Audemars Piguet, them fancy Swiss folks that make them watches, started all the way back in 1875. That was when two chaps, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, decided to team up in a place called the Vallée de Joux, over in Switzerland. They weren’t just friends, no sir, they were born near each other, but didn’t get together until later on to make them fine timepieces. They sure knew what they were doing! By 1881, they put the official stamp on their partnership, and Audemars Piguet & Cie was born. That’s when the real magic started happening.
Now, them Swiss folks weren’t just sittin’ around making regular old watches. Oh no, in 1892, they made history with the first wristwatch that could repeat minutes. Imagine that! A wristwatch that not only told the time but also could repeat it. That’s a clever bit of work, ain’t it? They made it on request for a fellow named Louis Brandt, who was the head of Omega. Not long after, Omega themselves got that same wristwatch made. Big stuff for them days!
As time went on, Audemars Piguet didn’t just sit back and relax. Nope, they kept pushing the boundaries. They got them different collections, like the Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and all them fancy names. That Royal Oak, it really made a splash when it came out in 1972, right at the Swiss Watch Show—what we know today as Baselworld. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer. Before long, folks were worried about them newfangled quartz watches, but Audemars Piguet just kept doing their thing with them fine mechanical watches.
Fast forward to today, and Audemars Piguet is still holding their own. Every year, they keep their production low, about 40,000 pieces or so. They’re all about quality, not quantity. They got that exclusivity that some people just can’t get enough of. But even with all the fancy stuff they make, people still had to wait in line for their Royal Oak models, especially the 41mm one in steel. Don’t get me wrong, them waiting lists ain’t as long as they used to be, but still, getting one of them watches is like trying to catch a rare fish. Not easy, but it sure is worth it!
Now, what about the 2023 releases? Well, Audemars Piguet still knows how to make a grand entrance. They’ve been dropping new designs and models that keep folks talking. You won’t find just any old watch; each piece is crafted like a fine piece of art, something to be proud of. So, if you’re looking to see what the year 2023 brought from this iconic brand, just know it’s got the same commitment to excellence as when they started all them years ago.
All in all, Audemars Piguet has sure come a long way from them humble beginnings. From the Vallée de Joux in 1875 to the watches that are sought after by collectors today, they’ve been on a journey of success and innovation. Whether you’re looking for a piece from the Royal Oak collection or one of their newer models, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. It’s more than just a watch; it’s a legacy.
Tags：[Audemars Piguet, Swiss watches, luxury watches, 1875, Royal Oak, 2023 releases, watchmaking, watch history, Vallée de Joux]
