Audemars Piguet, well-known for making those fancy watches, was set up by two childhood buddies, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. They started their journey back in the 1800s, and folks still talk about their name today when they see a high-end watch. But let me tell you, Audemars Piguet ain’t no first and last name like many folks think. It’s actually just the name of the company they built together, started up in 1875, but got its official name, Audemars Piguet & Cie, in 1881. Let me give you the lowdown on how this big name came about and what the Chinese name means.
Now, if we start from the very beginning, these two boys, Audemars and Piguet, were like peas in a pod since they were little. They grew up knowing each other in their hometown. But it wasn’t until they were in their twenties, in 1874, that they really got back together and decided to start something big. So, in 1875, they teamed up and began the business, and it wasn’t long before they were making watches that folks could trust and fancy.
One thing people always ask about is the name “Audemars Piguet.” I reckon it sounds like some French folks talkin’, but it’s really just two fellas’ last names put together. It don’t mean anything special in French itself. The “Piguet” part is a bit simpler—it’s a common name from the region. As for “Audemars,” well, that’s just ol’ Jules Louis Audemars’ family name, passed down from generations. Together, they made the name sound real fancy and gave birth to a brand that’s still around making those elegant watches we all know.
Now, let’s talk about the Chinese name for Audemars Piguet. You see, in Chinese, the name sounds like “爱彼,” pronounced as “ài bǐ.” The characters themselves don’t mean much when you break ’em down separately, but together, they make a name that just rolls off the tongue. “爱” (ài) means “love,” and “彼” (bǐ) means “that” or “those.” So, in a way, it’s like saying “that which is loved”—a bit poetic, don’t you think? In China, a lot of people just call it “AP” for short, since it’s easier and quicker to say, especially when you’re talking about expensive stuff like watches.
But let’s not forget that this company didn’t just stop at making watches. In 1892, they made a big mark on the world with the first-ever wristwatch that could repeat the time with a little “ding-dong” sound. This was a real game-changer back then, and it was a first in the world. They even worked with Omega to put that fancy mechanism into their watches. Now that’s some serious watchmaking history right there!
People around the world, especially in places like Switzerland, admire the watchmaking skills of Audemars Piguet. The company has kept evolving over the years, bringing out all kinds of fancy models like the Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and Code 11.59. These watches aren’t just to tell time—they’re a statement of class, wealth, and fine craftsmanship. There’s also the Millenary and Jules Audemars collections for folks who love the finer details in life.
As for the company’s roots, Audemars Piguet’s headquarters is still in Le Brassus, Switzerland, in a region known for its watchmaking traditions. This place is home to some of the most skilled watchmakers in the world. It’s a little village tucked away in the Vallée de Joux, where everything started. If you ask me, it’s a bit like how people in small villages take pride in what they do, except on a much grander scale.
It’s crazy to think that after all these years, Audemars Piguet still keeps that high standard of quality and innovation. Folks out there are still willing to pay big bucks for one of their watches, and I reckon that shows just how much they’ve built up over the years. So when you hear the name Audemars Piguet, just know it’s a legacy that goes back to two boys from childhood who decided to make something great together. And that Chinese name, “爱彼,” it’s just as classy as the watches themselves.
Tags:[Audemars Piguet, Swiss watches, luxury watches, Chinese name, history of Audemars Piguet, watchmaking, Royal Oak, Swiss craftsmanship, watch brands, Audemars Piguet Chinese name]