Have you ever Googled “Audemars Piguet cheapest watch” only to be given five-digit price-tag results? Here are some creative ways to find below-market AP luxury watches!
At first glance, the cheapest Audemars Piguet watch could still set you back an entire down payment on a house. Here’s the thing, though. Those aren’t the only cheapest AP options out there.
In the watch world, Audemars Piguet is known for many things. Extra thin watches and astronomical models built with exquisite craftsmanship are just two.
Even the recent release of the elegantly asymmetrical [Re]Master02 shows that they continue to do noteworthy things in the watch world. One thing they aren’t known for? Affordability.
Of course, “cheap” is relative. And let’s be real, it doesn’t really exist in the luxury watch market. However, AP has a particularly notorious reputation for sky-high prices. Still, you’d be surprised at what you can find with a little creativity.
Audemars Piguet Watch Cheapest Options
The truth is, even an entry-level Audemars watch will never be cheap or high-value. AP is one of the luxury watch auction house hard-hitters. So, while they are exquisitely crafted, the investment factor adds a lot to the price tag.
My cheat code? Look for unsung vintage options. Some represent the brand well, while others are delightfully off-brand. And their prices, compared to any modern option, will make your jaw drop.
And the best part? Everything I’ve rounded up here is slender-wrist-friendly. So, here they are, in no particular order.
Audemars Piguet Vintage Options, Cal. 2090, 2080, 2003
An AP watch in the $2,000 range seems too good to be true. Look for anything before 1972. Some examples include classic dress watches with calibers 2090, 2080, or 2003. These are perfect options for those who love a timeless, retro-yet-relevant, and gentlemanly aesthetic.
All of the hallmarks are there: the round case, the simple lugs, the slim baton indices, and the close-to-body crown. Plus, many of these older APs are made with 18k gold.
Is it textbook? A bit. But, one of Audemars Piguet’s tentpole specialties is thin, elegant timepieces. These vintage pieces represent that and will never go out of style.
I personally love the shine of a champagne dial, but you can go for a white one, too. Either is pretty easy to find on the secondary market. Many 2080s even flaunt Roman indices if you want something more ceremonial.
So why watches before 1972? Well, that’s when the Royal Oak came out. It’s the model that blew Audemars Piguet up, requiring them to expand production. Before that, Audemars Piguet historically had relatively small manufacturing teams — around 30 craftsmen and artisans.
These models embody this simple time. And with such small teams making small batches, each watch is like a piece of art.
Audemars Piguet Tonneau 5369
The Audemars Piguet Tonneau 5369 is available on the secondary market for $2,000 to $5,000. The price depends on its condition and whether or not it comes with papers and boxes.
I have a feeling that, given the [Re]Master02’s popularity, these retrofuturistic vintages might have a slight revival. Of course, since Audemars Piguet is all about the investment factor, something like the 5369 will likely continue to sell well under the brand’s market.
It’s a simple watch but undeniably unique. The tonneau case is definitely eye-catching, but the “weirdness” is tempered by a simple color palette. Furthermore, it’s a matte timepiece overall.
It looks great with a simple leather strap or even a chain-linked metal one. I personally love a Milanese on it. It brings out the retro vibes, adds a touch of glimmer, and provides a look you just don’t see very often.
If you’re lucky enough, you might find one attached to Audemars’ vintage Milanese bracelet. It features small links closely woven together, creating an almost snake-like texture and smooth silhouette.
Audemars Piguet Promesse 67259ST
Audemars Piguet often flaunts a conspicuous kind of luxury. The Promesse watch, with its diamond-clad bezel, is undeniably luxurious. Its small size and otherwise minimal design balances the sparkle.
The dial comes in several variations. You can find monochrome variants with sword hands, a more classic Roman cardinal dial, and more. There’s a version with a plain blue dial, stick hands, and a sizable but understated 12 and 6 on the face, too.
It looks a bit like a Tank, which makes it a conversation piece. Imagine someone asking if you’re wearing a vintage Carter and being able to correct them discerningly. Even the jeweled crown is there.
However, the integrated bracelet gives it its own unique identity and distinguished silhouette.
These are technically ladies’ watches, which means they’re perfect for small wrists. Like many Tank variations, we consider them unisex watches that any gender can wear.
33mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quartz
If you don’t want to spend over $10,000 on a Royal Oak, you’ll have to look for Royal Oak alternatives. Unless a second-market seller is completely clueless, you’d have to be incredibly lucky to find one in that range.
Now, the 33-millimeter Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with a quartz movement? It’s a legit AP, and you can find a used one that is way under the price of any entry-level AP.
In fact, if you dig deep, you can find it for as low as $16,000 or even $15,000 if you don’t care about having boxes and papers. I’ve occasionally seen boxless two-tone versions selling for $13,000 on the secondary market.
The blue-dial stainless steel versions are even more remarkable, sometimes selling for under $12,000 — again, without boxes or papers.
Listen, if the octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet are there, it’ll wear just like a $40,000 AP. I consider these 33-millimeter quartz watches one of the most slept-on cheat codes on the market.
Of course, it wears beautifully on a thin wrist. I know 33 millimeters sounds small, even for many small-armed men like myself. But the Royal Oak takes up a lot of visual space. Its integrated bracelet can look and feel bulky even in reasonable sizes like its 36. I think 33 millimeters is just perfect.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver 15720ST.OO.A052CA.01
Like the prior entry and many high-end watches, you can find this variation of the Royal Oak Offshore at lower prices sans box and papers. In fact, I’ve seen it around $20,000 when it comes on its own.
At 42 millimeters, it’s pushing the size a bit. It’s meant to be a bit bulky, though, and I don’t think 42 is monstrously large. To each their own, though. Personally, it’s the largest I’d go.
Everything from the guarded, dimensional crown to the impeccably brushed, exposed-screw bezel is there. This is definitely one of the more affordable Royal Oaks on the market, and it has an automatic movement, too.
Even more, the case back is transparent, so that you can watch that exquisite Swiss movement in action.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15550ST
Okay, so I wouldn’t call this Royal Oak affordable per se. It’s still the lowest barrier to entry for a more modern, classic Royal Oak, though. And it tends to be a sound investment.
It’s based on the original from 1972, with that flawless blue Tapisserie dial. However, it’s far more ergonomic, and it runs on an advanced automatic caliber.
It’s also only 37 millimeters and a remarkable 9 millimeters thin. This makes it a great investment and well-fitted for small wrists.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about getting an Audemars Piguet watch cheap.
Which Audemars Piguet Is the cheapest?
The brand’s entry-level options are stainless steel Royal Oaks or the 33-millimeter quartz Royal Oaks. Go vintage if you don’t want to pay five digits for an AP watch.
How Much Does Cheap AP Cost?
A “cheap” Audemars Piguet watch can cost you up to $20,000 — if you’re lucky. Go for vintage watches that predate the Royal Oak to find some unique pieces under $3,000.
Is AP Nicer Than Rolex?
Audemars Piguet is, on average, more expensive than Rolex. Regarding which one is nicer, they both offer well-made Swiss timepieces. Audemars focuses more on complex pieces than Rolex, which focuses on tried-and-true luxury sport watches.
Conclusion: Unconsidered Strategies
When it comes to finding the cheapest Audemars Piguet watches, there are several strategies you can employ.
Many know about avoiding precious metals and sticking to entry-level models. Of course, you should also always keep up with the market and constantly check resale outlets.
Many also know about the cost-saving benefits of looking up vintages. But, few realize that by searching defunct and rare vintages, you can find APs for as low as $3,000.
Questions? Comments? Let us know below.
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