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Audemars Piguet

Le Brassus, Switzerland

In 1875, Audemars Piguet was founded by watchmakers Jules-Louis Audemars (1851) and Edward-Auguste Piguet (1853). Both from a family of watchmakers, they started Audemars Piguet in the Vallée de Joux. Audemars Piguet was blessed with talented watchmakers from the start, as no less than 80% of the watches (1500 pieces) they produced between 1882 and 1892 for example, had at least one complication (and in many instances, more than one).

With an annual production of approximately 50,000 watches, Audemars Piguet is still an independent family owned company. The 4th generation (of Audemars) is leading the Le Brassus manufacture today, with François-Henry Bennahmias as their CEO since 2012.

Highlights

1875
Audemars Piguet was founded by friends Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet.
1926
The first oval movement by Audemars Piguet is produced. Only decades later (1995), a dedicated collection called ‘Millenary’ was introduced consisting of oval timepieces.
1955
Introduction of the Audemars Piguet reference 5516, the first ever perpetual calendar wristwatch with leap year indicator.
1972
The Royal Oak (5402) is presented in Basel, designed by Gérald Genta, and it shocked the horological world. The original Royal Oak still exists today as reference 15202ST.
1992
In this year, Audemars Piguet took over the studio of Renaud and Papi (APRP), which is responsible for designing and creating the wildest complications.
1993
Although the idea dates back to 1989, it wasn't until 1993 that the Royal Oak Offshore finally saw daylight. Much larger, thicker and sportier than any Royal Oak was before.
2012
The Royal Oak celebrated its 40th anniversary and the original design was honored by a slightly updated 15202 reference, paying homage to the original reference 5402.

Did you know?

1,000,000,000

Turnover of Audemars Piguet in 2018 was 1 billion Swiss Francs

3x

The original price of the first Royal Oak in 1972 was three times as much as a stainless steel Rolex Submariner. It was unheard of for a steel watch.

2019

Is the last year that Audemars Piguet will take part in the SIHH in Geneva. The Le Brassus manufacture will go in a different direction to exhibit and introduce their new watches to the world.

2121

Is the caliber number that has been used in the first Royal Oak in 1972 and is still used today in the 15202 “Jumbo” reference. It has only two hands and a date aperture, and extremely thin.
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Collections

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

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