Hey watch fans! You’re here because you want an Audemars Piguet, right? We know they’re stunning, but wow, can they be pricey. Don’t worry, though. We’ve done some digging and found nine options that might not make your wallet cry… as much. Let’s check them out!
1. Royal Oak Self-winding 37mm
Average Price: $20,000 – $25,000
This little number is your ticket to the AP club. It’s got that cool octagonal bezel you’ve been eyeing, but it won’t swallow your wrist.
What’s cool about it:
- You can wear it with anything from jeans to a tux.
- The dial has this cool “Grande Tapisserie” pattern that looks different in every light.
- It winds itself as you wear it, so no daily winding needed.
Hidden gem: Look for the blue dial version. It’s stunning and often overlooked.
2. Royal Oak Quartz 33mm
Average Price: $15,000 – $20,000
Yeah, we know. Quartz in an AP? But hear us out. It’s still pure AP quality, just with a movement that’s easier on your wallet.
Why you’ll dig it:
- It’s great if you’ve got smaller wrists or just like a more modest size.
- You don’t need to mess with winding or watch winders.
- It’s usually the most affordable Royal Oak you can find.
Pro tip: Some collectors ignore these quartz models. Use that to your advantage and snag a deal!
3. Royal Oak Offshore Diver
Average Price: $25,000 – $30,000
This watch is like the tough guy of the AP world. It’s ready for action but still looks good at a fancy dinner.
What makes it cool:
- It can handle depths up to 300 meters. That’s deeper than you’ll ever go.
- The inner bezel rotates, so you can time your dives (or your laundry).
- It’s chunky and tough-looking. Perfect for showing off.
Did you know? The first Royal Oak Offshore was so big, people called it “The Beast.”
4. Royal Oak Chronograph 38mm
Average Price: $30,000 – $35,000
If you like your watches with extra buttons, that is your jam. It’s got stopwatch capabilities, however it’s nevertheless stylish enough for a black-tie occasion.
- You can time stuff, that’s usually a laugh.
- The greater dials make it look more complicated and exciting.
- It’s a exquisite conversation starter at events.
Watchmaker’s secret: The chronograph in this watch is primarily based on a motion through Frédéric Piguet. That’s a few serious watch cred.
5. Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101
Average Price: $25,000 – $30,000
Want some thing distinctive? The Millenary 4101 is just like the artsy cousin in the AP family. It’s no longer your ordinary AP, and that’s what makes it cool.
What’s unique:
- The case is oval, not round or octagonal. It really stands out.
- You can see the gears working through the dial. It’s like watch theater.
- The time is shown off-center, which is weird but fun.
Money-saving tip: Because it is much less popular than the Royal Oak, you can often find better offers at the Millenary.
6. Code 11.59 Self-winding
Average Price: $25,000 – $30,000
This is AP’s newest watch family. It’s like AP decided to start from scratch and see what they could come up with.
Cool stuff about it:
- The case is round, but look closely and you’ll see octagonal bits.
- The crystal is curved in two directions. It’s subtle but really cool.
- It’s got a clean, modern look that’s different from other APs.
Insider info: The Code 11.59 got mixed reviews when it came out. That means you might find some good deals.
7. Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
Average Price: $80,000 – $100,000
This watch is like a supermodel – she knows it looks good and isn’t afraid to show it off. You can see right through it, and the view is amazing.
- You can see all the little parts working together through the dial.
- It has two balance cycles, with AP determining its skill.
- It really is a head turner. No doubt people will ask about you.
Watch nerd fact: The dual balance wheels make the watch more accurate by minimizing errors in average positioning.
8. Jules Audemars Chronometer with AP Escapement
Average Price: $35,000 – $40,000
This watch is like that honestly clever youngster in faculty who doesn’t brag. It’s no longer flashy, however it is seriously spectacular.
- It’s got AP’s own escapement, which is a big deal for watch nerds.
- The design is classic and understated. It flies under the radar.
- It’s super accurate, thanks to that fancy escapement.
History lesson: AP’s escapement was inspired by a 19th-century design. It’s old tech made new.
9. Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin
Average Price: $150,000 – $200,000
Okay, we’re really stretching the idea of
- It’s got a tourbillon, which is like the PhD of watchmaking.
- It’s super thin, which is really hard to do with a tourbillon.
- Every tiny part is finished by hand. It’s basically wearable art.
Reality check: This watch costs as much as a house in some places. But hey, dreaming is free!
The Secret World of AP Dials
Did you know that AP dials are works of art in themselves? Here’s some cool stuff about them:
- The “Tapisserie” pattern is made on a 100-year-old machine.
- Each tiny square on the dial is cut by hand.
- The logo is applied in 24-carat gold on most models.
- Some dials take up to 3 hours to make… for just one!
AP’s Hidden Features
These watches have some cool hidden features. Here are a few:
- The Royal Oak’s bracelet has a “quick release” system for easy strap changes.
- Many AP watches have a power reserve of 70 hours or more.
- The Code 11.59 has a crystal that’s curved on two axes for better visibility.
- Some AP watches have a hidden micro-adjustment in the clasp for a perfect fit.
The AP Collector’s Secret Weapon: Boutique Editions
Want something really special? Look for boutique editions. These are special versions of AP watches only sold in AP’s own stores. They’re often cheaper than regular models and more unique.
Some cool boutique editions to look for:
- The “Skyline Grey” Royal Oak
- The “Tributo a México” Royal Oak
- The “Ice Blue” Royal Oak Offshore
These can be great ways to get a unique AP without spending extra.
Conclusion
There you’ve got it – nine of the “cheapest” Audemars Piguet watches. Sure, “reasonably-priced” is a stretch when we’re speaking about AP. These are still luxurious watches that price plenty. But in case you’re nuts approximately watches and need a chunk of Swiss watchmaking history, those fashions are your first-class wager.
Whether you want the classic Royal Oak appearance, the difficult Offshore, or some thing distinctive like the Millenary, there is an AP out there for you. Each one is a touch piece of Switzerland you may put on.
Buying an AP isn’t always just about telling time. It’s about owning something unique, some thing that took first-rate ability to make. It’s approximately how it makes you feel when you wear it.
So take a while, select the only that speaks to you, and revel in the quest. After all, half of the fun is in the chase, proper? Happy watch hunting, and can your wrist usually appearance extraordinary!
FAQs
Can I find an Audemars Piguet watch for under $10,000 / AED 35000?
It’s extremely rare to find a genuine AP under $10,000/ AED 35000. The most affordable models typically start around $15,000/ AED 55000 for pre-owned quartz versions.
How often should I service my Audemars Piguet watch?
AP recommends servicing your watch every 5 years to maintain its accuracy and condition.
Can I buy an Audemars Piguet watch directly from their website?
No, AP doesn’t sell watches online. You need to visit an authorized dealer or AP boutique to purchase new models.
Are Audemars Piguet watches a good investment?
Some AP models, particularly limited editions and certain Royal Oak versions, have appreciated in value over time. However, not all models are guaranteed to increase in worth.
Do Audemars Piguet watches come with a warranty?
New AP watches come with a 5-year international warranty covering manufacturing defects.
Can I swim with my Audemars Piguet watch?
It depends on the model. While some, like the Royal Oak Offshore Diver, are designed for swimming, others may only be splash-resistant. Always check your specific model’s water resistance.