Growing up in Lausanne, Switzerland, the name Audemars Piguet was always synonymous with quality, and even as a child, I was in awe of the luxury wristwatch brand. I convinced myself that I would certainly have one as an adult and always felt an affinity for the brand, almost like I was part of the team. I guess much of this was generated by the factory’s proximity to my home.
Audemars Piguet timepieces are handmade in the village of Le Brassus in the Vaud Canton of Switzerland, just 50km (31 miles) from Lausanne and 59km (44 miles) from Geneva, the watchmaking capital of the world. No models are made off-site by subcontractors in other countries (or locally.)
An Audemars Piguet is not simply a wristwatch but a glimpse into the past with craftsmanship that is sublime yet in no way ostentatious. It exists on the arm of the most discerning horologists and in the safes of serious collectors worldwide. Very few of us ever get to own an AP, and I’m still waiting for my ship to come in…
Are Any Audemars Piguet Movements Made In The East?
All Audemars Piguet movements and components are made by hand on-site in Le Brassus, Switzerland. Conversely, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co, and Cartier use Audemars Piguet movements.
How Can I Access The Village Where Audemars Piguet Are Made?
Le Brassus is easily accessible by road or rail from Lausanne or Geneva. Roads are in good condition, and car hire is easily done in both cities, though I recommend the rail trip so you can safely concentrate on the scenic beauty of the Valley.
Do I Have To Visit Switzerland To Buy An Audemars Piguet?
No, AP has agents in the bigger cities of Europe and the US. Used timepieces also become available for sale occasionally, but exercise caution with these purchases.
How Should You Pronounce Audemars Piguet?
Aw de mar Pea gay, with a throat-rattle on the mar, is the correct way to pronounce the two French names, though most Americans include the S audibly.
When Was Audemars Piguet Started?
At the tender ages of just 24 yrs and 22 yrs, respectively, Jules Louis Audemars (1851–1918) and Edward Auguste Piguet (1853–1919) established a workshop in 1875 in the village of Le Brassus, Switzerland. Set in the Vallée de Joux, Le Brassus was very central to major cities in Switzerland and had artisans of a very high standard.
Why Did Audemars And Piguet Choose Le Brassus As Their Location?
Apart from being their hometown, Le Brassus lies in the Vallée de Joux, which would provide all of the resources required to aid their entry into the luxury watch market. This includes mineral-rich forests and rocks from which iron can be obtained.
Were Audemars and Piguet trend-setters?
The two youngsters began their empire by crafting unique, complicated mechanisms by hand, an unusual decision at a period in watchmaking when serial production was in vogue with the rise of industrialization in Europe.
Who Owns Audemars Piguet Now?
AP is the only luxury watch company still owned by the founding family, almost 150 years on. Present company leaders – four generations on – are Jasmine Audemars and Olivier Audemars.
Who Is The C.E.O. Of Audemars Piguet?
How Can I Ensure My Audemars Piguet is Not Fake?
Buy from a reputable dealer only if you are less than certain of your ability to spot a copy. Unfortunately, fake watches, like fakes of all goods above a certain price bracket, are extremely accurate to the inexperienced eye. Strangely, your best bet of spotting a fake is in the packaging. AP uses a stained wooden box which can be easily compared online.
Is Audemars Piguet One Of The Big Three?
The ‘holy’ trinity of luxury watches includes Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin and is known as ‘The Big Three.’ These brands lead the market in innovation, style, and quality and have done so for more than a century.
How Often Should I Have My Audemars Piguet Serviced?
Most luxury watch brands suggest a service every three years, and since you have invested a sizeable chunk of change in the timepiece, it may be wise to comply. Take your Quartz watch to a registered Audemars Piguet boutique or one of their service centers. If none are nearby, an authorized retailer can also assist you.
When you replace the watch’s battery, it’s recommended you also have a water resistance service completed. The service’s total cost will increase, although the difference will be negligible.
What is the name of Audemars Piguet’s flagship model?
Royal Oak was first created in 1972 and remains the flagship model of the AP range.
Which Brand Is The Chief Rival For Audemars Piguet?
Patek Phillipe is AP’s closest rival and currently produces more timepieces annually. However, Audemars Piguet has increased production this year and aims to make 45 000 to 50 000 watches by December.
How Long Does An Audemars Piguet Take To Produce?
At 50 000 a year, that would require 137 watches to be produced every day of the year – including Christmas – but the watches are not all started and finished on the same day.
A highly skilled crew has to create the timepiece, accessorize/decorate it, and then test it and this process can take months, with some exclusive and bespoke models taking even longer. Audemars Piguet could not be pinned down to just how long these exclusive masterpieces might take.
Who Wears Audemars Piguet?
Yung Hurn, LeBron James, Justin Bieber, Jay Z, Serena Williams, John Mayer, Orlando Bloom, Chris Hemsworth, and Dwaine Johnson are all proud owners of Royal Oak watches, and that’s just the celebrities.
Does Audemars Piguet Stay Up To Date With Watch Trends?
It’s safer to say that they create watch trends. This year, they released the Royal Oak Model’s Self-winding Perpetual Calendar (Ultra-Thin). The case is 6.3mm (0.25”) high and has a movement of just 2.9mm (0.11”) thick, making it the world’s thinnest wristwatch to contain an automatic perpetual calendar.
Conclusion
Suppose you are fortunate enough and have the opportunity to visit beautiful Switzerland and are in a position to acquire an Audemars Piguet in the village of Le Brassus. In that case, I highly recommend you do so. Perhaps when I get a few ducks in a row, we will meet there, and you can see how their exquisite yet elegant creations blend perfectly with the grandeur of the Vallée de Joux.
