguet watches, from how to date and authenticate them to which models are the most sought-after by collectors. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to start your collection of these iconic timepieces.

Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in Le Brassus, Switzerland. From the beginning, they were committed to creating only the highest quality timepieces using only the finest materials. This commitment to excellence has made Audemars Piguet one of the most respected names in watchmaking, and collectors worldwide highly covet their watches.

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a vintage Audemars Piguet watch is authenticity.

Other Collectible Watches

While Audemars Piguet is most well-known for its luxury watches, it also produced some other collectable watches over the years. These include pocket watches, alarm watches, and even some one-of-a-kind pieces.

Audemars Piguet pocket watches

They are particularly sought-after by collectors. The company produced many different pocket watch designs, including simple and ornate styles. Many pocket watches are still in excellent condition, making them a valuable addition to any collection.

Alarm watches were another popular type of watch produced by Audemars Piguet. 

These watches were designed to wake the wearer up at a specific time, making them perfect for those who needed to be up early for work or school. Like pocket watches, many alarm watches are still in excellent working condition.

Finally, Audemars Piguet has created a few unique pieces over the years. These include things like unique edition watches and prototypes that were never put into production. These pieces are sporadic and can be worth money to the right collector.

Final Thought

This guide has provided insight into the world of vintage Audemars Piguet wristwatches and their value. With proper care and maintenance, these pieces can be enjoyed for many years. Whether you’re looking to start or add to your collection, make sure that you research each piece thoroughly before making a purchase. A little knowledge goes a long way in the world of collecting.