Audemars Piguet is a prestigious Swiss watch brand that has stood out thanks to its exceptional know-how and watchmaking tradition. In this article, we will explore 12 interesting and secret facts about this fine watchmaking company.
1. A complementary duo at the origin of the brand
Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet founded the company in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland. These two master watchmakers each had complementary skills: Audemars specialized in the creation of calibers and Piguet took care of regulation and quality control.
This perfect alliance allowed them to create exceptional watches and lay the foundations of what would become an emblematic company in fine watchmaking.
2. Innovation and tradition, the secret of their success
Audemars Piguet has always known how to combine innovation and respect for tradition to design exceptional watches. Their ancestral know-how is passed down from generation to generation, thus guaranteeing the continuity and quality of their creations.
The first ultra-thin pocket caliber
In 1907, Audemars Piguet developed the first ultra-thin pocket caliber, measuring only 1.32 millimeters. This technical prowess has expanded the possibilities for design and innovation within the watch industry.
3. The Royal Oak, an icon of the brand
There Royal Oak is today considered one of the iconic watches of Swiss watchmaking. Its bold and unique design was created by Gérald Genta in 1972. It is characterized in particular by its octagonal bezel and its bracelet integrated into the case.
An avant-garde model
THE model 5402, the first example of the Royal Oak, was particularly avant-garde for the time with its sporty and elegant design, as well as its price which placed it in the luxury watch segment. He helped make Audemars Piguet an essential reference in the world of fine watchmaking.
4. The Automatic Tourbillon
In 1986, Audemars Piguet unveiled a true mechanical masterpiece: the first automatic tourbillon in the world. This complex movement helps compensate for the effects of gravity on mechanical watches, thus improving their precision. This innovation once again demonstrates the know-how and creativity of the brand’s master watchmakers.
5. Handmade watches
At Audemars Piguet, each watch is handcrafted by highly skilled artisans. Each component of the movement is manufactured and adjusted manually with extreme precision, testifying to the demand for quality and respect for the watchmaking tradition specific to the brand.
6. A family business
Audemars Piguet is still today run by the descendants of the founders, making it one of the rare independent family businesses in the world of fine watchmaking. This family continuity has made it possible to preserve the values and know-how that have made the brand famous for more than 140 years.
7. A commitment to nature
Audemars Piguet is very attached to the environment and the preservation of nature, particularly that of the Vallée de Joux, the birthplace of the company. The brand is thus committed to various actions to minimize its ecological footprint and contribute to the protection of the environment.
8. The Audemars Piguet museum
In the village of Le Brassus, the historic headquarters of the company, is the Audemars Piguet Museum which traces the history of the brand and Swiss watchmaking. This exceptional place offers visitors a journey through time and the immensity of watchmaking know-how.
9. Watches made to last
Audemars Piguet designs its watches with high quality materials and a requirement for extreme precision, thus guaranteeing their sustainability. The brand’s watches are designed to stand the test of time and be passed down from generation to generation.
10. Art and culture at the heart of Audemars Piguet’s values
The brand is deeply committed to the promotion of art and culture, considering that these areas are closely linked to watchmaking and the know-how it develops. Audemars Piguet thus supports numerous artists and cultural projects all over the world.
11. The letter “AP”
The Audemars Piguet logo, composed of the intertwined initials “A” and “P”, was created in 1972. It symbolizes the perfect alliance between the two founders and also embodies the continuity and excellence that characterize the brand.
12. An international presence
Audemars Piguet is now present in more than 90 countries and has an exclusive and selective distribution network. The brand continues to develop while maintaining its independence and innovative spirit, constantly seeking to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.
