Audemars Piguet is one of three brands in the holy trinity of watchmakers. It has heritage, lots and lots of heritage. However, in this Quick History Lesson we will be talking about one of their popular models: the Royal Oak.
Founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet is one of the most popular luxury brands, let alone just being known for its unique timepieces. Here are some things you probably didn’t know about Audemars Piguet.
Their most famous model, The Royal Oak, was inspired by divers’ helmets. This particular model was designed by the same man whom designed the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Gérald Genta, in about 5 minutes only!
The name “Royal Oak” is named after a real oak tree, which provided safety for king Charles the second of England at a battle in 1651. That was a very smart move by Audemars Piguet, which attracted many people by adding a story behind the timepiece. A proof of that is the fact that the first Royal Oak purchased was bought by an actual royal. Shah Iran made sure he was the first to buy this timepiece, due to his expensive taste and realization of this unique genuine that would rise in value the older it gets.
Audemars Piguet’s most expensive timepiece (Royal Oak Complication) would cost you around $869,000. What do you get for your money? An 18ct white gold case and bracelet with a sapphire crystal and case back, a perpetual calendar that indicates the day, date, month, week, year including leap year and moon phase that according to Audemars Piguet, contains 648 parts.
The Royal Oak is perhaps the most popular model Audemars Piguet ever made, what do you think of the Royal Oak? Is it the main reason of Audemars Piguet’s success? What is your favorite Royal Oak model? let us know down below!
References:
- https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/audemars-piguet-extra-thin-jumbo-royal-oak-reference-15202-yellow-gold
- https://www.timeandwatches.com/p/history-of-audemars-piguet-royal-oak.html
- https://www.gq.com/story/watch-glossary-audemars-piguet-royal-oak
