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 as an investment. The most famous model and also the absolute classic is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak wristwatch. In this article, we highlight the value development of this luxury watch and venture an outlook on how the prices for the models could develop in the future.
Important information about the Royal Oak
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection includes a whole 108 different models, which sometimes differ in terms of the materials used and their complications. For example, the watches are available with chronograph, perpetual calendar, second time zone or minute repeater, which results in a high functionality of the price-intensive timepieces.
Originally, Royal Oak watches were made of stainless steel, but nowadays they alternatively have a case made of white gold, platinum, tantalum, yellow gold or red gold. The bracelet is often made of the same material, but there are also pieces with textile bracelets and straps made of high quality leather.
Visually, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak series, designed by Gérald Genta, with its variety of models, is likely to appeal mainly to watch lovers who are devoted to luxury watches of the sporty type. Characteristic is the octagonal bezel, the attachment of which is done via conspicuous hexagonal screws. The bracelet is seamlessly integrated into the case, with the dial in particular drawing the connoisseur's eye. The bezel is adorned by an elaborate tapestry look, which can unquestionably unfold its full effect in combination with the screws.
In terms of size, the cases of Royal Oak watches come up with diameters ranging from 33 mm to 44 mm. In this regard, there are also great differences, which favor that every watch fan can find a Royal Oak to his taste. Depending on the model, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak brings some extras in the design - for example, diamonds incorporated into 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 ones are equipped with movements from the Audemars Piguet manufacture. Particularly popular is the Manufacture Caliber 3120, which provides the wearer with a seconds display.
The story of how the Royal Oak came to be is also interesting. According to legend, Georges Golay, head of the company at the time, was asked by an Italian merchant in 1972 to make a stainless steel watch for him. This watch should be stylish to wear with sporty looks, but also with a suit. Now, it should not be forgotten that the watch industry was in the midst of a "quartz crisis" at that time. So launching a series of watches made of pure stainless steel entailed a certain risk. But Golay - together with chief designer Gérald Genta - took the plunge and was not to regret it. The steel Royal Oak was publicly perceived as a rebellion against prevailing conventions and quickly achieved the status of a genuine cult watch.
Royal Oak price development
Let's talk about prices and their evolution 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 decisive reasons for buyers to acquire luxury watches as an investment.
Current price
First of all, it should be said that prices naturally vary from model to model. How much an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch costs depends sometimes on the current demand on the secondary market, but also on the processed materials, the reference, the complications and the condition of the timepiece. As an example, we take a closer look at the Jumbo Extra Thin with the reference 15202ST.OO.1240ST.01, which can be recognized by its blue dial. The list price for the watch is around €30,000, but the market price is at a much higher level. On the open market, luxury watches of this type are currently offered for just under €90,000. A price you must be willing to pay for such a Royal Oak, because the chances of obtaining the model of the brand directly from the manufacturing company are virtually zero.
Historical increase in value
If we look at the price development of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with the reference 15202ST.OO.1240ST.01, we can speak with a clear conscience of an almost unbelievable increase in value. Particularly during the Corona pandemic, a huge price increase was recorded, during which the price of the Jumbo Extra Thin watches first doubled and finally even tripled. Of course, several factors contributed to this performance. On the one hand, the number of post-produced models is severely limited and significantly undercuts demand; on the other hand, a real hype around high-end watches made of steel can currently be observed. And the brand's announcement that it will discontinue Royal Oak Ref 15202ST production in the near future is also likely to have fueled the run on the iconic timepieces.
Price trends in the coming years
Logically, it is difficult to accurately - let alone authoritatively - predict how prices for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches will evolve in the future. However, taking into account the past price increase and the continuing trend of increasing popularity of the timepieces, which extends far beyond the Ref 15202ST, a further rise in prices can by no means be ruled out. On the contrary, if we take the most important criteria for a price increase together, we come to the conclusion that the future could hold another upward price jump for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak series.
What does a used Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Cost?
On the secondary market, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches in various versions are trading well above list price. If you want to buy such a luxury watch in a passable condition, you have to spend a lot of money. Because: Especially the classic models, which come close to the original design of Genta, achieve prices between 60,000 € and 100,000 €, even used.
The price development of other Audemars Piguet Series
If you're looking to invest in a quality Audemars Piguet watch but aren't committed to a Royal Oak, you should definitely check out exciting alternatives. After all, other Audemars Piguet series are also quite respectable in terms of price development.
For example, how about a sought-after vintage watch that exudes timeless elegance? The Classic Ultra Thin is hard to beat in terms of noble simplicity and is more in demand today than ever before. And the timepieces from the Jules Audemars series, which is intended as a tribute to one of the company's two founders, are also in high demand. If one would rather go for newer models instead, it is obvious to look into the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches. These can be considered a modern interpretation of the classic Royal Oak models and have already made a name for themselves under the nickname "The Beast".
Conclusion on Audemars Piguet Price Development
When talking about historical, renowned watch manufacturers, Audemars Piguet must definitely be mentioned - along with greats like Omega, Rolex and Patek Philippe. In recent years, numerous watches from the house of Audemars Piguet have seen immense price increases, and no price drop is to be expected in the course of the coming years. This is especially true for the models from the legendary Royal Oak series, which in the eyes of many collectors are like untouched icons.