For those who appreciate the finer things in life but are mindful of their budget, the pursuit of the cheapest Audemars Piguet becomes a fascinating journey in the world of horology. While Audemars Piguet is renowned for its high-end creations, there exist hidden gems within their collection that allow enthusiasts to access the brand's exceptional craftsmanship without breaking the bank.
Join us as we delve into the world of horological wonders, where the term "cheapest" doesn't compromise the essence of Audemars Piguet's watchmaking excellence. We'll uncover the elegant timepieces that stand as testaments to both refined taste and financial prudence, proving that luxury can indeed be within reach.
Cheapest Audemars Piguet watches
Here are 8 models that are relatively more affordable within the Audemars Piguet collection:
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quartz
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quartz is a distinguished member of the iconic Royal Oak collection, a series primarily renowned for its mechanical timepieces. However, the quartz version offers precision and user-friendly convenience with its battery-powered movement. Priced just above $17,000, it provides an entry point into the world of Royal Oak luxury. Crafted from stainless steel, it features a 33mm case with a slender profile of 7mm.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding
Audemars Piguet continues to elevate its Royal Oak Selfwinding collection with the introduction of exquisite stainless steel and 18-carat pink gold variants, each graced by the sophistication of silver-toned or blue-grey "Grande Tapisserie" dials, exemplifying the brand's commitment to timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Furthermore, the inclusion of 34mm models in this expansion showcases Audemars Piguet's dedication to accommodating a diverse range of wrist sizes, ensuring that aficionados with smaller wrists can also enjoy the allure of this iconic collection.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver is a true investment piece, seamlessly merging elegance with durability. Water-resistant up to 300 meters, it features grey ceramic screw-locked crowns and a unidirectional rotating bezel for enhanced water resistance. Designed for divers, the watch boasts a prominent minute scale on the dial and a blue inner bezel with a luminous marker for accurate dive time tracking. This exceptional dive watch combines luxury and functionality, available at a price of approximately $30,000.
Audemars Piguet Millenary Watch
Audemars Piguet's Millenary watches, though slightly pricier, present an enticing option for those in the know, offering great value in the pre-owned market. These timepieces exude luxury and extravagance, a departure from the Royal Oak's sports watch aesthetic. Introduced in 1995, the Millenary boasts its distinctive oval shape, inspired by the Roman Colosseum. This specific model features a decentralized dial with opulent 18kt rose gold accents and a skeletonized face, revealing the in-house calibre 4140 within its 47mm rose gold case.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph defines precision, sophistication, durability, and resilience in sports watches. Its 42mm stainless steel case, paired with a sporty blue rubber strap adorned with textile decoration and stainless steel pin buckle, embodies cutting-edge material technology. The intricate blue "Méga Tapisserie" dial hosts various functions, with black sub-dials and orange accents for hour, minute, and second measurements at 6', 9', and 12', as well as a date display at 3 o'clock.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding is a testament to understated elegance and horological precision. This watch features a 41mm stainless steel or precious metal case with a refined design that exudes sophistication. Its minimalist dial offers time and date functionality, while the automatic self-winding movement ensures accurate timekeeping. The Code 11.59 Selfwinding is a versatile choice, suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear, combining timeless aesthetics with modern engineering for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and aesthetics, available at an exceptional value of $35,000. Paying homage to the original 1972 Royal Oak, it boasts a slim 39mm stainless steel case with a svelte 8.1mm thickness. Its heart is the ultra-thin self-winding caliber 7121, prized for precision and reliability, ranking among the world's thinnest automatic movements. The "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" "Petite Tapisserie" dial showcases elegant white gold hands and hour markers, creating a luxurious contrast. Paired with a matching bracelet, it offers seamless integration with the case.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph is a masterpiece of horological engineering and design. This chronograph watch boasts a 41mm case crafted from stainless steel or precious metals, exemplifying luxury and precision. Its intricate dial features sub-dials for measuring elapsed time, while the automatic movement ensures accuracy. The Code 11.59 Chronograph is a harmonious blend of classic elegance and contemporary functionality, making it a statement piece for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and impeccable style. It's a true reflection of Audemars Piguet's commitment to excellence.
What do the cheapest Audemar Piguet watches have in common
Price range
The price range for affordable Audemars Piguet watches can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the model, materials used, complications, and whether the watch is new or pre-owned. In general, the starting price for a new Audemars Piguet watch typically falls within the range of $10,000 to $20,000 for entry-level models. However, it's essential to note that prices can go considerably higher for more complex and prestigious pieces.
Pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches offer an opportunity to own a luxury timepiece at a more accessible price point. Depending on the model's age, condition, and rarity, pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches can be found in the range of $5,000 to $15,000 or even lower for vintage or discontinued models.
Features and specifications
Affordable Audemars Piguet watches retain the brand's hallmark features and craftsmanship while often offering a more simplified design. Some common features and specifications you can expect in these watches include:
- Stainless steel or precious metal cases: Many affordable Audemars Piguet models feature stainless steel cases, although some may incorporate precious metals like rose gold or yellow gold for added luxury.
- Automatic movements: These watches are typically powered by automatic mechanical movements, ensuring accurate timekeeping and a smooth sweep of the seconds hand.
- Time and date functions: Most affordable models focus on essential timekeeping functions, displaying hours, minutes, and often the date.
- Iconic design elements: Audemars Piguet's signature elements, such as the octagonal Royal Oak case or the classic round design of the Code 11.59, are often present in these watches.
- Water resistance: Many models offer water resistance to various degrees, making them suitable for everyday wear.
Balance of quality and price
Affordable Audemars Piguet watches strike a balance between quality and price, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to own a prestigious timepiece without the exorbitant costs associated with the brand's high-complication or limited-edition pieces. While these watches may not feature the intricate complications found in Audemars Piguet's flagship models, they still benefit from the brand's renowned craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence in horology.
Ultimately, the affordability of these watches allows more individuals to experience the luxury and heritage of Audemars Piguet, making them an attractive option for those seeking both quality and value in their timepiece investments.
What to consider when buying the cheapest Audemar Piguet watches
Research and authentication
When considering the purchase of an affordable Audemars Piguet watch, thorough research and authentication are crucial steps. Begin by delving into the specific model you're interested in, as Audemars Piguet offers a wide range of watches with varying features and styles. Understanding the nuances and differences between models will help you make an informed decision.
Authenticity is paramount when buying any luxury timepiece. To ensure you're getting a genuine Audemars Piguet watch, it's advisable to buy from reputable dealers or certified sellers. These sources often provide original documentation, including warranty papers and certificates of authenticity. Don't hesitate to ask for these documents to verify the watch's legitimacy, as counterfeit watches are unfortunately prevalent in the luxury watch market.
Maintenance and servicing considerations
Owning an Audemars Piguet watch comes with the responsibility of proper maintenance and servicing to ensure its longevity and continued performance. Each Audemars Piguet model may have specific maintenance requirements, so it's important to understand these and factor them into your ownership cost.
Budgeting for regular servicing is essential, as luxury watches, including Audemars Piguet, benefit from periodic maintenance by skilled professionals. It's advisable to choose an authorized service center or an experienced watchmaker with expertise in Audemars Piguet timepieces. This ensures that your watch is serviced using genuine parts and maintains its value.
Investment potential
While affordability is a primary consideration, it's also worth thinking about the long-term investment potential of your Audemars Piguet watch. Some models may appreciate in value over time, making them not only a stylish accessory but also a wise investment.
To assess the investment potential, research historical price trends for specific Audemars Piguet models and series. Factors such as limited editions, iconic designs, and brand recognition can contribute to a watch's appreciation. To maximize the investment potential, keep your watch in excellent condition by adhering to maintenance and servicing schedules. This ensures that your Audemars Piguet watch remains a valuable asset in the world of luxury horology.
Speaking of investment potential, see the 10 best investment watches of all time (AP included).
