Well now, lemme tell ya a bit about that fancy Audemars Piguet watch brand, huh? It’s been around for a long time, since way back in 1875, when two fellas, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, got together in that little Valle de Joux in Switzerland. They were pals since childhood, though they didn’t meet up again ’til later, in 1874, and decided to start this whole watchmaking thing. By 1881, they had themselves a proper company called Audemars Piguet & Cie. Ain’t that somethin’?
Now, Audemars Piguet ain’t just any old watchmaker. Nope, they’re right up there with the big guns, like Rolex and Patek Philippe. They’re one of the “Big Four” independent Swiss watchmakers, and folks love ‘em for their fancy, top-notch craftsmanship. But here’s the thing: Audemars Piguet don’t make a heap of watches every year, like some other brands. They’ve set a limit of about 40,000 watches annually. And that’s on purpose, mind you, to keep up with that high quality they’re known for. Though, they’ve been talkin’ about maybe makin’ a few more watches once they finish up with their new manufacturing facility, maybe goin’ up to 70,000 watches a year.
Even though they limit their production, Audemars Piguet’s still doin’ mighty fine. In 2023, they managed to bring in about 2.35 billion Swiss Francs, or around 2.7 billion dollars. That’s a lot of dough for makin’ fancy timepieces, ain’t it? They’ve been growin’ steady, with a 2% revenue increase from the year before, and they’re firmly standin’ tall among the elite watchmakers.
What’s more, Audemars Piguet has a long list of impressive inventions and milestones. Back in 1892, they created the world’s first wristwatch minute-repeating movement, which is a big deal in the watch world. Omega SA asked for it, and they even put the first minute-repeating wristwatch together in the same year. Talk about history in the makin’!
As for their current line of watches, you’ve probably heard of the Royal Oak, right? That’s one of their most famous collections, alongside others like the Royal Oak Offshore, Millenary, and the Code 11.59. Every one of these watches is a real showstopper, crafted with precision and care, like you wouldn’t believe. And all this fine watchmakin’ still happens in Le Brassus, Switzerland, where it all started.
So, if you’re lookin’ to get your hands on one of these fancy watches, know that you’re not just buyin’ a timepiece – you’re gettin’ a piece of history, all thanks to those two men, Jules and Edward, who started it all so many years ago. And each one’s made with such care and attention, it’s no wonder they’ve lasted this long and continue to grow strong.
Tags：[Audemars Piguet, Watchmaking, Swiss Watches, Luxury Watches, Royal Oak, Historical Watches, Swiss Watchmakers, Luxury Timepieces]
