Audemars Piguet
The story of this famous Swiss watchmaker began in the late 18th century when 23-year-old Jules Audemars met 21-year-old Edward-August Piguet. They met at Vallée de Joux, which is considered to be the cradle of quality watch manufacturing.
These talented young watch makers focused on quality, precision timepieces with sophisticated, complex mechanisms. In 1925, Audemars Piguet dazzled the world with the thinnest pocket watch ever manufactured. Three years later they became the first ever to manufacture a skeleton watch.
During the World War II, after the Great Depression, Audemars Piguet made a strong comeback on the watch market with one of their most famous models: an ultra-thin chronograph Calibre 2003. Together with Jaeger LeCoultre, they produced worlds thinnest automatic movement watch. It included a 21 carat gold rotor placed in the centre.
Audemars Piguet launched their legendary Royal Oak watch in 1972. This collection was designed by Gerald Genta, who is well known and respected in the business. Royal Oak watches are recognized by their octagonal bezel.
Today, Audemars Piguet maintains one of the leading positions in the watch-making business. It is among the top three watch manufacturers in the world, a group which also includes Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. The company owns 40 percent of Jaeger LeCoultre. Every timepiece manufactured in-house is still made by hand using traditional techniques.
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