AP watches are expensive because they have enduring brand legacy as part of the holy trinity of Swiss watchmaking, use high-end materials and movements, and rely on prestige partnerships and marketing to maintain an elite status as a luxury timepiece.
ou’ve probably seen those fancy Audemars Piguet (AP) watches that celebrities and athletes wear. With price tags starting at around $20,000 and going into the millions, you may wonder – why are AP watches so expensive?
Well, there are a few key reasons why these luxury Swiss timepieces command such high prices. In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 factors that contribute to the hefty cost of AP watches. From complex movements to high-end materials and everything in between, let’s explore what makes them such an investment.
Top 10 Reasons Why Are AP Watches So Expensive
1. Luxury Brand Name and History
AP has been around since 1875, making it one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers still in operation today. As one of the holy trinity brands in watchmaking along with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, AP rests securely as a top luxury brand. Their enduring legacy and status symbolize generations of watchmaking mastery.
2. Precious Metals and Materials
AP watches utilize high-end materials like 18K rose or white gold, platinum, titanium, and ceramic. These not only retain value but also add to the luxury appeal. Some models even feature diamond or gemstone embellishments. For example, their Royal Oak line showcases up to 600+ baguette-cut diamonds!
3. Complex Watch Movements Beating inside
AP watches are top-tier mechanical movements with complications like perpetual calendars, chronographs, moon phases and more. These intricate systems require extreme precision engineering and assembly. Some movements even have hundreds of intricate moving parts!
4. Limited Production Runs
Unlike mass-market watches, AP produces very limited quantities – from dozens to a few hundred units per model. Lower supply but high demand lets them preserve exclusivity. Some uber-rare special editions sell at auctions for millions!
5. Cutting-Edge Innovation
AP is known for innovations like creating the first ultra-thin selfwinding movement and the iconic Royal Oak – the first luxury stainless steel sports watch. They invest heavily in R&D to keep advancing watchmaking bounds through technical breakthroughs.
6. High Attention to Detail Meticulous
Attention is given to details in both design and finishing. Features like sharp bevels, Geneva stripes and engraving demonstrate excellent craftsmanship. Each watch takes great skill and time to assemble to perfection.
7. Brand Craftsmanship Legacy
With over 150 years of watchmaking under their belt, AP has developed specialized skills passed down through generations of artisans. Their master craftsmen and women ensure continuity of excellence in technique across all components.
8. Integrated Manufacturing
Unlike most brands, AP makes their own watch parts in-house including movements, cases, dials, hands, bracelets and more. This level of vertical integration enables better quality control from raw materials to final product.
9. Prestigious Partnerships
The brand has partnered with best-in-class names like Ferrari, Phillips Auction House and Disney. These high-profile collaborations further elevate their reputation and pique public interest through exclusive offerings.
10. Powerful Marketing
From celebrity endorsements to stunning ad campaigns and star-studded events, AP spares no expense when it comes to luxury lifestyle branding. Strong brand image projection helps justify and sustain lofty price positioning.
Is ap watches A Good Brand?
Yes, Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious and iconic Swiss watch brands known for masterful innovation, craftsmanship and enduring luxury legacy since 1875.
Are ap watches Good?
With state-of-the-art mechanisms, ultra-premium materials like gold and titanium, and sleek contemporary designs, AP watches deliver exceptional performance, style and investment value.
Are ap watches Worth The Price?
For those who can afford them, AP watches are absolutely worth the high ticket price given their benchmarks in precision, complexity, quality and exclusivity.
Where To Buy ap watches?
The best places to buy authentic brand new or pre-owned AP watches are the company’s boutiques globally or trusted authorized dealers online and offline with certification papers.