Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet
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About Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet, established in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, is a distinguished Swiss luxury watchmaker renowned for its innovative timepieces and commitment to traditional craftsmanship.
Headquartered in Le Brassus, Switzerland, within the Vallée de Joux—a region celebrated as the cradle of Haute Horlogerie—the company has remained family-owned since its inception.
Historical Achievements
The brand's legacy includes several pioneering achievements in watchmaking.
In 1892, Audemars Piguet introduced the first wristwatch minute-repeating movement, a significant advancement in horological complications.
The company further solidified its reputation in 1934 by creating the first skeleton watch, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and design.
Audemars Piguet continued innovating with ultra-thin timepieces, such as the 1986 ultra-thin automatic tourbillon wristwatch (Calibre 2870), one of the thinnest watches ever produced.
Iconic Designs
The company's most iconic creation is the Royal Oak, introduced in 1972 and designed by Gérald Genta.
The Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch, featuring a distinctive octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet.
This groundbreaking design challenged traditional watch aesthetics and boosted the brand's status within the watchmaking industry.
Recent Milestones
In 2025, Audemars Piguet celebrated its 150th anniversary by releasing special Royal Oak editions.
These models include ceramic versions with the "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" hue, inspired by the night sky of the Vallée de Joux.
These timepieces blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Global Presence
The company operates globally with several key locations:
- Headquarters in Le Brassus, Switzerland
- Irvine, California, USA
- North American Service Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, established in 2023 with a $22 million investment
The Raleigh center created 105 jobs, including watchmakers and quality control engineers.
Commitment to Sustainability
Audemars Piguet is dedicated to sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources in manufacturing and responsible sourcing practices.
The Audemars Piguet Foundation, founded in 1992, supports forest conservation and environmental education initiatives.
Summary
Overall, Audemars Piguet stands as a paragon of luxury watchmaking, seamlessly integrating innovation with tradition.
Its iconic timepieces, such as the Royal Oak, and dedication to sustainability highlight its esteemed position in the horological world.