Often seen on the red carpet, silver screen and wrists of the most discerning watch collectors, Audemars Piguet is a horology icon that continues to push boundaries in the timepiece industry.
Often seen on the red carpet, silver screen and wrists of the most discerning watch collectors, Audemars Piguet is a horology icon that continues to push boundaries in the timepiece industry.
Established in a Swiss village by two childhood friends in 1875, the combined talents of Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet soon took the watchmaking world by storm. The brand quickly became renowned for its industry-leading innovations, which endured when the business was taken over by the founders’ sons in the early 20th century.
In recognition of its exceptional craftsmanship, Audemars Piguet (often simply referred to as AP) began crafting timepieces for other luxury brands during the 1920s - including Tiffany & Co, Bvlgari, and Cartier - fuelling its international growth and cementing its flawless reputation.
While it produced pieces for other labels, it also continued to make its own collections in addition to multiple horological advancements, earning a devout following across the world.
Audemars Piguet's first significant achievement came in 1892, with the creation of the premier minute repeater wristwatch. Featuring a beautifully crafted mechanism that chimed to signify the time, this was a feat of engineering that catapulted the brand's standing among watchmakers.
Other notable successes include its production of the thinnest pocket watch in 1925, and thinnest wristwatch in 1946, which bookended its creation of the first skeletonised pocket watch in 1934 - a style that remains highly coveted.
When the advent of quartz watches in the 1970s threatened the Swiss watchmaking sector, the brand responded by teaming up with celebrated watch designer Gerald Genta to produce the Royal Oak. Widely regarded as a key turning point for both the brand and the industry, the steel sports watch featured an octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, forever changing the perception of luxury timepieces.
Known for producing high-end timepieces with intricate designs and innovative movements, Audemars Piguet is synonymous with elegance, precision, and quality
Throughout its history, Audemars Piguet has remained an independent, family-owned company, preserving its heritage and commitment to excellence. Today, its watches are revered by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide, representing a perfect fusion of technical mastery and artistic expression.
It also continues to disrupt the industry and push forward a plethora of new designs, which includes the introduction of its Supersonnerie technology in 2015 that delivers outstanding acoustic performance. More recently, the brand also became the first of the top 10 Swiss watchmakers to appoint a female CEO after Ilaria Resta took over the reins in August 2023 - the latest important milestone for a brand that has truly transformed timepieces for generations.
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