🕰️ Who Owns Audemars Piguet Today?

When discussing icons of Swiss watchmaking, the name Audemars Piguet (AP) ranks at the very top — a brand synonymous with innovation, tradition, and independence.

Unlike other luxury watchmakers acquired by conglomerates like Swatch Group, Richemont, or LVMH, Audemars Piguet is still family-owned and operated, a rare status in today’s watch world.

This article explores:

• Who owns Audemars Piguet today

• How and when it was founded

• Key milestones, collections, and innovations

• Why its independence matters

• Where to buy authentic AP watches

Let’s dive into the story of one of the last truly independent luxury watch houses in Switzerland.

📜 Founding of Audemars Piguet: 1875

Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, a quiet village in the Vallée de Joux — a region famous for fine mechanical watchmaking.

🧠 The Founders:

• Jules Louis Audemars – a technical genius responsible for complications and movement design

• Edward Auguste Piguet – a skilled businessman who handled sales and client relations

Together, they formed a powerful duo: Jules built the movements, Edward sold the watches. Their shared vision? To create complicated, handcrafted timepieces for elite collectors.

“To break the rules, you must first master them.” — Audemars Piguet motto

🏛️ Early Milestones (1875–1920s)

• 1881: The partnership was officially registered as Audemars Piguet & Cie.

• 1882–1890: Produced some of the first minute repeaters and grand complications.

• 1915: Created one of the smallest five-minute repeater movements in the world.

During this time, Audemars Piguet became known for precision, complication, and exclusivity — producing fewer watches than rivals but with exceptional craftsmanship.

👨👩 Who Owns Audemars Piguet Today?

Audemars Piguet is still privately owned by the founding families, making it one of the few independent watch manufacturers in the world.

✅ Key Facts:

• The company is not owned by any luxury group like LVMH or Richemont.

• Leadership remains tied to the Audemars family.

• The company is governed by a Board of Directors, including family members and industry leaders.

• François-Henry Bennahmias served as CEO from 2012 to 2023, helping modernize the brand while staying true to its heritage.

Today, AP is overseen by CEO Ilaria Resta (appointed in 2023), bringing both luxury and consumer brand experience to the future of the company.

📈 Major Milestones in the Modern Era

🧱 1972 – The Launch of the Royal Oak

• Designed by legendary watch designer Gérald Genta

• Introduced the first luxury sports watch in stainless steel

• Instantly polarizing, now legendary

• Royal Oak’s octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet revolutionized the industry

🔥 1993 – Royal Oak Offshore

• Bigger, bolder, and sportier

• Introduced for a new generation of collectors

• Nicknamed “The Beast” for its massive presence

🧪 2019 – Code 11.59

• A contemporary line that fuses classic design and modern engineering

• Features AP’s newest in-house movements

• Aimed at expanding AP’s audience beyond the Royal Oak collector base

🏛️ Why Independence Matters

In an industry dominated by conglomerates, AP’s family ownership offers three key advantages:

1. Creative Freedom
   They don’t answer to shareholders or quarterly profits. Innovation — like skeletonized tourbillons or forged carbon — happens on AP’s terms.

2. Exclusivity by Design
   AP produces fewer than 50,000 watches per year, maintaining rarity and prestige.

3. Craftsmanship-First Culture
   Decisions are led by watchmakers and designers, not marketers. Quality always comes first.

💎 Iconic Collections

Royal Oak

• The crown jewel of the AP catalog

• Offered in stainless steel, gold, titanium, and ceramic

• Popular references: 15202, 15500, 15400

Royal Oak Offshore

• Oversized chronographs with bold cases

• Sporty appeal with celebrity influence (LeBron, Jay-Z, Messi)

Code 11.59

• Round case with architectural lugs

• AP’s most modern and technical watch line

Royal Oak Concept

• Experimental line blending avant-garde design with extreme technical complexity

• Skeleton dials, tourbillons, futuristic case materials

🌍 AP's Global Influence

• Worn by celebrities, athletes, royalty, and watch connoisseurs

• Often seen on the wrists of LeBron James, Travis Scott, Serena Williams, and Lionel Messi

• Known for its high auction values and rare boutique editions

🛍️ Where to Buy Audemars Piguet Watches

Authorized Dealers (ADs) offer new models, but waitlists can stretch years for popular pieces like the Royal Oak or Offshore Chronograph.

That’s why many buyers turn to trusted secondary dealers like Diamond Club Miami, where:

• You skip the wait

• Access discontinued and rare models

• Enjoy full authentication and premium service

🧭 AP vs. Other Watch Brands (Quick Comparison)

🏁 Conclusion: Why Collectors Love Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet represents the pinnacle of Swiss luxury, design independence, and technical mastery. From its roots in the Vallée de Joux to the global icon it is today, AP continues to set the bar for horological excellence.

If you’re investing in your first piece or chasing a grail Royal Oak — buying from a trusted source is everything.

Explore Our Audemars Piguet Collection or Contact US to secure your dream AP today.