Top Tips on How to Sell Your Audemars Piguet
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Top Tips on How to Sell Your Audemars Piguet

Top Tips on How to Sell Your Audemars Piguet

 

Updated March 2024

Uncompromising in both quality and craftsmanship, Audemars Piguet has a rich history delivering precision and innovation in the timekeeping world. 

From creating the world's first minute repeating movement to introducing the world's first luxury sports wristwatch, Audemars Piguet sits in the acclaimed “holy trinity” with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, each vying for horological greatness.

This is why we can only assume you are here to get the lowdown on how to sell your Audemars Piguet watch. Fear not time lords. This is the only place to put you on the horological path to selling success. Read on as we discuss our top tips about how to sell a watch with confidence



Your Audemars Piguet Watch Papers 

The parts you think nobody reads are actually essential if you intend to sell your Audemars Piguet watch.

The papers and records allow you to sell a watch for the best possible price. Consequently, a clear ownership paper trail can be followed increasing the watch’s validity.

Source: Unsplash - Royal Oak Extra Thin

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Those precious documents also relate to repair records including part replacements and cleaning. While you may have cleaned any scuffs before you sell a watch, without any records, the buyer may be dissuaded from buying your used Audemars Piguet.

Check your original paperwork for further important details such as the model name and number when you sell your Audemars Piguet. These documents ensure buyer legitimacy. With a sizable investment, you want the buyer to feel completely at ease concerning your particular timepiece, leading to an easy sale of your Audemars Piguet.  

When you buy an Audemars Piguet, you receive a Certificate of Authenticity that certifies that the watches materials and components are entirely authentic. This is crucial in clarifying the legitimacy of the timepieces. 

Audemars Piguet also offers an Extract from the Archives which does not authenticate the watch, but allows for the timepiece to certify that the case and the movement appears in the records. A fake AP watch can quickly be established through sending it to Audemars Piguet workshops for a close examination, and a Certificate of Authenticity can quickly be sent after the examination. 

These documents offer established evidence that your timepiece is completely genuine. Being able to confirm your piece is authentic through providing evidence on cleaning, repairs and replacements, it’s highly important to clarify that your watches are what you say they are. 

Therefore, the importance of having these papers at your disposal cannot be stressed enough. If you can’t locate certification or any important documents, it’s not time to panic just yet.

Proof of purchase or a sales receipt can easily assist when deciding to sell your watch. This offers legitimacy for the timepieces. While it may not be a Certificate of Authenticity, it clarifies that the watches have come from a reliable source.  

 

Being Picture Perfect - Snap an Audemars Piguet Watch

Photographs are incredibly valuable for most things.

Source: Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak Offshore

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Some Audemars Piguet models such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph feature impressive crystals. As a result, you want to make sure everything is in place to capture its true essence. The Royal Oak collection in particular features uniquely curved crystals making them identifiable straight away. 

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is one of those requiring extra special attention. Offering sapphire crystal, it's important the lighting of the photo is adequate in order to all catch the intricacies of the dial and allow you to quickly sell your Audemars Piguet watch.

You don’t want the picture to appear too bright or too dark. Too bright and the buyer will spend more time squinting than admiring its beauty. After all, timepieces of this nature should be treated with the utmost respect don’t you agree?

There are plenty of tutorials on how to take a picture competently. No one is asking for Spielberg-esque shooting. Find a well-lit spot and look for those crisp, clean images to swiftly sell your Audemars Piguet watch. 

 

Be Honest If You Decide To Sell Your Audemars Piguet

Your description should be clear and succinct if you want to sell a watch


If you wish to sell your used Audemars Piguet quickly, you shouldn't try to discombobulate the buyer into submission. Trust us, watch nerds. The buyer will be well versed if they are splashing big bucks on an Audemars.

Source: Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar

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Essentially, you are wanting to present your information in the most accessible, accurate and presentable manner. You are just trying to sell your Audemars Piguet, not recount the tales of War and Peace. 

Watches such as The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak White Dial are already known as flagships of the entire horological world. The Royal Oak collection is timeless, notable by its avant-garde design of full steel construction and protruding screws. 

The Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar features a highly complicated movement, fitting perfectly into the iconic 39mm case. Particularly, The ref. 25686 boasts a variety of metals and dial executions, including stainless steel and platinum. 

If you want to sell your Audemars Piguet, do so with the highest integrity. Be open and completely transparent about its condition as it may affect its sell on value. 

 

The Value of Audemars Piguet Watches

A running joke is that a watch’s value is comparable to a bus. When you need it, it's already down the road and when you don't, it's bang on time.

Source: Audemars Piguet

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The same can be said if you wish to sell a watch. Like a car forecourt, the value of the majority of watches decrease as soon as you have opened the box and rummaged through the papers. But we aren’t talking about any Arthur Daley type shenanigans going on here. 

Some do make the leap back to its original value and in some cases even surpass its retail price. Sought after watches like The AP Royal Oak Ref. 5402 and The AP Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra Thin Ref. 15202 are some of the most popular Audemars Piguet models.

Soaring in popularity, The 1972 Audemars Piguet Ref 5402 represents a golden age for Audemars Piguet. With just 2000 pieces produced this limited edition model is highly coveted.

It’s not just the rare or vintage pieces either. Take for example the highly luxurious, yellow gold Royal Oak 26240BA. Selling at retail for £73,000 at the time of writing, the watches sell on the secondary market for around £130,300. 

 

Iconic Audemars Piguet Watch Wearers

The list is endless. 

Since their inception in 1875, Audemars Piguet have shot for the horological stars. Started by two entrepreneurial friends, Edward Auguste Piguet and Jules Louis Audemars, Audemars Piguet consistently performs with the greats. 

Iconic people are famed and idolised for their dress sense and choices. The greatest icons choosing to wear Audemars Piguet, is testament to its quality and luxury status. 

From phenomenal blues players like John Mayer to incredible Hollywood A-listers such as Will Smith, Audemars Piguet carries an incredible reputation for mixing it with the social elite.

Source: Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak Self Winding  

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Will Smith wears many brands, most notably his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref.15500. A flagship model since 1972, you can pick up the piece when you plan an appointment at the time of writing. No doubt it won’t be cheap, but it’s probably pennies to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!


Source - WristEnthusiast

Best Place To Buy A Luxury Watch  Best Place To Sell A Luxury Watch

John Mayer has won many awards, notably a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2005. On his wrist, he has been seen sporting the new 41mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying tourbillon.

Source - GQ

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Acclaimed tennis star, Serena Williams is an icon in the sporting world. Ferociously passionate, she epitomises what it means to be a star. With various adjustments such as moving the pusher to the left for performance enhancement, Serena has been spotted in a photoshoot wearing an AP Royal Oak Code 11.59 in a beautiful rose gold sheen.

Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak Offshore Quartz

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Which Celebrities Wear Audemars Piguet?

Worn by sporting legends like Serena Williams, Steph Curry and LeBron James, there are also a number of social elites that are hardcore fans of the brand. These include comedian Kevin Hart, musician Travis Scott, avid watch collector and bluesman, John Mayer and even Arnold Schwarzenegger!

 

Best Platforms to Sell Your Audemars Piguet

There are various platforms and routes which can be used to sell your Audemars Piguet.

Source: Audemars Piguet

Best Place To Buy A Luxury Watch  Best Place To Sell A Luxury Watch

Auction House

Auction houses are a very common way of selling items. The process typically follows a room filled with potential buyers (or buyers via the phone), placing bids and vying to buy the item that is up for auction. Suffice to say, the heart rate certainly blows up when the bids come flying in!

While it may be the ideal route to sell your Audemars Piguet, if enough people place bids, seeing your watch getting sold live and in the flesh is a great experience, especially if it’s a beloved heirloom. Typically certified and regulated, there will be no back door deals, Timelords!

That being said, if it doesn't go well… you are stuck in a horological rut with the end result! If you wanted a certain figure for your watch, the auction route may not be the best option if you want to sell your Audemars Piguet. You may love your watch, but that doesn't mean that the horophiles or collectors in the auction room will give you the price you desire.

You just have to hope the highest bidder respects your timepiece enough. 

If auction rooms are too uncertain for you, why not discover an online platform? Fantastic options like Chrono Hunter entitle you to first rate service, unrivalled brand expertise and a speedy turnaround, resulting in top prices paid…all within the most seamless selling experience. 

We understand the market inside and out and can ascertain the true value of a watch. Find time to talk to us here or a no-obligation watch valuation.

 

Ebay

We’ve mentioned online platforms above, and we’re certain you’ve heard of Ebay which has been a popular site for buying and selling since 1995. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows though!

While most transactions tend to go through without a hitch, some Ebay purchasers have reported that they’ve never received payment after sending through an item to a buyer. The buyer may be as keen as mustard over messages, but that could all fall apart the moment the transaction comes to its final stage.

This is not only time consuming, but incredibly draining on your time, if all you want to do is sell your Audemars Piguet quickly. 

Ebay is quite good when it comes to refunds. Don’t think this is an easy route however! You will have to trawl through hours of talking with an online advisor, explaining your item and the situation. We can see why your eyes have been drawn to Chrono Hunter’s website! 

After all, we offer a multitude of offers from highly respected luxury retailers with excellent track records of providing great deals. Enjoy the best prices paid and the money quickly in your account within a matter of days.

Our dedicated team are with you the entire time from the beginning of the sale until you have concluded the transaction directly with the retailer, ensuring security and ease. 

Consigning with an auction house may be one route. Yet, joining an online platform like Chrono Hunter is the quickest and stress free way to sell your Audemars Piguet

Although you may have choices, it must be noted that some deals can be possibly misleading. As a rule, sites including Ebay are very useful for buying and selling various items including watches. Nonetheless, it can sometimes lead to an array of dodgy scams or individuals who promise various cash sums but disappear at the end of the transaction.

While it’s possible to obtain a refund, it can be filled with possible pitfalls.

A very unnecessary waste when you just want to sell your Audemars Piguet.

 

Why Should You Sell Your Audemars Piguet Through Chrono Hunter?

Okay, Timelords. You’ve got your photos nailed down. You’ve established that your Audemars Piguet is very valuable and you’ve deciphered that an online platform is the best way forward in terms of a sale. Well then, let us give you just a few reasons why you should sell your Audemars Piguet through Chrono Hunter!

  • Unlike a bricks and mortar store where you only receive one offer, we have the capability to provide a number of offers from a variety of respected and reputable luxury retailers, all vying for your business. Of course, these have all been carefully vetted by us before they come on board!
  • Our highly knowledgeable team understands luxury brands like no other and can ascertain the true value of a watch. Still unsure? feel free to contact us for a no-obligation estimate. After all, we want to assure you will achieve the best possible price when you sell your Audemars Piguet.
  • Chrono Hunter doesn't limit you to just one luxury retailer either. We give you the opportunity to access many trusted retailers via our distinctive platform, delivering only the best prices paid.
  • You may have several burning questions such as what is the value of an Audemars Piguet watch or should I sell my Audemars Piguet?. Fret not, as Chrono Hunter has a vast clientele of trusted dealers and retailers that entitles you access to the best in the industry while giving you the top prices paid. 
  • We have a number of 5 star ratings on Trustpilot, confirming that we have a stellar reputation, a safe and secure environment, quick turnaround and of course striving to provide the best prices paid across every transaction.
  • If you want to sell your Audemars Piguet on the move, simply use our dedicated app, available on both Android and Apple devices to track your offers 24 hours a day via our unique real time portal.
  • Our dedicated team is accessible with a phone call on +44 20 3966 5775, or you can also email here. Chrono Hunter is always on hand before, during and after the sale, making sure it is a smooth and seamless experience.

 

Which Celebrities Wear Audemars Piguet Watches?

 

Travis Scott - Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked “Cactus Jack”

Diameter

41mm

Thickness

9.9mm

Calibre

5135

Power Reserve

40 hours

Material

Ceramic

Having worked with Jay-Z in 2005 and LeBron James in 2013, AP only works with the best legends in each industry to release a tasty timepiece with a personalised edge.

Want to find out the legendary drop between AP and Arnie? Check out our article on the End of Days:

Audemars Piguet joined forces with Travis Scott in November 2023 with the express interest of releasing fabulous timepieces that blended both hip-hop with horology. 

Source - Audemars Piguet

The end result was the truly astonishing Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked in partnership with Travis Scott’s brand “Cactus Jack”.

Limited to just 200 pieces, this hot drop is exceptionally hard to get a hold of. We might say even more than a Rolex Daytona Big Red reference 6265. This is especially since they are linked to music icon Travis Scott. Crafted out of brown ceramic which is a first for the horological brand, these watches measure 41mm x 9.9mm thick. 

There are a lot of Royal Oak features that capture the true essence of this series, including its signature octagonal bezel with 8 hex screws and integrated bracelet. AP don’t like to rest on their laurels however and so they’ve revamped it with a few of Travis Scott’s emblematic brand elements. 

The dial is skeletonised which reveals various bridges and elements of the movement. However, the focal point is the artist's typography that's present across the entirety of the dial. 

The specifications were hand drawn by Travis Scott himself, including the hand of the day sub-dial taking the shape of the Cactus Jack logo, the moon-phase at 6 o’clock featuring Cactus Jack’s smiley face, not to mention a calendar and week indications. These have been hand written by the man of the moment.

Powered by the Calibre 5135 these sublime luxury watches have a perpetual calendar movement and boast an astronomical moon, month, leap year hour and minutes.

This sits alongside a, for us sub par 40 hour power reserve. Well what did you expect us to say with an original retail of $201,000! Beating at 19,800VpH or 2.5Hz, this isn’t great, but it’s within a music legends timepiece!

With a limited edition run of 200 pieces, you can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked “Cactus Jack” at retail upon request.

 

John Mayer - Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition

Diameter

41mm

Thickness

9.5mm

Calibre

5134

Power Reserve

40 hours

Material

White Gold

When we say that Audemars Piguet love collaborations, we truly mean it! In March 2024, they worked with seven-time Grammy winner John Mayer to release a novelty based on the watch collectors wishes. Step forward on to the timekeeping stage, is the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition. 


Source - Audemars Piguet

Measuring 41mm, with a thickness of around 9.5mm, The Royal Oak retains its classical charm, including octagonal bezel, visible screws and integrated bracelet. 

This white gold timepiece undergoes a vertical satin-brushed finish along the bracelet and bezel to promote both its style and rugged sportiness. The dial is where John Mayer imprints his intrinsic style for not only moodiness but understated elegance. 

The background is dutifully known as “Crystal Sky” which is an excellent finish designed by Mayer. Essentially, it's made up of irregular shapes that closely resemble crystals. Available in a rich multitude of blue shades, this was achieved through metal deposition known as electroforming. 

Given white gold hour markers and Royal Oak hands, these clearly stand out, especially since they are filled with lume. At 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, there is a month, date, moonphase indication and day respectively. 

Powered by the 5134 calibre, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition  has a 40 hour power reserve and skips away at 19,800VpH. The watches will likely be the last limited edition models to feature the calibre 5134 (collective sigh) Launched back in 2015 on the first Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, it leaves on an exceptionally handsome timepiece. 

You can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition at retail upon request, as of March 2024. 

 

Ed Sheeran - Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Spider-Man

Diameter

42mm

Thickness

14.6mm

Calibre

2974

Power Reserve

72 hours

Material

Titanium and Black Ceramic 

I'm in love with your body…of work that is!

Audemars Piguet have become inextricably linked with pop culture after a series of collabs and associations with high profile celebs. Perhaps their most daring feat was releasing the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Spider-Man that got every enthusiast's senses tingling.


Source - Yahoo via Getty 

This isn’t a timepiece that features a small Marvel emblem or a handcrafted indentation from Peter Parker. He’s far too busy saving the world…However, Audemars Piguet took the initiative after their initial collaboration with Marvel in 2021 to produce a new update to the previous Black Panther infused watches.

With the new Spider-Man inspired piece, stars like John Mayer, Brit actor Tom Holland and of course Ed Sheeran flocked to it, using their celebrity Spidey senses to land themselves a slice of the 250 limited edition collection

Sized at 42mm of titanium the watches have a black ceramic bezel and crown which adds another addition of complexity. Nothing really changes for the exterior of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon, aside from the use of titanium and black ceramic. Both are quite dark materials which are perfect as a backdrop for the centrepiece.

Tipping the thickness scales at 14.6mm, these models require this depth for a reason. 

We’ll get to that in a minute. 

The Shape Of You impresario is clearly in love with the skeletonised dial, including the movement which is a highly impressive feat. The renewed calibre 2948, now named 2974 is similarly openworked with as much material being eliminated as possible to showcase the complete transparency of the movements. 

The main focal point is the astounding Spider-Man figure which leans so carefree in the centre of the dial in his signature pre-web shot. Requiring around 50 hours of work, this white gold figurine is hand decorated and crafted so each blue and red shade is on the money. 

The dial features white gold baton and Arabic hour markers along the flange and hands which are all coated in Super-Luminova. You can see Spider-Man’s eyes clearly as they are also lit up by lume! Forget Katy Perry for a second…this watch is on fire. At 6 o’clock is the awe-inspiring tourbillon, affixed by a bridge for maximum support. 

The Calibre 2974 can guarantee you a 72 hour power reserve alongside a reasonable 21,600VpH. At an extraordinary 3.7mm thickness, this 197 part movement is incredibly slender yet beyond reliable. 

Capped at 250 pieces, you can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Spider-Man at retail upon request as of March 2024. 

 

Kevin Hart - Royal Oak Chronograph Black Ceramic 26240CE

Stand up comedian and actor Kevin Hart has amassed something of an expensive luxury collection over the years. 


Source - Essence

Covering the popular Rolex Daytona reference 116500 to a vintage Daytona 6263, a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980R to a Patek Philippe Grand Complications Celestial 6102R, his most treasured timepieces must surely be from AP. One watch in particular we noticed that got our horological pulse in a spin is the sumptuous Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 50th Anniversary. 

Silently released during 2022, it took horophiles a few refreshes of the AP webpage in order to realise that they were not hallucinating like some sick Halloween tale. A spooktacular number if ever there was one, The Royal Oak Chronograph iteration is one of the brand's regularly updated novelties. 

Since 1997, it’s evolved in terms of materials, calibre and quality. Need we mention the brave growth spurt of the Royal Oak Chronograph in 2016 which saw the 26320 reference increase in case size from 39mm to 41mm. 

Anyway, in 2022, the Royal Oak has had its 50th birthday in 2023 since its inception in 1973. The brand from Le Brassus saw an opportunity and thus released the Selfwinding Chronograph 50th Anniversary.

This piece is darker than the Dark Knight himself due to its 41mm black ceramic construction. Capable of only reaching around 50 metres water resistance, we expect Kevin Hart to only be wearing this during his Golden Globe winning performance or when sipping champagne from a rose gold chalice. 

With a thickness of 12.4mm, (quite large given AP’s usual standards), there is a lot of power inside it so we cannot reprimand the brand just yet.

The dial is equally black and features the now legendary Grande Tapisserie finish which imitates small cubes decorated throughout the dial. And you know this one is ice cool in terms of its lineage and flex appeal.

The baton hour markers and hands are all pink gold with a centre of Super-Luminova for legibility. Located At 3, 6 and 9 o’clock are flyback chronograph functions, while there is a date aperture residing between 4 and 5 o’clock. This is powered by the Calibre 4401 which offers a 28,800VpH and a weekend-proof 70 hour power reserve. 

You can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 50th Anniversary upon request, as of March 2024. 

 

Chris Hemsworth - Audemars Piguet & 1017 ALYX 9SM Studio Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph

Actor Chris Hemsworth knows where his passions lie when it comes to horology. 

In fact, he is so on the ball with AP, that he knows exactly which watches will send the internet into meltdown. Precisely what Daniel Craig is to Omega.  

The 1017 ALYX 9SM Studio collaboration is one such model that is almost impossible to buy but will look fabulous on any given wrist...

Source - Gulf News via Visitabudhabi

Girard-Perregaux released one of the best watches from 2023, the Casquette, showing they’ve leaned across the horological aisle and started shaking hands with fashion titles like Yves-Saint Laurent on their Perregaux model. We can’t really be surprised at AP’s involvement... 

Joining forces with esteemed designer Matthew Williams and his company 1017 ALYX 9SM, they have gone on to produce four Royal Oak and Offshore watches, evoking pure minimalist characteristics. But Hemsworth opts for a 41mm beauty in yellow gold

With a 12.4mm thickness, the watches will only reach around 50 metres water resistance. Not a problem…we think you should save this beauty for more special occasions and let that yellow gold shine! Featuring vertical satin-brushing from bracelet to dial, the watches retain the classic Royal Oak sports luxury design alongside the inherent beauty of the yellow gold material. 

The dial is equally yellow gold and undergoes the same vertical satin finish. The yellow gold hands are daubed with luminescence for optimal legibility. On the flip side, the subdials are missing their snailed counters which link to the minimalist style. This works in conjunction with the lack of hour markers which opens up the dial face. 

Leaving just the hands and chronograph functions on the dial, only the applied AP text below 12 o’clock and 1017 ALYX 9SM at 6 o’clock are the two other elements present. Within this model beats the heart of the calibre 4409 with a 70 hour power reserve alongside a 28,800VpH beat. Limited to 202 pieces, you can buy an Audemars Piguet & 1017 ALYX 9SM Studio Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph at retail for £80,900 as of March 2024.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AP Better Than Rolex?

No, Rolex is generally considered to be better than Audemars Piguet. Audemars Piguet has the longevity over Rolex. Founded in 1875 in Le Brauss, the Swiss outfit have a range of awards and achievements underneath their belts.

Creating the first jumping-hour wristwatch in 1921 to the first skeleton watch in 1934, they still perform incredible feats in the modern era such as developing the first carbon watch in 2007 and releasing the thinnest automatic perpetual calendar in 2019. 

Rolex are equally just as successful. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, the brand became the first watchmaker to achieve chronometer certification in 1910, unveiling the first chronometer to automatically change the date on the dial through the Datejust line in 1945.

Both brands utilise top quality materials for their pieces. As mentioned, Audemars Piguet were instrumental in introducing fresh materials like carbon into their watches, plus they use the finest precious metals and steels possible. 

However, Rolex go one step further by founding their own materials such as their patented Everose Gold and Rolesor, demonstrating how all their watches are literally made inside and out by Rolex

This is the same for the movements. Audemars Piguet watches do not have COSC certification (around -4/+6 seconds per day accuracy), but they do still operate within the framework of this specific criteria. 

However, Rolex went one step further again by employing Superlative Chronometer certification which destroys COSC certifications with a -2/+2 second per day variation.

Furthermore, Rolex uses their own patented updates within the movement, including a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers which improves the watches shock resistance capabilities.

Audemars Piguet only produces around 50,000 watches per year which is a drop in the ocean compared to Rolex’s 1 million pieces. However, both brands do still hold an increase in value following resale as well as possession of all important brand exclusivity.

We would say that overall, Rolex is the better brand even if they slip under the Holy Trinity criteria of Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe

 

Are AP Watches Worth The Money?

In essence, yes, Audemars Piguet watches are absolutely worth the money. Founded in 1875 in the home of horology, AP remains family owned and continues to be a leading premium watch brand. Therefore, they can dedicate all their hours and time into furthering engineering and development.

This is the case with the types of luxury materials that they adopt for their pieces. The level of finishing is equally impressive, including the iconic Grand Tapesserie finishing on the dials alongside hand polishing on the cases and bezels. 

One of the best lines to consider innovating in is the Royal Oak line. Noted for its highly distinct design including octagonal bezel, integrated bezel and Grande Tapisserie dial, this was the first venture into sports-chic watches as designed by Gerald Genta back in the 1970s. 

Associated with every kind of celeb including Ed Sheeran to Tom Cruise, the brand has swiftly garnered an unstoppable brand reputation among every calibre of wearer. This is an added reason as to why the watches are so revered, even by those who couldn’t tell a tourbillon from a tachymetric scale.

The brand has become a cultural symbol of success, status and wealth with premium build quality by master craftsmen to ensure they’re consistently at the echelons of horology and design. Enjoying cult status among the glitterati and collectors, we can safely say they are worth every pound, penny and cent.

 

How Many Watches A Year Does Audemars Piguet Make?

It’s estimated that Audemars Piguet manufactures around 50,000 timepieces annually. 

 

Are AP Watches Hard To Get?

In a nutshell, yes. AP watches are tougher than tough to get due to one significant reason. They have limited supply numbers. Capped at just 50,000 pieces released per year, their level of demand vastly outstrips that of supply, meaning you are more likely to source one on the secondary market than at retail. The waitlists can stretch up to 8 years!

The solution is to maybe opt for a lesser known collection if you are in the market for a Royal Oak at retail. We recommend a Code 11:59 or the Millenary line to appease any uncertain retailer into getting you on the lists. How about going to the secondary market via a reputable platform like Chrono Hunter?

After all, we can offer you a range of offers from our procured list of expert luxury retailers. Furthermore, this is all conducted in a highly secure environment that's ensured by our team closely monitoring each transaction until its conclusion with the retailer.

We understand that buying an Audemars Piguet is a significant investment that requires thought and protection. Chrono Hunter can alleviate most of your concerns by conducting the transaction via our highly reliable platform, ensuring you receive multiple offers from the best retailers around.

 

Does Audemars Piguet Have Resale Value?

Yes. Due to Audemars Piguet’s status as a member of the so-called “Holy Trinity” alongside Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe, their exceptionally precise timepieces, high quality craftsmanship and links with the social elites, make them one of the few major luxury brands capable of holding value and increasing past retail prices. 

For models that yield a brilliant figure at resale, you may have to opt for vintage or rare pieces that have been discontinued and are incredibly desirable. After all, low supply and high demand is what lead to fantastic figures, not to mention current market prices, condition of the watch and provenance among other elements.

 

Where Can I Sell My Audemars Piguet?

You can sell your Audemars Piguet watch from a number of sources. For example, you could opt to sell your Audemars Piguet via auction and put your watch in the hands of live bidding. You could look to go around every jeweller you know and attempt to yield a good figure back upon resale. But how do you know you are not getting a raw deal or an inaccurate valuation? 

Chrono Hunter is the ultimate place to sell your Audemars Piguet! Rather than limiting yourself to one retailer or dealer, Chrono Hunter can give you multiple offers from our extensive list of luxury retailers. We save you time by ensuring our verified retailers give you the best deals possible in under 24 hours, all within a controlled environment.

Selling has never been so easy when you can enjoy multiple offers on one dedicated platform!

 

Should I Sell My Royal Oak?

You can certainly achieve resale value on this legendary piece but it completely depends on whether or not you are ready to sell your Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Owning and wearing the icon of all iconic watches is a statement of pride and pleasure for many that has taken a sizable investment in order to buy. 

Mind you, the best resale value can be found among Royal Oak or Offshore watches as they are highly coveted thanks to its classic looks and pioneering Gerald Genta inspired design. The Royal Oak is one of Audemars Piguet’s flagship collection and it represented the first ever luxury sports watch upon its release in 1972.

If you are completely certain that you want to sell your Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, we can assure you that you will get a fantastic figure back upon resale. 

Take one example: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26240ST with a white dial. It sells at retail for £33,500 at the time of writing, but as of March 2024, you can pick one up on the secondary market for around £38,000. 

 

Is Audemars Piguet A Good Investment?

Audemars Piguet watches are unquestionably a great investment. 

As a brand with an incredible heritage stretching back to 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, they are noted for incredible innovations, including the first luxury sports watch (Royal Oak), the world's first skeleton watch in 1934, the world's thinnest watch in 1946 with a 1.64mm thick movement and the thinnest automatic perpetual calendar in 2019. 

The beast from Le Brassus is noted for its exquisite craftsmanship, exceptional design including the iconic octagonal bezel of the Royal Oak, world class movements that offer unparalleled accuracy, longevity and high-end brand status.

Releasing around 40,000 watches per year, the level of supply is dwarfed by demand. This will potentially rocket up the prices at resale, meaning these are fantastic investment pieces, especially since it's estimated that the brand has a positive value retention of 17.4%.

This is in contrast to other brands like IWC which loses around 28.3% and Omega which loses 28.2%. 

 

Who Buys Audemars Piguet?

Audemars Piguet is so well known and respected that you can expect almost anyone to desire a part of this luxury brand. Boasting a luxurious clientele that includes celebrities and exclusive socialites, Audemars Piguet has been worn by the likes of;

  • The Sheikh Ammar of Ajman - Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar White Ceramic
  • Footballer Virgil Van Dijk  - The new Royal Oak Spider-Man
  • Drake - Royal Oak Alyx and Givenchy Variant
  • John Legend - Royal Oak Rose Gold Chronograph

Anyone who has excess funds to buy something premium in the watch world will invariably find themselves staring wistfully at an Audemars Piguet. 

 

Does The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Hold Value?

Without a doubt, yes. The Royal Oak does hold value. Created for Basel World in 1972, the watches were initially looked down upon due to their excessive pricing, unorthodox octagonal bezel and steel construction as a “luxury” watch. 

However, this model is now firmly ingrained in the DNA of the company, swiftly becoming the world's first luxury sports watch that is still revered to this day. Its potential to appreciate in value is significant, with the rarer and discontinued vintage models being the best at holding value or surpassing it.

 

Can You Sell An Audemars Piguet Watch Without Papers?

Yes, it is possible to sell your Audemars Piguet without papers. While it would be much easier as the papers ensure the legitimacy of the timepieces, we can understand why you may no longer have them. As such, things like a sales receipt can provide sufficient evidence for the legitimacy of the model as retailers are all about guaranteeing authenticity.



Conclusion 

When you decide to sell your Audemars Piguet, it essentially requires the relevant documentation, good quality images and the utmost transparency. Be aware of fluctuations in value and keep in mind that not everyone has your best interest at heart. Aside from that, we wish you nothing but happy selling!

Using our highly trusted portfolio of luxury watch retailers, Chronohunter can sell your watch effortlessly and in the most secure and safe environment. Feel free to contact us at any time to discuss your specific requirements or for a no-obligation estimate and one of our highly experienced team members will talk you through the entire process.

ChronoHunter does not just sell your watch. We put you in direct contact with our established luxury watch retailers, giving you the best selection of available offers. No more raw deals or inaccurate valuations. Isn’t it time you discussed how to sell your Audemars Piguet? 

Further Reading: 

Audemars Piguet - A brief history.

How To Sell Your Patek Philippe Watch In Less Than 24 Hours

 

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