As the oldest watch manufacturer to remain owned by its founding family, Audemars Piguet (founded in 1875) excels at the complicated timepieces it has made since its inception. The company’s Royal Oak, which debuted three decades ago, is considered by many the first luxury sports watch and retains an iconic stature for the firm. The Royal Oak’s Octagonal case shape, its steel and gold cases and the 8 functional screws that hold the bezel to the case were breakthroughs in 1972, when it debuted. Audemars Piguet’s focus on technology has resulted in numerous tourbillon, minute repeaters and moonphase models that are highly prized among collectors.
