Audemars Piguet Royal Oak price history

Founded in 1875, the Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet is known worldwide for its high-end luxury watches, which are highly sought after by collectors and investors. The most famous model and absolute classic is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak wristwatch. In this article, we examine the value development of this luxury watch and venture a look at how prices for the models might develop in the future.

Important information about the Royal Oak

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection includes a total of 108 different models, each differing in terms of materials and complications. The watches are available with features such as a chronograph, perpetual calendar, dual time zone, or minute repeater, which lends these pricey timepieces a high level of functionality.

Originally made of stainless steel, Royal Oak watches now feature a case made of white gold, platinum, tantalum, yellow gold, or rose gold. The strap is often made of the same material, but there are also models with textile straps and high-quality leather bands.

Visually, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak series, designed by Gérald Genta, and its diverse range of models are likely to appeal primarily to watch enthusiasts dedicated to luxury watches with a sporty style. A distinctive feature is the octagonal bezel, secured by striking hexagon screws. The bracelet is seamlessly integrated into the case, with the dial primarily catching the eye of the connoisseur. The bezel is adorned with an elaborate tapestry look, which undoubtedly unfolds its full effect in combination with the screws.

The case sizes of the Royal Oak watches range from 33 mm to 44 mm in diameter. There's a wide range in this respect, ensuring that every watch fan can find a Royal Oak to their liking. Depending on the model, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak features a number of design extras, such as diamonds embedded in the dial.

Let's get to the heart of the matter: What movement ticks at the heart of the Royal Oak? Older models are powered by a Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 920, while newer models are equipped with movements from the Audemars Piguet manufacture. Particularly popular is the in-house Caliber 3120, which provides the wearer with a seconds display.

The origin story of the Royal Oak is also interesting. Legend has it that in 1972, Georges Golay, then head of the company, was asked by an Italian merchant to create a stainless steel watch for him. This watch was to be stylishly complemented by sporty looks, but also suitable for wearing with a suit. It should not be forgotten that the watch industry was in the midst of a "quartz crisis" at the time. Launching a watch series made of pure stainless steel therefore entailed a certain risk. But Golay – together with chief designer Gérald Genta – took the plunge and would not regret it. The steel Royal Oak was publicly perceived as a rebellious model against prevailing conventions and quickly achieved cult status.

Royal Oak price development

Let's talk about prices and their development over time. Just as with other luxury watches—such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus or models from Omega, Vacheron Constantin, and Rolex—the price development of the Royal Oak is one of the key reasons why buyers consider luxury watches as an investment.

Current price

First of all, it should be noted that prices naturally vary from model to model. The cost of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch depends partly on current demand on the secondary market, but also on the materials used, the reference, the complications, and the condition of the timepiece. As an example, we'll take a closer look at the Jumbo Extra Thin with the reference 15202ST.OO.1240ST.01, which is recognizable by its blue dial. The list price for the watch is around €30,000, but the market price is much higher. On the open market, luxury watches of this type are currently offered for just under €90,000. This is a price you have to be willing to pay for such a Royal Oak, as the chances of being able to purchase the brand's model directly from the manufacturer are virtually zero.

Historical increase in value

Looking at the price development of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with the reference 15202ST.OO.1240ST.01, one can confidently speak of an almost incredible increase in value. A particularly dramatic price increase was recorded during the coronavirus pandemic, with the price of the Jumbo Extra Thin watches initially doubling and ultimately even tripling. Several factors naturally contribute to this increase in value. First, the number of replica models produced is very limited and significantly undercuts demand; second, there is currently a veritable hype surrounding high-end steel watches. The brand's announcement that it will soon discontinue production of the Royal Oak Ref. 15202ST may also have fueled the run on the iconic timepieces.

Price development in the coming years

How prices for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches will develop in the future is, of course, difficult to predict precisely—and certainly not definitively. However, considering the recent price increase and the ongoing, growing popularity of these timepieces, which extends far beyond the Ref. 15202ST, a further price increase cannot be ruled out. Quite the opposite: Taking the most important criteria for a price increase into account, one concludes that the future could hold another upward price jump for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak series.

How much does a used Audemars Piguet Royal Oak cost?

On the secondary market, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches in various versions are traded well above list price. If you want to acquire such a luxury watch in decent condition, you'll have to spend a lot of money. Especially the classic models that closely resemble Genta's original design fetch between €60,000 and €100,000, even pre-owned.

The price development of other Audemars Piguet series

Anyone looking to invest in a quality Audemars Piguet watch but not set on a Royal Oak should definitely explore some exciting alternatives. After all, other Audemars Piguet series are also quite impressive in terms of price development.

How about, for example, a sought-after vintage watch that exudes timeless elegance? The Classic Ultra Thin is hard to beat in terms of refined simplicity and is more in demand today than ever. Timepieces from the Jules Audemars series, which pays homage to one of the company's two founders, are also highly sought after. If you'd rather opt for newer models, a good place to start is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. These can be seen as a modern interpretation of the classic Royal Oak models and have already made a name for themselves under the nickname "The Beast."

Conclusion on the Audemars Piguet price development

When discussing renowned, historic watch manufacturers, Audemars Piguet must be mentioned alongside major names like Omega, Rolex, and Patek Philippe. In recent years, numerous Audemars Piguet watches have experienced significant price increases, and prices are unlikely to plummet in the coming years. This is especially true for the models from the legendary Royal Oak series, which many collectors consider to be untouched icons.