Hey there! Oh, so you are comparing the two giants in the fancy watches division now? It is now time to discuss Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. They’re both quite delicate but they both seem to have their own little matters to attend to. Let me explain it to you at length in case you want to determine which of the two fashions could interest you.
The Watchmaking Families
Both of these brands started as family businesses. That’s pretty neat, right?
Patek Philippe: The Stern Family
The Stern family has been running Patek since 1932. They’re now in their fourth generation. That’s like your great-grandpa starting a business, and your family is still running it today. Cool, huh?
- Thierry Stern is the current big boss
- He learned the ropes from his dad, Philippe
- They’re all about keeping things in the family
Audemars Piguet: The Audemars and Piguet Families

AP is also somewhat controlled by the original families who form part of the establishment. They have been going strong for over 140 years!
- Jasmine Audemars is also the chairwoman of the board
- She is the great-granddaughter of one of the founders
- It’s gotten more run by outsiders but the family still is quite involved
Signature Looks
Each brand has its own style. It’s like how you might have a favorite outfit that’s total “you”.
Patek’s Calatrava Line
- Round case
- Simple face
- Thin hands
- It’s been around since 1932!
AP’s Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is AP’s big star. It’s more like that cool jacket that makes people say “Wow!”
- Square-shaped bezel (that’s the ring round the face)
- “Tapisserie” dial (it’s got a rather fancy checkerboard pattern on it)
- Integrated band (the strap is built into the case of the watch.)
Special Features
These watches aren’t just pretty faces. They’ve got some cool tricks up their sleeves.
Patek’s Fancy Stuff
Patek loves making watches that do more than tell time. They call these “complications”.
- Perpetual Calendars: These know when it’s a leap year. Smart, right?
- Minute Repeaters: They make little sounds to tell you the time. It’s like having a tiny musician in your watch.
- Split-Seconds Chronographs: They can time two events at once. Handy for racing!
AP’s Cool Tech
AP likes to play with new ideas and materials.
- Supersonnerie: It’s a fancy chiming watch that’s super loud and clear.
- Forged Carbon: They use this for some watch cases. It’s super light but tough.
- Ceramic Bezels: These look cool and don’t scratch easily.
Let’s Talk Money
Okay, these watches are expensive. Like, really expensive. But they’re different kinds of expensive.
Patek: The “Keep It Forever” Watch

Patek watches often get more valuable over time. It’s like they’re investments you can wear.
- Their cheapest watches start around $12,000
- Most cost between $30,000 and $100,000
- Some special ones have sold for millions!
AP: The “Show It Off” Watch
AP watches are pricey too, but they’re more about looking cool right now.
- You can find some for around $20,000
- Most Royal Oaks are between $30,000 and $50,000
- They’ve got some wild ones that cost hundreds of thousands
Here’s a quick comparison:
Brand | Entry Price | Average Price | Record Auction Price |
---|---|---|---|
Patek Philippe | $12,000 | $50,000 | $31 million |
Audemars Piguet | $20,000 | $40,000 | $5.2 million |
See related: 9 cheapest Audemars Piguet watches
Weird and Wonderful Models
Both brands have made some pretty out-there watches. Let’s check out a few:
Patek’s Crazy Creations
- Ref. 5016: It’s got a tourbillon, a minute repeater, and a perpetual calendar. That’s like three super-complicated watches in one!
- Sky Moon Tourbillon: This one has two faces. One shows the night sky!
AP’s Wild Watches
- Royal Oak Offshore Survivor: It looks like something a superhero would wear.
- Millenary Frosted Gold Philosophique: This one only has one hand. It’s for people who don’t sweat the small stuff.
See related: Rolex Datejust vs Day-Date
How They’re Made

These brands make their watches differently. It’s like comparing homemade cookies to fancy restaurant desserts.
Patek’s Way
- They make almost everything in-house
- Each watch takes 9 to 12 months to make
- They use a mix of machines and hand-crafting
AP’s Method
- They use more modern tech
- Some parts come from other places
- They’re big on hand-finishing
Here’s a table showing how many watches they make each year:
Brand | Watches per Year | Time to Make One Watch |
---|---|---|
Patek Philippe | About 60,000 | 9-12 months |
Audemars Piguet | About 40,000 | 6-8 months |
The Collector’s View
People who love watches have strong feelings about these brands.
Patek Fans Say:
- “It’s the best of the best”
- “You’re buying a piece of history”
- “My grandkids will fight over this watch”
AP Admirers Say:
- “It’s cool and modern”
- “I love how it looks on my wrist”
- “It’s the watch that changed everything”
Which One’s For You?
It is such a close call between the two. It‘s equally choosing between two great holiday destinations. Here are some final thoughts
- If you are nutty about antiques and desire a watch that could gain value, then Patek is for you.
- If you wanted something that was slick and current, AP might very well have been your cup of tea.
- Both are great watches. Well, honestly, it is almost impossible to make a mistake here.
Finally, choose the one that you will be glad to have it on your wrist each and every time. Still, you know and I know that you are the one who is going to be wearing the dress!
I’d also like to remind you that no matter the choice – Patek or AP – you’ll be getting a super nice watch. Both are great in their own sense. Whatever you find most enjoyable is what it is all about. Happy watch hunting!
FAQs
How often should I service my Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet watch?
Both brands recommend servicing every 4-5 years to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
Are Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet watches water-resistant?
Many models are water-resistant, but the level varies. Always check the specific model’s specifications before exposing it to water.
Can I buy a Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet watch online?
Both brands limit online sales. They primarily sell through authorized dealers to ensure authenticity and provide proper customer service.
How can I tell if a Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet watch is authentic?
Look for precise craftsmanship, correct serial numbers, and purchase from authorized dealers. Both brands also offer authentication services.
Are there any women-specific collections from these brands?
Yes, both offer women’s collections. Patek has the Twenty~4 line, while AP offers women’s versions of the Royal Oak and Millenary.
Do these brands produce limited-edition watches?
Yes, both regularly release limited edition models, often to commemorate special events or collaborations.