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The Cheapest Audemars Piguet Watch in 2022

audemars piguet: cheapest models

In a sensationalized world, words such as legendary, historic, and brilliant get thrown around all the time. But when it comes to watchmaking, especially in the 21st century, Audemars Piguet deserves these kinds of plaudits. 

Although steeped in great history dating back to the late 1800s, AP’s rise to prominence and popularity since the 1970s has been nothing short of remarkable and has put them right alongside other heavyweights such as Vacheron and Patek. 

In recent years, we’ve regularly seen stars such as Lebron James, Arnold Schwartzenegger, and Jay-Z sporting their own AP’s, helping the brand further penetrate the middle sectors of the luxury watch market. These watches are no longer reserved solely for sports stars and business tycoons with a number of cheaper items in the latest lineup alongside pre-owned bargains available across the globe. 

So with that, check out our review below for the cheapest pieces the 3 entry-level lines of Audemars Piguet range. Let’s get into it!

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Audmars Piguet Prices: Entry Level

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding

New from: $22,800

Used from: c.$30,000

Moving along the Royal Oak range we actually come to the baseline piece of the entire collection, the Royal Oak Selfwinding. Whereas the Offshore Diver has the classic tilt towards underwater ruggedness, the Selfwinding is more of an everyman’s sport watch exemplified by the steel bracelet over the rubber strap.  

AP RO Selfwinding
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*Model – 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01

Recently updated in 2019, this model* of the Selfwinding has some really powerful features under the case thanks to one of AP’s newer movements, the 4302 caliber. Now operating at 4hz and holding a 70-hour power reserve, the Selfwinding has a cleaner feel than the Offshore collection with a large face despite its smaller 41mm size. 

When it comes to cost, the Selfwinding starts at $22,800 directly from AP’s website. Given the large demand and low supply, it’s unlikely you’ll get an AP at this price direct or from an AD, so expect to pay much more in reality.

As we see with a lot of high-end watches in 2022, because of the limited supply from manufacturers directly, the pre-owned market gets massively inflated. You’re unlikely to find a Selfwinding for less than $30,000, and in fact, if you want good quality, you’ll be nearer to $35,000.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver

New from: $24,200

Used from: c. $25,000

We mentioned at the beginning of this article that AP’s rise to mass popularity started in the 1970s and that isn’t a coincidence, that’s when the Royal Oak collection was born! Since its introduction as one of the first luxury sports watches, the collection has diversified mainly in thanks to the Royal Oak Offshore Diver.

AP RO Offshore

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The Offshore Diver follows the historic design styles of the Royal Oak collection with the distinctive octagonal steel case and characteristic exposed screw heads to comprise the timeless sporty look and feel. Inside the 42mm case, you have AP’s 3120 caliber movement supporting 3Hz frequency, 60-hour power reserve, and 300m water resistance. 

As part of a diverse range, you will find a few different styling options with swish silver/navy or extra-sporty yellow/blue designs also available to fit different tastes, all of which come sporting their own color-coordinated rubber straps. But a point to note here, these styles aren’t as common as the black/steel version shown above, especially on the pre-owned market!

Talking of the market, let’s take a look at the price…

Whilst this is the entry-level Audemars Piguet piece, it will still set the lucky buyer back at least $24,200. This price can be guaranteed from AP direct or from a number of their trusted boutiques worldwide.
But the trouble is, you’re going to need a pretty good relationship with an AD, or a huge slice of luck to get your hands on one, let alone at that price. Realistically, in 2022 you’re looking at $35,000 to get your hands on an Offshore Diver brand new.

If you want to shave off a little more, the pre-owned market will be the place for you with deals found slightly cheaper. Especially if you’re happy to go for an older model, you can get something similar to the above (but much older) for $25,000 – $27,000.

 

Audemars Piguet Millenary Hand-wound

New from: $35,900

Used from: Under $15,000

 

Moving a little further up the range, we finish up with the Millenary Hand-wound; a sophisticated and elegant timepiece that flips the rugged, screwface style of the Royal Oak and Offshore in favor of a classic, jewel-studded design. 

The oval face design is the first thing that will grab your eye, incorporating piano-style Roman Numeral markings whilst moving the escapement & balance wheel to the left so the intricacy of the movements is there to be seen.

AP Millenery 2
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This piece also has its fair share of sparkle – sat atop an 18-carat pink gold case are 116 perfect cut diamonds accompanied by a pink cabochon sapphire studded crown and a diamond-set bezel. Inside the 39.5mm case, you’ll find AP’s 5201 caliber movement, operating at 3Hz frequency and offering 39 hours of power reserve.

Whilst the glamour of this particular piece may ensure it feels more at home as a ladies watch, the Millenary range offers a number of different styling options mean it’s perfect for both men and women and best worn at a formal event given its class. 

Now for the price. The model pictured below is the cheapest in the range, when purchased directly from AP, at $35,900 If you shop around online though, you can find this piece at much lower prices second-hand, especially internationally, at under $30,000. 

Generally, the second-hand market yields even better results for the Millenary, with rare deals found at $10,000 and below. But, some of these older models are very quirky in their designs, so for that money you won’t be getting something that looks like anything above, and in fact, much more like the below.

Summary

That brings us to the end of our round-up of the cheapest Audemars Piguet watches of 2022.

Whilst the brand is definitely in the premium bracket, some deals are there to be had, especially if you venture back into the older model ranges. As always, why not head over to the Watch & Bullion store to see which AP’s we currently have in stock!