Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet, established in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, was founded by two young watchmakers, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. The two founders combined their skills to create complex movements that powered some of the most intricate timepieces of their era. Early on, Audemars Piguet distinguished itself with a focus on high complications, producing meticulously crafted watches that demonstrated mechanical prowess and design excellence. By the early 20th century, the brand was producing minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, and chronographs, placing it among the elite of Swiss watchmaking.

A defining moment in Audemars Piguet’s history came in 1972 with the introduction of the Royal Oak, a design that challenged traditional luxury watchmaking norms. Created by renowned designer Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak featured an octagonal bezel and exposed screws, combining a sporty aesthetic with luxury appeal. Its stainless steel construction was also unconventional for the time, elevating the material to a premium status and ultimately inspiring a new category of high-end sports watches. The Royal Oak became an instant icon and remains one of the most recognizable watches in the world.

Today, Audemars Piguet continues to lead in both innovation and craftsmanship. Known for its boundary-pushing designs and technical mastery, the brand remains one of the few major Swiss manufacturers that is family-owned, upholding the founders’ legacy in modern watchmaking.