Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet – the Swiss watchmaker that broke the rules with the Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in Le Brassus, a remote valley in the Swiss Vallée de Joux that has long been the heart of fine watchmaking. The two young craftsmen shared a passion for complications – the most complex and refined parts of a watch – and decided to combine their talents to create the most ambitious timepieces in the world. Audemars Piguet remains to this day the oldest fine watch company in the world still fully owned by the founding families.

In 1972, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak, designed by the legendary watch designer Gérald Genta. This watch was revolutionary: a luxury sports watch in stainless steel with an octagonal bezel and visible screws, at a time when luxury watches were made exclusively in gold. The Royal Oak changed the watch world forever and is considered one of the most influential watch designs ever. The launch price – then higher than a gold watch – seemed madness, but proved the visionary power of the brand.

Audemars Piguet watches are still among the most sought-after and respected timepieces in the world. The Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and Millenary collections are beloved investment pieces that have only seen their value increase over the years. At Winkelstraat.nl, you will find a selection of Audemars Piguet watches that represent the absolute pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking.