The maison

Audemars Piguet

Founded
1875
Home
Le Brassus
Signature
Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore
In collection
3 watches

Audemars Piguet has worked from Le Brassus, in the Vallée de Joux, since 1875, and remains in the hands of its founding families. For a century the house was known chiefly for complicated watchmaking in small numbers.

Then came the Royal Oak in 1972, Gérald Genta's steel octagon, which now defines the brand alongside the larger Royal Oak Offshore. Buying pre-owned, look at the bracelet and the case's brushed-and-polished transitions: crisp edges are the tell of an honest example, and the first thing a careless polish erases.

Common questions

How often does an Audemars Piguet need servicing?

As general guidance, service on behaviour rather than a fixed schedule: poor timekeeping, reduced power reserve, or a stiff crown are the signals that matter. If the watch gets wet regularly, its seals are worth checking periodically as well. The watchmaker's notes on each of our listings state how the watch is running and whether service looks near.

How do I verify a Royal Oak is authentic?

The finishing is the fingerprint. Royal Oak cases and bracelets carry precise brushed and polished surfaces that are difficult to counterfeit convincingly — and equally difficult to restore after a bad polish. Our watchmakers inspect case, movement, and bracelet on every Audemars Piguet before it is listed. Our authentication page explains how the process works.

What should I check when buying a pre-owned Royal Oak?

The bracelet and the bevels. Stretch or loose links are the common wear points, and the case's sharp transitions are the first casualty of careless polishing — once softened, they do not honestly come back. Ask whether a watch has been polished and how often. Our condition grade, photography, and notes answer this for every listing.

3 products