Since its inception in 1875, the Audemars Piguet brand has become synonymous with blending traditional craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. Used Audemars Piguet watches in particular can carry quite high price tags, the reasons for which we have explored in a previous blog post.
Over the years, the brand has produced stunning collections of timepieces that are popular the world over. But which particular used Audemars Piguet models should you be looking to add to your collection?
Millenary 4101
The Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 is the manufacturer’s modern take of the classic dress watch. Probably the first feature that will attract your attention is the unique casing, with the small dials leaving plenty of room to view the traditionally-finished movement underneath. Unlike many shaped timepieces, the Millenary’s in-house calibre 4101 perfectly fits the case and follows its form perfectly.
The movement itself has been specifically designed to create a three-dimensional effect, with the construction exposing the free-sprung balance at 3 o’clock. It features a 22 karat winding rotor that spins on ceramic bearings, with each individual component being painstakingly decorated by hand – just another example of the attention to detail that Audemars Piguet has become famous for. Not only does this create some charm for the timepiece, it is also a factor that contributes significantly to its value.
Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 42mm
Stylish, sophisticated and ultimately accurate, these exquisite timepieces exude beauty and high-precision. With its sizable 42mm diameter, the introduction of this watch proved to be groundbreaking in the world of large-sized timepieces.
Bearing the Reference 26470, the wristwatch incorporates many updates that the brand has developed since the collection was first introduced. The rubber accents on the crown and pushers have been upgraded with black ceramic pieces, while the new Mega Tapisserie dial has proven to be extremely popular amongst watch aficionados and collectors alike. The use of broader, faceted hour and minute hands have really improved legibility, and the snailed subdials add even more texture to the timepiece.
Another interesting feature on this wristwatch can be found on the other side of the case. A newly-added sapphire display back allows you to view the calibre 3126 chronograph movement in action and marvel at its solid 22 karat gold winding rotor. This particular calibre of movement boasts a cam-switching chronograph mechanism and stop-seconds to ensure the timepiece is as precise as it possibly can be.
Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44mm
If you would like something a bit more bold than the previous timepiece, look no further than its bigger brother. Like its smaller sibling, this model retains the Mega Tapisserie dial, with some models complementing this design feature with white gold hour markers and hands. Although this model retains the scratch-resistant ceramic black bezel, the smaller circular pushers are replaced by larger rectangular pieces. In addition, the broad tachymeter on the dial’s outer edge allows the user to calculate speed over a known distance.
Lift the hood of this luxurious timepiece and you will find the extremely intricate calibre 3126 automatic chronograph movement that boasts 365 separate components. This particular movement operates at 21,600 vph in 59 jewels. In addition, the dial registers include continuous seconds at 12 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.
Royal Oak Offshore Diver
The larger sibling to the Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Offshore is a modern-day sensation. Such was the vast difference in concept, even Audemars Piguet management was initially skeptical. Thankfully, the project was eventually given the green light and a whole new era of watchmaking could begin.
One of the most popular members of the Offshore family, the Royal Oak Offshore Diver measures 42mm x 13.9mm and is water resistant to a level of 300 metres. This model, the Reference 15703ST, features the “rubber clad” accents that have become synonymous with other Offshore models and is powered by the in-house calibre 3120 movement. The crown at 10 o’clock turns the internal bezel, while its broad hands offer fantastic legibility.
Royal Oak Selfwinding
This iconic timepiece was truly audacious when it first debuted on the market in 1972. It was a precious wristwatch made out of a non-precious metal that carried a luxurious price tag. Even today, this classic watch stands out as a design icon and is by far the best known member of the entire Audemars Piguet family.
A particularly popular model in this collection, the Reference 15400, is the largest model the brand has produced to date. It carries several well-known design features, such as the octagonal bezel and blue Grande Tapisserie dial – often referred to as the “waffle dial”.
Underneath the trademark dial sits the automatic-winding calibre 3120 movement that boasts 40 jewels, a solid 22 karat gold winding rotor and an impressive power reserve of 60 hours.
Why Buy Used Audemars Piguet Watches from Blowers Jewellers
If you are looking to add a used Audemars Piguet watch to your collection, you can rely on Blowers Jewellers to help. We have amassed decades of experience in providing expert assistance and have cultivated a strong reputation for quality and customer service. We understand that purchasing the right item of jewellery is an extremely personal exercise and will take the time to understand your requirements, before using our expertise to select the timepiece that we believe is best for you – no matter if you are looking to wear it for everyday use or as an investment opportunity.
Our full range of used Audemars Piguet watches can be purchased directly from our website or at our boutique in Hull. You can also visit our office in London’s Mayfair by appointment. As part of our commitment to service, all of our timepieces are available at competitive prices and can also be purchased using our generous finance option.
The team at Blowers Jewellers can even assist if you are looking to sell or value your timepiece. Simply provide us with a full description of your watch and we will provide you with what we believe is the best price on the market. We can then purchase your wristwatch outright or accept it as part of our part-exchange programme, whatever you desire.
For more information about how we can help you with your used Audemars Piguet watch, contact our team today.