Audemars Piguet, founded in Le Brassus in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, remains the oldest fine watchmaking manufacturer still in the hands of its founding families. The Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta in 1972, revolutionized the luxury watch industry by introducing the concept of a luxury steel sport watch.
AP manufactures all movements in-house, with the majority assembled in their historic Le Brassus facility. The brand's movements feature hand-finished components visible through exhibition case backs, with techniques including Côtes de Genève, perlage, and hand-beveled bridges.
Audemars Piguet has shifted to a direct-to-consumer model, reducing authorized dealers significantly. New Royal Oak models are extremely scarce at retail. AP Houses (brand-owned boutiques) are the primary sales channel, and establishing a relationship is essential for accessing popular models.
AP recommends servicing every 5-8 years with costs ranging from $1,200-$2,500 for standard Royal Oak models. Complicated pieces command higher service fees. AP's service center network is smaller than Rolex or Omega, potentially resulting in longer turnaround times.
The Royal Oak line holds value exceptionally well, with steel models often trading above retail. The Royal Oak Offshore and Code 11.59 see more variability, with some configurations trading below retail on the secondary market.
Ranked by WVS Value Score — the models that best preserve your investment.
| # | Model | Market | Own/Yr | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Oak 15510ST.OO.1320ST.01 | $52,500 | $225/yr | 84 |
| 2 | Royal Oak 26240ST.OO.1320ST.06 | $82,500 | $285/yr | 84 |
| 3 | Royal Oak 15510ST.OO.1320ST.02 | $44,000 | $208/yr | 82 |
| 4 | Royal Oak 15510OR.OO.1320OR.01 | $70,000 | $2570/yr | 74 |
| 5 | Royal Oak Offshore 26470ST.OO.A027CA.01 | $36,000 | $2820/yr | 72 |
| 6 | Code 11.59 15210OR.OO.A002CR.01 | $24,000 | $1920/yr | 69 |
Each collection has a distinct character — from tool watches to haute horlogerie. Click through for full model comparisons.
See how Audemars Piguet stacks up against other luxury watch brands.