Do Audemars Piguet Watches Hold Their Value?

The family firm, Audemars Piguet, was founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, and has become one of the most esteemed watch manufacturers in the world.

And yet, this firm, that has fused impeccable craftsmanship with technological innovation is not a household name. Indeed, Audemars Piguet watches are said to ‘make a statement to a select few’ due to their exclusivity, ensured by manufacturing only around 40,000 watches annually, a fraction of their competitors’ output.

^{An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time Tantalum}

^{Sold for £24,000}

Audemars Piguet’s innovations in timepieces have been numerous. Features that do more than just keep the time such as the perpetual calendar, the chronograph (stopwatch function) and the skeleton watch can be seen as standard today but were all invented by AP and were considered groundbreaking when launched to the public.

The firm is best known for the Royal Oak range of watches. Launched to a rather disconcerted audience at the Basel annual Swiss Watch Show in 1972, legend has it that Gerald Genta, internationally renowned watch designer, was contacted the afternoon before the fair and asked to create an ‘unprecedented steel watch’.

^{Peter O'Toole's Audemars Piguet reference 5548 automatic Quantieme Perpetual Calendar}

^{Sold for £18,000}

Instantly recognisable thanks to its audacious design and steel strap, the octagonal shape was said to be inspired by the portholes on a warship with exposed screw heads reminiscent of the bolts on the exterior of an old fashioned diving helmet. The first luxury sports watch has become an iconic piece over the last 50 years and a huge international success, securing the fortunes of the company at the same time.

Other collections of note include Code 11.59, The Royal Oak Offshore, The Royal Oak Concept, Royal Oak Tourbillon and the classic Jules Audemars, The prestigious brand with exclusive clientele, has been worn by diverse luminaries such as  Elizabeth 11, Tom Cruise and Jay-Z.

^{An exceptionally rare Platinum Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 33mm Ref: 56175}

^{Sold for £15,000}

AP timepieces impress connoisseurs and it is because of the rarity, especially of limited collections, and that associated exclusivity that Audemars Piguet watches hold and, in some cases, appreciate their value.

To a buyer or collector, the value of an AP watch will be dictated by its provenance, rarity and condition. Pristine condition will require that the watch has been regularly cleaned, stored correctly when not worn, and serviced every 3-5 years to ensure it remains in peak working condition. Original packaging with a certificate of authenticity to certify the watch and its components will further augment the value of the piece.

Our highly knowledgable and skilled watch experts are ideally placed to accurately inspect and appraise your watch or watch collection. The team at Dawsons have extensive experience in promoting, marketing and securing the best prices for Audemars Piguet watches. Indeed, recent success includes a Royal Oak Dual Time Tantalum which commanded £24,000 at a Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver sale in September 2024.

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Are you considering selling an Audemars Piguet watch?

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Get in touch with an expert Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help you:

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk