Well now, if you’re curious ’bout Audemars Piguet and when they started all this fancy watch-making business, lemme tell ya a bit ’bout it. So, these two fella, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, they got together back in 1875, right? That’s when they decided to start makin’ watches in this place called the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland. Now, this was no ordinary place, it’s all high up in them mountains, where the air is thin and the snow can be deep, but they didn’t mind. They had their minds set on makin’ something special.
Now, I reckon they musta been good at what they did ‘cause by 1881, they decided to call their little company “Audemars Piguet & Cie.” Fancy name, huh? It’s all French and whatnot, but let’s not get lost in them details. The important part is, from the very beginning, they were all ‘bout quality and precision. And over the years, the company just kept growin’, puttin’ out them fine watches that people started talkin’ about.
By 1972, well, that’s when they introduced the Royal Oak. Now, this wasn’t just any old watch, no sir. This here Royal Oak became a whole new thing in the watch world. They say it was the first luxury sports watch, and it was somethin’ folks had never seen before. Big ol’ steel case and that octagonal bezel, it had folks scratchin’ their heads at first, but it didn’t take long before it became one of the most recognized watches out there.
Back then, the whole world of Swiss watchmakers was a bit worried ’bout this newfangled Quartz technology that was comin’ up. But Audemars Piguet, well, they stuck to their guns and kept makin’ watches that had heart and soul in ’em. You see, a lotta folks still believe that them traditional Swiss watches, like the ones Audemars Piguet makes, are the best ’cause they’re all made by hand with the finest detail, none of that automated stuff.
But here’s the thing, Audemars Piguet ain’t just sittin’ back and relaxin’. Nope, they’re always lookin’ ahead. Even today, they got some fancy new models like the Royal Oak Concept and the Code 11.59. And I reckon they ain’t done yet. They keep pushin’ the envelope, and that’s what keeps ‘em at the top of their game.
They’ve made some mighty important moves in the watch world too. Back in 1892, they created the first wristwatch with a minute-repeating movement, which was a real big deal. They even made it for a fella from Omega, and soon enough, that same movement was in some of the most expensive watches around.
Now, when we talk about Audemars Piguet today, it’s not just about watches, ya know? They also focus a lot on doin’ good for the people and the planet. They got what they call a CSR policy that takes care of four important areas: People, Environment, Innovation, and Society. Sounds fancy, don’t it? But at the heart of it all, they still care about the same thing they always have – makin’ the finest watches, with care and precision, for folks who appreciate the good things in life.
So, there you have it. From humble beginnings in 1875 to becoming one of the biggest names in the luxury watch business, Audemars Piguet sure has come a long way. Whether you’re after a Royal Oak, a Jules Audemars, or even a Millenary, these watches are more than just timepieces – they’re a piece of history on your wrist.
Key Dates to Remember:
- 1875: Company founded by Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet.
- 1881: Company officially named Audemars Piguet & Cie.
- 1972: The Royal Oak is introduced, setting a new standard for luxury sports watches.
- 1892: The first wristwatch with a minute-repeating movement is created.
Now, I reckon if you ever get the chance to lay your hands on one of these fine watches, you’ll see just what makes Audemars Piguet so special. It ain’t just the look, but the story behind it, the years of tradition, and all the hard work that went into making it. That’s the kinda thing that makes a watch more than just something to tell time with – it becomes somethin’ you can treasure for years to come.
Tags:[Audemars Piguet, luxury watches, Swiss watches, Royal Oak, founding date, watch history, Swiss watchmaking, minute-repeating, watch collectors, luxury watch brands]