About
Born from the names of two watchmakers, Audemars Piguet is a Swiss manufacturer located in Le Brassus, Switzerland.
History
Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet both founded the Company. Though they are both watchmakers, Jules handled the production while the latter handled sales. By manufacturing components and assembly in-house, they were able to maintain a highly quality control thus getting more well-known as the company producing high quality timepieces.
They were known for creating complex timepieces such as the world’s first minute repeater, then the world’s smallest minute repeater, and the ultra-thin automatic tourbillon calibre 2870.
On the brink of bankruptcy due to the quartz crisis in the late 60s and early 70s, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royak Oak – the first luxury sports watch in the world. This was designed by Gerald Genta and now became one of the most commonly copied designs. Such examples are the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Chopard Alpine Eagle and Bell & Ross BR05.
Audemars Piguet is still family-owned. After selling 60% of Jaeger Le-Coultre to LMH back in 2000 (Now LVMH), Audemars Piguet invested the money to increase its research and development.
Known Models
- Royal Oak
- Jules Audemars
- Millenary
- Code 11.59
- Classique
- Haute-Joaillerie
Source
- https://www.richemont.com/9-press-news/financial/240-richemont-and-audemars-piguet-announce-agreement.html
- Gene Stone, Stephen Pulvirent, the Watch Thoroughly Revised.
- https://www.audemarspiguet.com/en/watch-collection/