Audemars Piguet is one of the world's three biggest watch brands and is one of the most prestigious Swiss manufacture brands. Since its founding, the brand has established a solid reputation for developing ultra-complicated watches. The Royal Oak, which was released in 1972, shocked the watch industry as a new sports watch that overturned conventional wisdom at the time, and it remains popular even after half a century.
This article is aimed at those who want to buy an Audemars Piguet watch but don't know how to choose one, so if you're thinking, "I want an Audemars Piguet watch," or "It's an expensive purchase so I don't want to make a mistake," be sure to read this article.
[Audemars Piguet] Classification
*Source: https://borninlebrassus.audemarspiguet.com/
Audemars Piguet is roughly divided into two types: "sports models" and "dress models." In recent years , it is the "sports models" that have been driving the price hike, and they are always the center of attention. However, there are also noteworthy "dress models" that are likely to support the brand in the future, and are gaining attention. First, let's take a look at what kind of models are available in each category.
Sports Model
*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/world-of-rolex/motor-sports.html
Audemars Piguet's "sports models" are known as "luxury sports models" or "luxury sports models" and are gaining in popularity, but it is said that the Royal Oak, which was introduced in 1972 , was the trigger for its creation. Combining a luxurious and sporty design, it can be worn both on and off the job, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from business to everyday use.
Dress model
*Source: https://www.rolex.com/ja/world-of-rolex/the-arts.html
It is a "dress model" intended for wearing in formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, and parties, but many of them, including those of other brands, are characterized by small case sizes and simple, smart designs. Similarly, Audemars Piguet has many models with simple designs, but the "Millenary," which has a special shape and is no longer in production, has a special oval shape, and the brand also offers models filled with playfulness.
Choose from asset value
Audemars Piguet offers a wide range of high-value models, focusing on luxury sports watches. First, we will introduce recommended models for those who want to consider resale value when buying the same luxury watch.
The original "luxury sports model" "Royal Oak"
*Source: https://www.thehouseofluxury.com/artists/26-audemars-piguet/works/2331-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-15500st.oo.1220st.01/
The Royal Oak was born in 1972 and is the originator of the luxury sports model. In an era when 30mm to 35mm dress models were mainstream, this 39mm stainless steel sports model was introduced as a novel collection. It was designed by Gerald Genta, a master of the watch industry. The distinctive octagonal bezel and the screws driven into it not only make the case thinner, but also become the iconic design of the model. The bracelet, which is integrated with the case, fits comfortably on the wrist and is comfortable to wear.
The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph has an overwhelming presence
*Source: https://www.thewatchpages.com/watches/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-offshore-diver-15710stooa052ca01/
The Royal Oak Offshore is a derivative model of the Royal Oak that was born in 1993. Its thick and powerful design drew mixed reviews when it was first introduced, but it is now the second most popular model after the Royal Oak. The bezel is wider and thicker than the Royal Oak, and the tapestry decoration on the dial is also large, giving it a strong presence. This is a model that we would recommend for people with relatively large wrists.
Choose from usage scenarios
Next, we will introduce recommended models for those who want to purchase a phone for business or personal use.
The next generation icon watch "CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet"
*Source: https://superwatchman.com/au/audemars-piguet/code-11-59-automatic-white-gold-burgundy/
Audemars Piguet's new collection, CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, was released in 2019. This is positioned as a middle ground between a "sports model" and a "dress model". At first glance, it looks like a typical round model, but the case is actually a three-layer structure, with the brand's signature octagonal middle case. It also features a beautiful gradation dial that adds a touch of glamour to your wrist. It has a classic and sporty feel, and is sure to be useful both on and off the job.
The unique case shape of the "Jules Audemars"
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The "Jules Audemars" is a "dress model" named after the founder of Audemars Piguet. While the design is based on simplicity, the watch is available in a wide range of models, including "small second" and "extra-thin". The classic and simple design matches not only business and formal styles, but also casual styles, making it suitable for any occasion. The second-hand market price is relatively stable, so this model is recommended for those who want to get a luxury watch at a reasonable price.
Choose by function
Next, we will introduce some recommended models that incorporate Audemars Piguet's strength, its high level of technical skill.
Authentic diver's watch "Royal Oak Offshore Diver"
*Source: https://www.thewatchpages.com/watches/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-offshore-diver-15710stooa052ca01/
The Royal Oak Offshore Diver is the first professional diver model of the Royal Oak. It has 300m water resistance, a rotating inner ring on the outer circumference of the dial, and luminous paint on the hands and indexes, all of which are essential features of a diver's watch. Another attractive feature is its luxurious and powerful design, which is not found in ordinary diver's watches.
"Millenary" design makes the most of the movement
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The Millenary is characterized by its horizontally long oval case. Initially, it had a simple design, but later, it was renewed to have a spiral-like asymmetrical design inspired by the Roman Coliseum. In 2011 , the Millenary 4101 , which is equipped with a movement exclusive to the Millenary, evolved into a design that allows you to view the movement from the dial. This is a model that we highly recommend to those who want to enjoy Audemars Piguet's technical capabilities and high-sense design.
5 Recommended Audemars Piguet Watches
From here on, taking into account the above information, we will introduce five recommended Audemars Piguet watches.
① "Royal Oak" "Ref.15300ST"
The Royal Oak Ref. 15300ST was renewed in 2005. With a case size of 39mm , it is slightly smaller than its successors, the Ref. 15400ST and Ref. 15500ST , and is characterized by a case size that fits comfortably on the wrist. The price is relatively stable, but it is a discontinued model and the price is increasing year by year, so we recommend that you purchase it as soon as possible.
② "Royal Oak Offshore Diver" "Ref.15710ST"
The Royal Oak Offshore Diver Ref. 15710ST was released in 2015. The case back is a skeleton, allowing you to see the movement of the in-house movement Cal. 3120. The stainless steel case has a beautiful contrast between the satin and polished finishes, giving it a luxurious feel. It is perfect for everyday use as well as for use as a diver's watch.
3. CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Chronograph, Ref. 26393BC
The new CODE 11.59 Chronograph, Ref. 26393BC, was released in 2019. The octagonal middle case and screws visible through the openwork lugs are designed to resemble the Royal Oak bezel. It is equipped with the new movement Cal. 4401 , and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, making it an excellent choice for practical use. Although the model is still new, it is often traded at high prices on the second-hand market, making it the brand's next-generation iconic watch, and we'd like to keep an eye on its future developments.
④ "Jules Audemars Extra-Thin" "Ref.15180OR"
The Jules Audemars Extra-Thin Ref. 15180OR has a case thickness of just 6.7mm . The movement is the in-house automatic movement Cal . 2120 , which is just 2.45mm thick, and the beautiful and intricate design can be appreciated through the see-through back cover. The 18KPG ( pink gold) case is a simple two-hand model, making it the perfect model for formal occasions.
⑤ "Millenary 4101 " "Ref. 15350ST"
The "Ref.15350ST" of the Millenary 4101, for which Japanese watchmaker Naohiro Hamaguchi is the head of movement design, is a watch. The Cal.4101 is designed to be viewable from both the front and back of the dial, and the balance wheel, which is usually placed on the back, is placed on the front, allowing you to see the movement of the anchor and escape wheel. From the back, you can enjoy the beautiful 22K gold rotor engraved with the crests of the founders, the Audemars and Piguet families. It is made with an emphasis on precision as well as design, and is impeccably practical.
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What did you think.
Audemars Piguet is a watch that every watch lover dreams of. The specifications vary greatly depending on the model, so try to find the one that suits you best from various perspectives such as value, functionality, and usage scenarios.
If you have any questions about this model, please feel free to contact us.