Audemars Piguet is widely recognized as one of the top-tier watchmakers, often grouped with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin in what’s colloquially referred to as the Holy Trinity of Watches.
This esteemed status is attributed to Audemars Piguet’s consistent commitment to setting the benchmark in watchmaking. So, why are Audemars Piguet watches prestigious? Let’s delve into it in this article.
Why are Audemars Piguet Watches Prestigious?
Many people ask why Audemars Piguet watches are special. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that. These watches earn their stripes for a bunch of reasons. Let’s look at some of the main factors that make them unique and worth buying, even with their high price.
1. Hard to make and develop
Crafting a timepiece is no walk in the park. For brands like Audemars Piguet, making a watch doesn’t involve cranking it out on a factory machine. Instead, they painstakingly put it together, piece by piece.
That’s why many see these watches as more than just time-telling gadgets; they’re considered works of art.
Highly skilled micro-mechanical engineers plan out new modules and movements on a computer before bringing them to life. This whole process can take years.
It’s not just expensive to dream up these watch movements; it’s also a hefty investment to ensure they work flawlessly for a lifetime. This requires extensive testing, with significant financial investment going into developing new calibers.
2. Produce specifically-made calibers
With a sharp focus on precision and a love for innovation, Audemars Piguet’s skilled artisans meticulously craft each movement component, paying careful attention to detail.
Accuracy and passion come together as each movement is assembled, forming a harmonious interplay of gears, levers, and springs orchestrating the delicate dance of timekeeping.
The outcome of this meticulous process is an in-house caliber that embodies the brand’s commitment to technical excellence, reliability, and artistic craftsmanship. These movements aren’t just mechanical; they show the brand’s creative drive and dedication to perfection.
This skill gives Audemars Piguet watches a particular character, bringing them to life with a unique charm in every tick. This is one of the big reasons why Audemars Piguet watches are so prestigious.
3. Limited amount
Audemars Piguet is highly sought after, mainly because making each piece is intricate and time-consuming. Typically, the brand only makes a limited quantity of each model.
This adds to the prestige of owning an Audemars Piguet watch because those who manage to get one stand out and look different from other collectors. When a once-coveted watch is produced in large quantities, its value decreases because it no longer feels special.
This is why Audemars Piguet watches come with a high price tag – they make a limited number of pieces. The more unique the watch, the higher the likelihood of it being personalized.
4. High-quality materials
Audemars Piguet showcases top-notch craftsmanship by consistently choosing the best materials. Whether it’s finely satin-polished steel or adding luxurious metals like gold and platinum, their watches reflect luxury and sophistication.
They go beyond the basics with innovative materials like ceramic and their distinct frosted gold finish, demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking art.
By opting for these high-quality materials, Audemars Piguet crafts timepieces that not only symbolize prestige but also become lasting works of art valued by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Is Audemars Piguet More Prestigious than Rolex?
It’s worth noting that Audemars Piguet holds a significant place in the Holy Trinity of watches, while Rolex isn’t part of that exclusive group. This is because Audemars Piguet has a more extended history, predating Rolex, and is regarded as a pioneer in watchmaking.
Audemars Piguet stands out as a more prestigious watchmaker, producing fewer watches annually compared to Rolex. Meanwhile, Rolex has a lower-priced brand called Tudor, offering more budget-friendly options with designs resembling the Rolex style.
However, Rolex tends to have more significant name recognition, especially among new collectors, thanks to its reputation as a recognized status symbol.
As collectors delve deeper into the world of watches, they often discover other brands with more prestige and history, like Audemars Piguet.
Getting to Know Audemars Piguet Collection
Audemars Piguet is famous for its high-end collection, the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore. These two collections are also the reason why Audemars Piguet watches are prestigious. Wondering what sets them apart? Let’s break it down.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
The Royal Oak, crafted by the renowned watch designer Gerald Genta, was introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1972.
It stood out from other watches on the market with its distinctive features: a relatively large 39mm case for its time, an octagonal bezel fastened to the middle case with visible screws, a textured hobnail dial, and an integrated bracelet.
Notably bold, it carried a hefty price tag, particularly for a full stainless steel sports watch. Compared to the Royal Oak Offshore, Royal Oak watches have slimmer profiles. They tend to favor traditional materials like metals and leather, offering classic colors.
The standard Royal Oak typically features a simple time and date dial. Considered a dress watch, it’s ideal for formal occasions.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
The Royal Oak Offshore came onto the scene later than the original Royal Oak, specifically in 1993. It’s like a sequel to The Royal Oak.
Taking the Royal Oak as a base, designer Emmanuel Gueit put his own spin on Genta’s original design to create the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph.
Like its predecessor, the Royal Oak Offshore found its place in the luxury watch scene. It has become a trendy collection from Audemars Piguet, standing on its own alongside the original Royal Oak.
Royal Oak Offshore watches are typically 42mm or larger, with most being chronographs, making them look even more substantial on the wrist. They take a bolder design approach and have a sporty look.
The Royal Oak Offshore collection offers a variety of colors and modern materials like rubber and ceramic, mainly consisting of chronographs and diver’s watches. The Royal Oak Offshore is the more flashy, standout version compared to the understated Royal Oak.
Discover Audemars Piguet Watches at Luxehouze
Now that you know what makes Audemars Piguet watches prestigious, are you considering getting one for yourself? Explore the complete Audemars Piguet collection at Luxehouze.
Luxehouze is a marketplace for luxury goods, offering a diverse range of collections from top global brands. All Luxehouze items are guaranteed 100% authentic, and you can acquire them at the best prices.
Check out the entire collection on the online marketplace or visit Luxehouze Boutique directly in Jakarta, situated in Prosperity Tower unit 8AF, SCBD, South Jakarta.
