The 60-second watch brand guide: Audemars Piguet

Founded: 1875

CEO: Francois-Henry Bennahmias

Ownership: Privately owned

A brief history: Founded by business partners Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet continues to be family-owned even today. The brand’s history of producing well-made high complications has sealed its reputation as one of the Swiss watchmaking’s holy trinity, alongside Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe.

Currently known for: The brand today is synonymous with the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore, its two most popular models, but is also known (and respected) for its expertise in developing and producing complex movements, as well as its avant-garde watch designs.

Key product lines: Royal Oak, arguably the first luxury sports watch and the brainchild of Gerald Genta; Royal Oak Offshore, an offshoot of the Royal Oak with dive-watch DNA injected into it; Royal Oak Concept, yet another derivation focused on complex, technical creations; Millenary, the elliptical women-only collection; Jules Audemars, classic watches with round cases; Haute Joaillerie, high jewellery creations; and Classique, consisting of just pocket watches.

Price range: From S$24,900 for the Royal Oak Selfwinding in steel, with no upper limit on price (dependent on customisation requests by the client).