Audemars Piguet Watches
Audemars Piguet is still one of the few major Swiss watchmakers that’s family owned, which quietly shapes how the company operates, even today. While much of the industry now sits within large conglomerates, AP has maintained its independence since 1875. That’s allowed it to move at its own pace and take calculated creative risks. The Royal Oak’s octagonal bezel is the design most people recognize first, but the brand’s foundation is much more involved than just that watch. It’s more than a century of complicated, hand-finished movements and a willingness to challenge convention. An Audemars Piguet isn’t simply another high-end luxury watch. It represents a particular chapter in modern Swiss watchmaking, one that developed on its own terms.
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Royal Oak
26133ST.OO.A101CR.01
Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Shaquille O’Neal Stainless Steel
Royal Oak Offshore
77605OK.OO.A101CA.01
Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Ivory Dial
Royal Oak Offshore
26238OK.OO.A002CA.01
Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph Anthracite Dial
Royal Oak Offshore
26420SO.OO.A600CA.01
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Light Brown Mega Tapisserie Dial
History of Audemars Piguet
Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet founded Audemars Piguet in 1875 in the remote Vallée de Joux region of Switzerland. This valley, tucked high in the Jura Mountains, was already home to a concentrated tradition of watchmaking, which the founders certainly took advantage of. From the very beginning, the firm focused on complicated movements, producing minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, and split seconds chronographs that earned recognition at international exhibitions.
A major turning point came in 1972 with the introduction of the Royal Oak. Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, it was the first luxury sports watch made from stainless steel, a material considered far too common for a high-end timepiece at the time. The gamble paid off spectacularly. The Royal Oak not only saved the company during the devastating Quartz Crisis of the 1970s, it created an entirely new category of watchmaking. Decades later, it remains central to Audemars Piguet’s history and identity.
Audemars Piguet Collections
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is where it all started, and it remains the single most important luxury sport watch in the world. When Gérald Genta sketched the Royal Oak in 1972, he gave it an octagonal bezel anchored by eight exposed screws, a detail that still defines the watch at a glance. The textured “Tapisserie” dial, with its distinctive waffle pattern, adds depth without relying on ornament. Over the years, the model has shifted in size and configuration, from the original 39mm “Jumbo” to today’s 41mm selfwinding versions, but the core idea has remained intact. The proportions, the bezel, the integrated bracelet.
What makes the Royal Oak so versatile is that it works in virtually any setting. It’s impressive enough for high-stakes business meetings and tough enough for a weekend on the water. The integrated bracelet sits flat on the wrist and wears more comfortably than most watches in its class.
The Royal Oak Offshore
When the Royal Oak Offshore came to market in 1993, it was much larger and more assertive than the original, enough so that collectors quickly gave it the nickname “The Beast.” Case sizes started at 42mm and eventually moved beyond 44mm. Materials like rubber, forged carbon, and ceramic further separated it from the classic Royal Oak, giving the collection a more contemporary, athletic character.
Code 11.59
The Code 11.59 is Audemars Piguet’s most ambitious modern collection. The name pays homage to the idea that the next revolution is always one minute away. The case has a rather complex construction with an octagonal middle case sandwiched between round outer surfaces, and the double curved sapphire crystal creates a visual depth unlike anything else in the AP catalog.
Millenary
The Millenary stands apart with its distinctive oval case shape. Introduced in 1995, the collection was designed to showcase the movement as part of the dial itself. Off-centered dial openings expose the inner workings of the caliber, turning each Millenary into a small window into the art of watchmaking. Even though the Millenary isn’t in production anymore, it’s still popular on the secondary market.
Jules Audemars
Named for one of the company’s founders, the Jules Audemars collection is a classical expression of Audemars Piguet. Round cases, restrained proportions, focus on traditional complications — perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, ultra-thin movements. It’s also one of the most affordable ways to get into the brand, with pre-owned examples well below $10,000.
Edward Piguet
A tribute to one of the brand’s founders, showcasing classical elegance with its distinctive rectangular case and clean lines.
Audemars Piguet Specifications
Materials
Across its collections, AP works with a focused mix of materials. Dressier watches use 18k rose, yellow, and white gold. Stainless steel and grade 5 titanium anchor much of the sport lineup. Black ceramic has become an important part of the brand’s modern identity — exceptionally hard and scratch-resistant, but demanding to shape and finish. Platinum appears in limited and high complication models. Recent releases introduced forged carbon and bronze alloys. The finishing is always immaculate — hand polished and hand brushed surfaces.
Movement
AP applies a level of finishing to its movements that doesn’t vary much from one tier to the next. Côtes de Genève striping, hand beveled bridges, and polished screw heads are standard. The brand has invested heavily in modern in-house calibers with improved power reserves, thinner profiles, and more efficient winding. Whether a simple three-hand automatic or a grand complication with minute repeater and perpetual calendar, the movement is meant to be admired. Many models feature exhibition case backs.
Bezel
The octagonal bezel is the single most recognizable design element. Introduced with the original Royal Oak in 1972, it features eight hexagonal screws that are both decorative and functional. These screws are made from white gold on steel models and individually finished to sit perfectly flush. Achieving the alternating brushed and polished surfaces is a labor-intensive process — a hallmark of AP quality. On the Royal Oak Offshore, the bezel is more robust with added thickness and, in some references, ceramic construction.
Sizes
| Collection | Size Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Oak | 34mm – 41mm | 34mm for smaller wrists, 41mm selfwinding most popular |
| Royal Oak Offshore | 42mm – 44mm+ | Chronograph variants |
| Code 11.59 | 41mm | |
| Jules Audemars | 36mm – 41mm | |
| Ladies’ Models | 33mm+ | Across several collections |
Water Resistance
Royal Oak: 50m. Royal Oak Offshore: 100m – 300m depending on model. Code 11.59: 30m (splash resistant). Jules Audemars: 20m – 30m.
Why Choose Bob’s Watches for Audemars Piguet
- Authenticity Guarantee: Every watch inspected by certified watchmakers who verify authenticity and ensure all components are original
- Condition Standards: Only stock watches in excellent to pristine condition, with detailed photography and condition reports
- Warranty Protection: One-year warranty covering mechanical defects
- Curated Selection: Current production and discontinued references across all price points
Sell Your Audemars Piguet
Looking to upgrade? Bob’s Watches offers competitive quotes for AP timepieces in good condition. Secure process with payment typically within 24 hours of receipt. Visit our Sell Audemars Piguet page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Audemars Piguet considered a top-tier brand?
Yes, AP is one of the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, widely regarded as the three most prestigious Swiss manufactures.
Why is the Royal Oak so expensive?
Limited production, boutique-only sales model, hand-finishing of every component (case, bracelet, movement), and immense collector demand. Waitlists at retail can stretch for years.
Do Audemars Piguet watches hold value?
Exceptionally well, particularly the Royal Oak in steel. Limited editions and vintage references often appreciate significantly. The pre-owned market is the most realistic path for many buyers.
What’s the difference between Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore?
Offshore is larger (42mm+ vs 34–41mm), more robust construction, rubber/forged carbon/ceramic materials, more athletic character. The original Royal Oak is more architectural and versatile.