One of Not Many. The oldest continuously operating watch manufacturer. Your complete Vacheron Constantin resource.
Audemars Piguet is one of the last remaining family-owned haute horlogerie manufacturers. Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, deep in the Vallée de Joux, AP has never been sold — still controlled by descendants of founders Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet.
The Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta in a single night in 1972, shattered every convention in luxury watchmaking. An octagonal steel sports watch with an integrated bracelet and visible screws, it was priced higher than most gold watches of its era. Today, it is arguably the most influential watch design of the 20th century.
AP produces approximately 40,000 watches per year — compared to Rolex's estimated 1 million. This deliberate scarcity, combined with extraordinary hand-finishing and 100% in-house movements, makes every AP a genuine collector's piece.
The brand's Musée Atelier in Le Brassus, opened in 2020, is an architectural marvel that spirals into the hillside. It houses centuries of watchmaking heritage and provides a window into the workshops where each watch is still assembled by hand.
The essential Vacheron Constantin families — the defining collections of Vacheron Constantin.
The watch that changed everything. Gérald Genta's 1972 masterpiece — octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, tapisserie dial. The most recognized luxury sports watch in the world.
The Royal Oak's extreme sibling. Launched in 1993 for those who wanted more size, more presence, more complication. Dive, chrono, and tourbillon variants.
AP's bold step beyond the Royal Oak. Round case with octagonal middle case, double-curved sapphire crystal. Divisive at launch (2019), now gaining serious collector respect.
The purest Royal Oak — the 15202 (now 16202). Ultra-thin automatic in 39mm, closest to Genta's 1972 original. The collector's choice.
In-depth guides featuring Vacheron Constantin watches.
Current Vacheron Constantin deals from trusted retailers.
AP is one of the last family-owned haute horlogerie manufacturers, never sold since 1875. Every watch features 100% in-house movements with extraordinary hand-finishing. The Royal Oak redefined luxury watchmaking and remains the most influential sports watch design ever created.
The Royal Oak Ref. 15500ST (blue dial) is the most sought-after current production model. The "Jumbo" Extra-Thin 16202 is the collector's choice, closest to Genta's 1972 original. Both trade significantly above retail on the secondary market.
The Royal Oak commands premium pricing due to its 100% in-house movement, extraordinary finishing (including the signature tapisserie dial requiring specialized machinery), limited production, and the historical significance of Genta's revolutionary 1972 design. The integrated bracelet alone contains over 40 components.
AP watches, particularly Royal Oak references, are among the strongest performers in the secondary market. Steel sport models routinely trade above retail, and certain references have appreciated 200-300% over the past decade.
The most accessible new AP is the Royal Oak at approximately $19,000. Pre-owned Royal Oaks can occasionally be found below $15,000 for older references, but condition and service history are critical factors.