Whether it’s the iconic Royal Oak Offshore or one of the elegant Jules Audemars Grande Complication models, no real collection of Swiss watches will be complete without the Audemars Piguet wristwatch. But what is the origin of this exceptional Swiss watch brand and how did it manage to stay in the hands of its founding families?
In 1875, two young men gathered their individual students, acquired in the craft of watchmakers. These people were Jules Odemar and Edward Pighet. Although both of them were in the early twenties, they became the founders of one of the greatest Swiss watch houses - Audemars Piguet, a prestigious production of initially pocket watches, and then men's and women's wrist watches. Each person brought different benefits to the Audemars partnership, the manufacturing and technical side, while Piaget focused on sales.
Of course, success did not come immediately, Audemars Piguet was not registered as a trademark until 1882. However, the reputation of production as an innovation was strengthened by the discovery of the world's first repeater of the world in wrist watches in 1892.
The clients in the years that followed were Cartier and Tiffany luxury goods brands that purchased “unsigned” models that fit and pack as their own creations - the quality and workmanship that can be found at Audemars Piguet workshops in Le Brassa.
The war years were scanty in terms of all sales of luxury goods, including Swiss watches and, until peaceful times, unfortunately, both partners died, Audemar in 1918 and Piget in 1919.
Fortunately, family participation continued at the highest level of business, because each partner had a son, ready to continue the creative development and future growth of Audemars Piguet.
Paul-Louis Audemars and Paul-Edward Piguet were now in place to push the business forward and before the collision on Wall Street in 1929, they presented several exquisite women's watches with the then-popular Art Deco theme, including the fabulous . Grande Dame.
Many of the great Swiss watch-houses suffered during the depression, which lasted until the 1930s. At Audemars Piguet, it took a change in direction to enter new markets. The development of simpler complications allowed the brand to become more accessible to some and stimulated sales at a critical moment for the watch business.
Once again, the war led to a halt in recovery through Europe and a few years would pass before the Audemars Piguet brand again emerged from these difficult times.
Definition and dedication to innovations that made Audemars Piguet brand well known continued in the 1950s and 1960s, and the company consolidated its position again.
Perhaps the most revolutionary and innovative watches that come from the Audemars Piguet workshops were released in 1972 - the instantly recognizable model of Royal Oak. It was the first high-quality sports watch made of stainless steel. The unique octagonal frame with eight hex screws clearly became the premiere of a prestigious sports watch.
At the time of writing for more than three decades, Royal Oak is still synonymous with Audemars Piguet. Continuing sponsorship at the Yachting and Motorsport events ensures that this part remains a commercial success.
The cooperation of two young people at the root of this Swiss watch brand, of course, could not imagine that their names will continue to be recognized as one of the most important Swiss watch industry in the world.
Today, this family business continues to create and sell some of the best watches available. These two should be aware of themselves as the true ancestors of the Swiss watchmaking tradition.
