Audemars Piguet

Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet founded Audemars Piguet in 1875. They were inspired by the natural splendor of Switzerland's Vallée de Joux. The brand combined ancient watchmaking foundations with increasing technical talents of the time to create a wristwatch that is truly unique. Between 1882 and 1892, almost 80% of their timepieces included at least one complication, and many had many. At 42mm, the Royal Oak Offshore was deemed unusually big for the time when it was initially introduced in 1993. This watch exuded toughness and endurance, capturing the attention of superstars such as Jay-Z and influencing watch trends.

Audemars Piguet unveiled its newest consensus in 2012, on the 40th anniversary of their Royal Oak watch: "To break the rules, you must master them." This statement, according to their CEO Philippe Mark, "expresses the core of the Audemars Piguet brand philosophy." While the watches we manufacture are manifestations of our reverence for handcrafted timepiece traditions... we are also a contemporary, progressive brand known for our technological advances, daring use of new materials, and striking designs."

Most expensive Audemars Piguet watch ever sold: Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch, $1,093,169