AUDEMARS PIGUET
AUDEMARS PIGUET BCV YELLOW GOLD 24 MM
2 990.00 CHF
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Buy a certified pre-owned Audemars Piguet watch at The Swiss Collector
Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, in the Vallée de Joux, Audemars Piguet is one of the world's most prestigious watchmakers. Alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, it forms the holy trinity of Swiss haute horlogerie. Every AP watch is entirely designed and assembled in-house, ensuring an unmatched level of craftsmanship. At The Swiss Collector, we offer a carefully curated selection of certified pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches (each inspected by our experts) so you can acquire an exceptional timepiece with complete peace of mind.
History of Audemars Piguet : 150 Years of Watchmaking Excellence
Origins in Le Brassus (1875)
On 17 December 1875, two young watchmakers (Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet) founded their manufacture in Le Brassus, in the heart of the Vallée de Joux. Their ambition was clear from the start: to create timepieces of unparalleled complexity and precision. Jules-Louis specialised in regulating and correcting movements, while Edward-Auguste focused on finishing.
By 1889, the house had already earned a medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition for its Grande Complication pocket watch. In 1891, Audemars Piguet unveiled the world's smallest minute repeater, measuring just 18mm in diameter.
Surviving the Crises (1918–1970)
The deaths of both founders in 1918 and 1919 could have ended the story. Their sons took over and relaunched the business, counting prestigious clients such as Cartier among their customers. The stock market crash of 1929 and World War II again threatened the manufacture, but its exceptional expertise kept it alive.
1972: The Royal Oak Revolution
In 1972, Audemars Piguet changed the history of watchmaking forever. In the midst of the quartz crisis, the manufacture dared to launch a luxury sports watch in stainless steel, a material then reserved for everyday timepieces. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta in a single night before the Basel watch fair, the Royal Oak quickly became a global icon. The results were spectacular: from 4,000 watches produced per year in 1970, AP grew to over 30,000 by 1974.
Today, Audemars Piguet remains one of the few watchmaking manufactures still owned by the founding families, with an estimated revenue of CHF 2.38 billion in 2024 and a limited production of just 51,000 watches per year.
Iconic Models
Key References & Secondary Market Values
For informed buyers, here are the most sought-after Audemars Piguet references on the pre-owned market :
15202ST Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin 39mm
CHF 57,000 – CHF 80,000
15500ST Royal Oak Selfwinding 41mm
CHF 33,000 – CHF 42,000
16202ST Royal Oak "Jumbo" 50th Anniversary 41mm
CHF 75,000 – CHF 90,000
26240ST Royal Oak Chronograph 41mm steel
CHF 62,000 – CHF 82,000
26240OR Royal Oak Chronograph 41mm rose gold
CHF 108,000 – CHF 145,000
Values vary based on condition, presence of box and papers, and model rarity. Contact our TSC experts for a precise estimate.
Audemars Piguet vs Rolex vs Patek Philippe : Which Should You Choose ?
Audemars Piguet
Is the brand of avant-garde design and technical complexity. With production limited to ~51,000 watches per year, it offers greater exclusivity than Rolex. The Royal Oak is widely recognised as one of the best-performing watches on the secondary market over the past decade.
Rolex
Is the reference for reliability, robustness and liquidity. More accessible at entry level, it appeals to a broader audience and benefits from immediate worldwide recognition.
Patek Philippe
Represents the pinnacle of watchmaking tradition and complications. Its watches achieve auction records but tend toward more discreet designs.
Our TSC verdict
If you're looking for an iconic, sportily elegant watch with strong appreciation potential, Audemars Piguet (and the Royal Oak in particular) is a hard choice to beat.
Audemars Piguet & Celebrities
The Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore have attracted numerous high-profile figures, contributing significantly to their iconic status :
- LeBron James : official brand ambassador and avid AP collector
- Lionel Messi : regularly seen wearing the Royal Oak Offshore
- Arnold Schwarzenegger : wore a Royal Oak Offshore in End of Days and Terminator 3
- Michael Schumacher : wore his own limited-edition Royal Oak Offshore in Formula 1, personalised with seven stars
- Jay-Z : one of the most prominent AP enthusiasts in the hip-hop world
This popularity among athletes and artists has greatly contributed to the brand's modern and desirable image.
Buying Guide
How to buy a pre-owned Audemars Piguet at The Swiss Collector ?
- Budget : prices range from CHF 18,000 to over CHF 135,000 depending on the model and condition. A steel Royal Oak starts at around CHF 25,000.
- Condition : every piece is graded (excellent, very good, good) with high-definition photographs.
- Authentication : each watch is authenticated by our experts, case, movement, dial and bracelet all verified.
- Box & papers : the presence of the original box and manufacturer's certificate significantly increases resale value.
- TSC Guarantee : all our watches come with The Swiss Collector warranty.
- Secure delivery : fully insured and tracked shipping.
Servicing & Maintenance of a Pre-owned Audemars Piguet
Buying a pre-owned AP means knowing a few key facts about maintenance :
Recommended service interval
Audemars Piguet recommends a full service every 5 to 8 years depending on usage.
Signs of good preservation
Verified water resistance, no deep scratches on the case, original bracelet links, smooth crown with no excessive play.
At TSC
All our pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches are inspected by our watchmakers before listing. We always communicate the last known service date to our clients. Need a service for your AP ? Our in-house workshop handles complete servicing and maintenance of Audemars Piguet watches, contact us for a personalised quote.
The Swiss Collector’s Perspective
“Audemars Piguet is undeniably one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world. The brand embodies the very soul of watchmaking: a perfect balance of heritage and innovation. Whether you choose the iconic Royal Oak, the powerful Offshore, or the bold Code 11.59, investing in an Audemars Piguet is investing in a mechanical masterpiece that will stand the test of time.”