The Audemars Piguet story dates all the way back to 1873 when two men from watchmakers’ families, technology student Jules Louis Audemars met economy student Edward Auguste Piguet. In what started out as nothing more than an experiment, the two opened a watch factory in Switzerland in 1875.
This experiment proved to be a huge success, with the brand particularly standing out in terms of the precision of their work and the high quality of the timepieces themselves. Even after all these years, Audemars Piguet are still extremely sought after.
Audemars Piguet price tags are often quite high, leading many people to question whether the watches are actually worth it. In answering this query, we’re going to shine the spotlight on what actually makes these watches special.
Expensive to Develop
The Audemars Piguet team will typically want to create timepieces that are completely unique. Even if something has been done before, the designers at Audemars Piguet will want to take a look at it and devise a way to make it their own – even if that takes hours or days to accomplish.
Once the initial plans have been decided, highly skilled micro mechanical engineers will plot out new modules and movements on computers before bringing them to life. This extensive process can actually take years to complete.
To achieve the reputation for high quality and prestige like Audemars Piguet has done, the brand has to invest a lot of time and money in developing timepieces that can last a lifetime. Millions and sometimes even billions can be spent in ensuring that the products are of the highest possible standard.
An example of the amount of effort that goes into creating an Audemars Piguet watch can be found in the Automatic Royal Oak Black Ceramic model. This timepiece’s strange charm is enhanced by its exterior finish that consists of alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces and the closely-detailed beveling of all edges. The attention to detail continues on the bracelet, in which each link has a different size.
Because of this commitment to quality, a timeless watch from Audemars Piguet can often take months or even years to produce – more than validating the high price tag.
Rich Materials & Movements
It’s not only the exquisite design that typifies an Audemars Piguet watch, but also the rich materials and techniques that are used to create them. For example, the watchmaker may decide to use black ceramic instead of stainless steel, then machine and hand finish the product to achieve both polish and satin brushed finishes. In addition, the use of white gold screws shows the level of detail that go into making each watch.
This commitment to quality also extends to the watches’ movements, which can sometimes cost tens of thousands of dollars – showing that no expense is spared when it comes to the pursuit of perfection.
Limited Production
As with most timepieces, Audemars Piguet price tags are heavily influenced by supply and demand. The more rare a watch is, the higher the cost will typically be. This is even more apparent when a brand is as sought-after as this one.
Indeed, this is probably one of the most prominent reasons why Audemars Piguet is so expensive. The watchmaker only releases a very small number of models at time, meaning they are guaranteed to be highly sought after with enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Painstaking Processes
It may take several years for highly trained watchmakers to make such unique timepieces. Each task can be extremely laborious, time consuming and painstaking. From creating and decorating to finishing and testing the mechanics, there are a lot of meticulous duties to be performed.
Commitment to Innovation
Throughout the years, the Audemars Piguet brand has surprised the world on numerous occasions with its innovative designs. For example, in 1925 they produced the world’s thinnest ever pocket watch.
Shortly after this, just three years later, the company brought out the first skeleton watch – something that shows its insides through a looking glass. This dedication to innovation soon gave Audemars Piguet a huge reputation for quality among watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Royal Oak
Despite already garnering an extremely positive reputation, the Audemars Piguet brand really became a true powerhouse in 1972 when it launched the Royal Oak. This bold and radical design has spawned many extremely sought-after models – plus many more imitations.
An interesting bit of trivia regarding the Royal Oak is that designer Gérald Genta was given just 24 hours to create the very first iteration. His task was to devise an unconventional timepiece that could be worn on absolutely any occasion.
Despite all the odds, he managed to achieve this – supposedly drawing inspiration from the traditional divers’ helmet. The tale goes that he thought if the screws holding together the faceplate of the diving helmet were strong enough to prevent water from entering, the same must be true for a watch as well. And he was right! Nowadays, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection counts for around 90% of watches sold by the brand.
If you are an avid fan of luxurious and unique designs, high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship, an Audemars Piguet timepiece is perfect for you.
Buy Audemars Piguet Watches from Blowers Jewellers
If you are looking for high-quality Audemars Piguet timepieces, Blowers Jewellers are available to help. We’ve amassed over 50 years of experience in dealing with high-class and stunning timepieces from the world’s most recognised brands. In this time, our reputation has become our most valuable asset, trusted by our clients and recognised within the industry.
We live and breathe the watch industry and are just as passionate about quality jewellery as you are. We understand that owning your very own high-class watch is a unique experience, which is why we will take the time to work with you to find exactly the right watch to suit your style.
For more information about how Blowers Jewellers can help you find your ideal timepiece and guide you through our stunning collection, contact a member of our team today.