Patek Philippe vs. Audemars Piguet: Which Brand Makes the Most Luxurious Watches?

Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet are both luxurious Swiss watch brands. These two highly prestigious brands take pride in extensive experience in watchmaking. Their core collection has stood the test of time and remains reputable in the current market.

Audemars Piguet brand was established in 1875, while Patek Philippe dates back to 1839. Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet are labeled as evenly matched among the top brands in the watchmaking space. However, this expert comparison guide will help you determine which of the two brands is your most preferred.

Patek Philippe vs Audemars Piguet Brand Comparison

We all know that these brands have their famous collections. Audemars Piguet prides itself in its immediately identifiable sporty octagonal-shaped case and porthole designs. At the same time, Patek Philippe boasts of being the popular Aquanaut and Nautilus collections’ inventors.

Patek Philippe vs. Audemars Piguet in Watchmaking

Audemars Piguet has been a distinguishable Swiss watchmaker for over 144 years, whereas Patek Philippe has competed in the same market space for more than 180 years. The watchmaking world can be unpredictable.

Even with a difference of 36 years, these two manufacturers have been making history, and their high-end watches are still relevant in the modern market. Audemars Piguet’s brand value is estimated at 1.08 billion USD, while Patek Philippe is currently valued at 2.12 billion USD.

You can’t talk of Patek Philippe and fail to recognize some of their popular watches like the classic Calatrava watches, the ladies Twenty-4 watches, the Aquanaut, and the Nautilus. Patek Philippe Grand Complications come with a Moonphase Retrograde, hunter’s hinged case, and a Perpetual Calendar. Their complex collections showcase their horology expertise, amongst other models.

Audemars Piguet brand has its share of pride in the watchmaking world and has never ceased to amaze watch lovers with exciting collections. Besides their iconic watches like the Royal Oak series, Audemars Piguet has cemented their popularity extensively.

They have popular series like the Jules Audemars collection, which has timepieces with impressive complications, chronographs, not forgetting the Millenary collection and their latest limited editions. They also have top featured Royal Oak Offshore diving watches.

Patek Philippe vs. Audemars Piguet First Inventions

Is there a connection between the first famous Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus? The legendary Gerald Genta designed both. You can’t talk of one without referencing the other. Patek Philippe Nautilus is considered a modification of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was invented in 1972, while Patek Philippe Nautilus was created in 1976. These two brand collections have similarities.

• The watches are considered to be the best in Swiss watchmaking.
• They were the first sports watches of these specific brands.
• Both watches are stainless steel.
• Their case designs are unique.
• They are designed by brands in the holy trinity of watches

While these watches have seen several updates until today, the brands continue to invent other collections.

Patek Philippe vs. Audemars Piguet Popular Collections

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet’s first and most famous model, the Royal Oak, is suitable for sport watch lovers. It has a recognizable porthole design and added complications like a minute repeater, calendar, and chronograph.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Their next collection, Royal Oak Offshore, showcases exciting functions like chronograph, calendar, and tapisserie dial and is an ideal sporty model. Jules Audemars made their third invention.

It can be customized to suit individuals looking for classic stylish watches. They have an ultra-thin case and simple ambidextrous dial variation. All these collections are water-resistant.

Patek Philippe Nautilus

The Nautilus boasts of being the first Patek Philippe model. The sporty watch was made of stainless steel. The basic collection featured in porthole designs have a three-handed dial but now have added complications like chronographs, calendars, second time zones, and moon phase indicators.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut

Patek Philippe’s next model, the Aquanaut, has a modern and less angular shape and embraces a sporty feel like Nautilus. The band comes with water resistance, UV radiation resistance, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance features. It is ideal for water lovers.

Patek Philippe Calatrava

Patek Philippe Calatrava watches are suitable for individuals looking to add value to their style. Also, their simple, clear-cut dials promote punctuality.

An extensive collection of Audemars Piguet (AP) and Patek Phillippe is now available in the market (check out at our Exquisite Timepieces store), but there are many AP models there.

However, demand, production, and supply will highly determine the availability of your preferred watch. That said, Royal Oak watches are the highest trending Audemars Piguet watch compared to their other collections.

Patek Philippe vs. Audemars Piguet Watch Pricing

Audemars Piguet watches are priced slightly lower than Patek Philippe models at only a few hundred less. However, both brands’ entry-level is around the $12,000 mark. Thus, investing in either brand is worthwhile.

The cost will solely depend on your preferred luxury watch and where you choose to buy it.  For instance, Audemars Piguet’s top-end timepieces can range from around $50k to $60k, while Patek Philippe’s has models retailing around $70,000.

Patek Philippe vs. Audemars Piguet Watch Resale Value

Patek Philippe watches’ resale value is as excellent as that of Audemars Piguet watches. Some AP timepieces have higher resale value than some Patek Philippe watches and vice versa. Other than the cost being influenced by the model in question, other elements will determine the resale value of these brands’ collections. They include:

• The condition of the watch
• The warranty status (Is it expired or valid?)
• The current packaging (do you have the original packaging and documentation?)

It’s exciting to resell your Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet, but the challenge will be finding a great deal for the watch you are looking to sell. Luckily, Exquisite Timepieces can help you with this, so reach out today!

Audemars Piguet vs. Patek Philippe Designs and Brand Positioning

Audemars Piguet watch designs are appealing, and they make a high collection of sports watches. The watch bracelets are made of either steel, precious metal, leather, or a rubber strap. Patek Philippe prides itself on a conservative and classic look. Their collection is highly preferred by individuals looking for a watch that can complete their outfits.

Both brands are recognized worldwide. Patek Philippe ranks third in the Swiss luxury watch brands, whereas Audemars Piguet takes the seventh position. Given that the Patek Philippe brand is older than Audemars Piguet, it is placed slightly higher.

It has attained a considerable brand value, created several horological inventions, and prides itself in inventing the wristwatch and other most complicated watches in the world. Audemars Piguet’s brand has had its achievements as well. It designed the first steel sports watches.

Which Brand is the Best? Audemars Piguet vs. Patek Philippe

Over the years, Audemars Piguet has created horological master timepieces. Their innovations have surpassed theoretical and technical limitations. The brand has so far designed watches with more advanced mechanisms. On the other hand, Patek Philippe crafts high-quality exquisite timepieces. Their collection symbolizes the wearer’s investment and status.

No doubt that deciding which brand to choose can be challenging since the two brands are evenly matched. The best approach is determining your preferred functionality before you settle on either brand.

Nevertheless, if you are an astute watch collector, you can instantly tell the difference between these two brands. As indicated earlier, the price of Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe watches is relatively the same. Thus, their value is more or less balanced. Likewise, demand levels are relatively the same.  

Regarding their standing, Patek Philippe would make a preferable choice if you consider the current trending watches. However, Audemars Piguet is slightly taking the lead since their timepieces have been seen on the wrists of high ranked celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jay-Z.

These high profile influencers praise this brand and its iconic designs. Patek Philippe does use a unique approach to promote its inventions and maximizes being known out there as the best watch in this generation. It’s always unpredictable what these brands have in store.

Final Verdict of Patek Philippe vs. Audemars

Watch lovers will prefer both brands. However, Patek Philippe creates a limited number of specific models to enhance their value. In contrast, Audemars Piguet produces its collections in high numbers, making it easier to acquire their models.

With a more extensive collection comes multiple timepiece models to choose from. Hence, the refinement of Audemars Piguet watches makes them different from the conventional Patek Philippe watches. Patek Philippe has a rich history and is instantly linked to the finest haute horology (the high mastery in watchmaking). Thus, the Patek Philippe brand is better than Audemars Piguet by a little.

Whether you are a Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet watch enthusiast, you’ll for sure get your investment’s worth. All you need is to pick a timepiece that fulfills your passion and specifications.