Used Audemars Piguet Watches

A Brief History of Audemars Piguet

This Swiss luxury watchmaker began back in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, when legacy watchmakers Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet came together to pour their friendship, talent, and shared passion into what would become one of the biggest names in the luxury watch industry. A century and a half later, the Audemars Piguet brand remains a household name.

The two came onto the scene crafting highly complicated watches to sell to other Swiss watch companies. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the watchmaker began to shift away from producing pieces for others and started to establish itself as a standalone name to be reckoned with.

To speak of innovation, Audemars Piguet introduced the minute-repeating wristwatch in 1892, an iconic complication that can be found across the industry today. Innovation continued to be a pillar of the brand, and AP would come to introduce one of the first skeleton watches—displaying the internal mechanisms of the piece—as well as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the first luxury steel sports watch.

This reputation has only grown into the modern age, with prompts like “Audemars Piguet for sale” dominating the search engines of luxury watch enthusiasts. Further iconic pieces like the Royal Oak Offshore collection have helped cement Audemars Piguet as one of the biggest names in the game, always recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship and design. Within Audemars Piguet, models like the Royal Oak Concept and the vintage Audemars Piguet watches showcase the brand's technical and aesthetic excellence.

Explore our suite of pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches at Grayandsons, where you can find an array of Audemars Piguet models, including those from the Royal Oak line and the Jules Audemars collection. Each watch in our collection, depending on the model, has been meticulously inspected by our team of Swiss-trained watchmakers to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Whether you’re interested in dress watches or the Royal Oak models, our selection will cater to your refined tastes.

Audemars Piguet also stands shoulder to shoulder with other prestigious brands like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. Our frequently asked questions section and dedicated support team are here to help you navigate our offerings. Discover the elegance and heritage of Audemars Piguet, founded in 1875 in the heart of the Vallée de Joux, and see how it has come a long way from the mountain town of Le Brassus.

Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Watch For Sale

Known for its sophisticated edge and stylish detailing, Audemars Piguet is widely considered one of the top echelons of luxury watch brands in the world. They have been a staple for quality and durability in their timepieces; some vintage items are more than fifty years old. Each watch encompasses both a classy and rugged style for over a century. 

One of their most popular models, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak , features design elements that have notoriously associated the brand with a lavish and yet adventurous lifestyle. This style has been sought after amongst even the most devoted watch enthusiasts. 

When you wear an Audemars Piguet watch, you make a bold statement to the world. You show that you believe in high-quality time. Brandish your style standards regarding timepieces. 

One single design, however, has attracted the most attention. That was the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. 

Used Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph

Founded by Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet in 1875, Audemars Piguet remains one of the oldest watch manufacturers that are still owned by its founding family. They trademarked their brand in 1882 and wasted no time in establishing themselves as the premier watchmakers of their time. The Stern brothers later bought the brand and were determined to introduce it to the world. 

After the official founding in 1889, the partners decided to produce all of their components. They would then assemble the finished watches in-house. While they have been honored with some of the most elegant and complex models named after them, it is their Royal Oak that remains the flagship model in Audemars Piguet's watch line. 

The Royal Oak, originally introduced in 1972, has come in many variations over the years. Each model has always maintained the original design elements that make it so recognizable: that octagonal head shape with those hexagonal screws. 

Audemars Piguet's history is marked with many landmark achievements such as the first self-widning tourbillon, at the time the smallest self-winding watch with a perpetual calendar, and the first dual time ladies Minute Repeater Chiming watch. Then, in 1993, they released an entirely new additional line to the storied Royal Oak collection, which served as a crowning achievement on top of it.

Used Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

When the Royal Oak Offshore was first launched in that year, its sizable 42mm diameter made waves in the industry. It broke new ground for large-styled watches. At first, patrons were skeptical, but soon they were wearing the Offshore. While it's a functional watch that's made of genuine stainless steel as well as a number of other more innovative materials, it doesn't at all skimp on luxury. 

Even though the first hundred watches didn’t receive the Offshore trademark, Audemars Piguet aggressively marketed their new creation to the adventure market. They focused heavily on sailors, pilots and everyone else who wanted to push the envelope and strike out on their own without leaving a taste of the luxurious good life alone. Those first hundred watches have since become rare collectibles. 

Private aviators, yacht operators and the like quickly snatched up the available watches, which have led to even the brand's latest releases being treated as rare collector items. At the same time, there are now many people who would love to find an out of production type of watch going back several years. Fortunately, Gray & Sons has all of these collectors covered. 

Naturally, we haven't neglected other aspects of the business either as we continue to stock certified diamonds and deal with many other luxury products at a price point that can put these into more hands than was ever before possible.

A used Audemars Piguet watch from Gray & Sons Jewelers is unlike any other because we are one of the largest online resources for second hand luxury goods. Whether you're looking for a reputable source to handle your Audemars Piguet watch repair and service, or just looking to buy, our thorough servicing and polishing techniques restore it back to a condition comparable to the first day it was made. 

All of our watches are handled by one of our 6 in-house Swiss-trained watchmakers and come with a 12-month warranty as well as our "Like New for Life" policy. We strive for your peace of mind when buying one of our certified authentic pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches and guarantee your satisfaction. 

Is Audemars Piguet Better Than Rolex?

Both Audemars Piguet and Rolex are quintessential names in the industry, and for good reason. Ultimately, a buyer’s choice between one or the other comes down to style and personal preferences, both about what each brand represents and embodies, as well as just aesthetic presentations.

Audemars Piguet’s legacy dates back further than that of Rolex, and their reputation for innovation outdates Rolex as well. AP has presented several innovative complications to the watchmaking world that has earned it its respected reputation for creativity and careful craftsmanship.

This is not to minimize Rolex’s position in the market, either. In fact, Rolex is likely considered a more recognizable name by many, also for good reason. Reliability and durability are hallmarks of the Rolex brand, giving Rolex wearers the confidence to wear their valuable timepieces regularly, knowing that regular wear and tear will not be a significant risk to the watch’s value.

A key differentiator between the two brands is the slight difference in status. Again, Rolex is an industry name that commands plenty of respect, but Audemars Piguet is more exclusive and considered, by many, to be the cream of the crop. Lower production quantities and higher status means that Audemars Piguet watches will tend to start at a higher price point than their Rolex counterparts.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preferences. Those looking for a robust watch with a sleek, sporty look might prefer designs crafted by Rolex. Those looking for more intricate, perhaps artistic designs might prefer Audemars Piguet watches. Both are timeless and well-respected options.

Iconic Audemars Piguet Complications

Complications are a big part of solidifying watchmaker reputations in the luxury watch industry, and Audemars Piguet does not disappoint in the category. Buyers wondering “is Audemars Piguet worth it?” will certainly be considering the impressive complications on display with many of the AP models. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Minute repeater: Audemars Piguet introduced the first wristwatch minute repeater in 1892, and it has been a coveted and respected mechanical watch complication ever since. A series of gongs and levers enable the watch to chime at certain regular intervals, giving the wearer an audible cue for time.

Perpetual calendar : One of the most iconic complications throughout the industry is the perpetual calendar, which allows mechanical watches to display the date without needing a manual adjustment for leap years. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection is a great example of AP perpetual calendar implications.

Tourbillon : The tourbillon is a watchmaker’s love letter to precision in watchmaking. It is a complex mechanism that helps counter the effects of gravity on the watch’s interior, making for some of the most accurate timekeeping mechanisms on the planet. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon is a great example.

Chronograph: The chronograph has become an almost ubiquitous feature among watches, but nevertheless carefully crafted and an impressive complication in mechanical watches. This mechanism allows the wearer to measure elapsed time, and is ironically displayed in the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph.

Skeletonization : Although not technically a complication, one of the most iconic AP features is the skeletonization option, which allows watchmakers to truly display the careful craftsmanship of the timepiece mechanism. Skeletonization involves removing material from the watch’s movement in order to reveal the internal mechanisms of the watch, as seen on the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked.

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Why Invest in an Pre Owned Audemars Piguet Watch?

When it comes to purchasing an Audemars Piguet watch, investment really is the right word. These expertly designed and precisely crafted timepieces are made up of intricate artistic details and complex mechanisms that hold value incredibly well, not only in the eyes of enthusiasts and collectors, but also in a financial sense. Unlike other riskier investments, luxury watches like AP watches can be valuable investments that are also enjoyable each and every day. Audemars Piguet’s reputation also helps keep these watches in demand.

Certified pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches are also an incredibly valuable investment that offer a lower barrier to entry to this luxury horology space, and come with their own set of benefits. Part of the allure of mechanical watches comes from the precision and sophistication exhibited by the mechanisms before modern computational devices, and older timepieces often capture this sentiment more genuinely. The pre-owned Audemars Piguet market also just offers a larger variety of options, since models that are no longer being produced can still be found and enjoyed by enthusiasts. New and pre-owned AP watches are both incredibly coveted and valuable. It is ultimately a matter of taste and affordability which option a buyer will prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Audemars Piguet Unique?

Learn about the history, innovation, and craftsmanship that set Audemars Piguet apart in the watchmaking industry.

How Do I Ensure Authenticity?

Understand our rigorous inspection process for certified pre-owned watches and the importance of genuine parts.

Find Your Audemars Piguet Models At Gray & Sons

Gray & Sons is ready to assist you with finding your dream AP watch. We've operated out of Miami Beach since 1980, so we've had quite some time to refine our art and put together the best pre-owned watch sales that we can. Get your hands on luxury styles that match Bal Harbour and Golden Beach ’s avant-garde sections.

Use our online contact form to get in touch with one of our experienced representatives and you'll soon be wearing the absolute watch of your dreams. Discover a new world of luxury with timeless appeal when shopping for our collection from this distinguished designer today.

Why Choose Gray and Sons?

Learn why Gray and Sons is your trusted source for certified pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches.