Well now, let me tell you ’bout a fancy watch company that’s been around for a long time—Audemars Piguet. It ain’t just any ol’ watchmaker, no sir. This here company is what we call one of the “Big Four” in Swiss watches, right alongside the likes of Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille. If you’re lookin’ to know about their beginnings and how they’ve done over the years, I reckon you’re in the right place!
When Did Audemars Piguet Start?
Well, Audemars Piguet started back in 1875, that’s when it was founded by two folks named Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. These two knew each other when they was kids, but didn’t really get back together till 1874, when they decided to put their heads together and make watches. They set up shop in a little place called Le Brassus, which is in the heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking valley, the Vallée de Joux. It was in 1881 when they officially named the company “Audemars Piguet & Cie”—that’s when it became what it is today.
The Big Success of Audemars Piguet
Now, over the years, Audemars Piguet has grown quite a bit. You see, back in the day, folks didn’t wear wristwatches all that much. It wasn’t till 1892 that the company made a big leap forward. They created the first-ever wristwatch with a minute-repeating movement—now that’s something! It was done for a fellow named Louis Brandt, the founder of Omega, who asked for it. That helped put Audemars Piguet on the map as a real innovator.
But it was in the 1970s when Audemars Piguet really hit the big time. They launched their Royal Oak watch design, and boy, it caused quite a stir. It’s been one of the company’s signature models ever since, and that Royal Oak design is still real popular today.
How Much Does Audemars Piguet Make?
As for how much they’re bringin’ in these days, well, let me tell ya, it’s a lot. In 2023, Audemars Piguet brought in around 2.35 billion Swiss Francs—that’s about 2.7 billion U.S. dollars. That’s a mighty fine chunk of change, if you ask me. And that ain’t all, their production has been growin’ too. Right now, they make around 50,000 watches a year. That number might go up to 70,000 when their new factory is all up and runnin’—now that’s a big ol’ jump!
Why Do They Limit How Many Watches They Make?
You might wonder why such a fancy company limits how many watches they make each year. Well, that’s because they care ’bout quality over quantity. Audemars Piguet only makes about 40,000 watches a year, and they ain’t lookin’ to pump out more just for the sake of it. They want to make sure each one is perfect, and that’s why they don’t want to go over that number. It’s all ’bout keepin’ their reputation up, you know.
Family-Owned and Going Strong
Now, here’s somethin’ else that sets Audemars Piguet apart from some of the other big watchmakers. Even though they’ve been around for all these years, Audemars Piguet is still family-owned. That’s right! The company’s been run by the same family since it started back in 1875. They’ve stayed true to their roots, and that’s somethin’ rare in this fancy watch business where a lot of companies get bought up by big corporations.
The Future of Audemars Piguet
As we move on, Audemars Piguet shows no signs of slowin’ down. With their innovative designs, like the Royal Oak and other fine pieces, they’re sure to keep bringin’ in them big numbers. And if they keep up with the quality and craftsmanship they’re known for, I reckon they’ll continue to be at the top of the Swiss watch world for many more years to come.
So there ya go! That’s a little rundown of how Audemars Piguet got started, how they’ve grown, and what they’re up to now. They’ve sure come a long way since 1875, but one thing’s for sure—they ain’t stoppin’ any time soon.
Tags：[Audemars Piguet, Swiss watches, Royal Oak, luxury watches, watch history, watchmaking, family-owned businesses, watch revenue, Audemars Piguet production, Swiss horology]
