Founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet has since been responsible for creating and manufacturing some of the world’s finest luxury watches. In addition to being the world’s oldest watch manufacturer, the company continues to thrive today and is widely considered to be among the top tier of watchmaking manufacturers. The company is the product of partners Jules Audemars and Edward-August Piguet, who met at the age of 21 in the Vallee de Joux. Both had completed training to become watchmakers and were seeking jobs in the local industry. After their initial meeting in 1875, Audemars and Piguet decided to combine their talents to found the company that would later be known as Audemars Piguet. In the beginning, Audemars was responsible for the production and technical sides of the business, while Piguet was in charge of sales.

Exclusivity

Audemars Piguet watches have always been known for their craftsmanship and precision. This tradition started back in the late 1800s, when the partners were just starting out. It is interesting to note that between 1894 and 1899, only 1,208 watches were produced. This is a testament to the quality and care that the partners took in creating each and every watch for their line. During those five years, Audemars and Piguet created the “Grande Complication” series, which is a very widely known model that is still produced today. Not only does a Grande Complication watch offer normal time indication, it also features minute repetition, perpetual calendar, and chronograph. Today, Audemars Piguet watches are still considered to be one of the most exclusive brands on the market today. The company is revered as a classic and prestigious maker of precise timepieces. It is actually referenced several times in current songs by artists such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Jim Jones, who are also known to have used Audemars Piguet watches.

The Legacy of Audemars Piguet

Though the founding partners (Audemars and Piguet) died before 1920, their legacy and commitment to excellence lives on. Shortly after the death of the founders, the company set the world record for the smallest five-minute repeater movement ever. The record remains unchallenged to this day. In 1921, the company created the first jumping-hour wristwatch driven by calibre HPVM10’’ and in 1946, the caliber 9’’ ML (1.64 mm thick), which in turn enabled Audemars Piguet to create the world’s smallest hand-wound movement for a wristwatch. The great-grandchildren of Audemars and Piguet currently head the company and ensure the continuity of its legacy.

The Audemars Piguet Collections

Even though the company has enjoyed substantial success, Audemars Piguet watches are still crafted by hand. Numerous pieces in the collection have enjoyed lasting success. Perhaps the most notable of these is the Royal Oak design, which was named after the famous “royal oak” that was hollowed out and served as a haven for King Charles II. The Royal Oak is not only the most popular selection of the Audemars Piguet watches, it is also considered to be one of the finest luxury sports watches on the market today.

Audemars Piguet at Wingate’s

Wingate’s is proud to offer a selection of fine Audemars Piguet watches for men and women including several varieties of: Gold Coin, Jules Audemars, Millenary, Royal Oak and Tourbillon.

Hide This Text...

All Models

Mens Models

Midsize Models

Advanced Search