Audemars Piguet vs. Patek Philippe: Which Watch Brand Holds Value Better?

Investing in a luxury watch is essentially a long-term investment. Much of the craft, brand heritage, and resale value of the two most famous representatives of the watchmaking world, Audemars Piguet (AP) and Patek Philippe, are up for debate. Which one holds its value better?

Let us break it down.

🔹 Brand Prestige

Most people consider Patek Philippe to be the pinnacle of haute horlogerie. Its classic design and highly complicated movement characterize it as a brand for future generations.

Audemars Piguet has always had the iconic Royal Oak in its repertoire. It is the line portraying a bold, new-generation approach to the wristwatch, with a resonance among the current luxury consumers. 

➡️ Winner: Patek Philippe 

Patek also boasts a reputation built deeper in history on thorough heritage and exclusivity. 

🔹 Resale & Auction Value 

Some of the models of Patek Philippe watches grace auction houses, hitting millions at times. Because of limited production and high demand, they maintain an incredibly strong resale value.

Audemars Piguet watches, especially the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore, do well in auctions, though typically nowhere near Patek’s peak resale levels.

➡️ Winner: Patek Philippe

Patek has consistently outperformed at auctions and resale prices.

🔹 Popularity & Demand

Audemars Piguet Follow is the trendier name, enjoying the backing of celebs and social media. Particularly, the limited supply of Royal Oak has led to its sale at massive premiums.

Collectors, on the other hand, admire Patek Philippe, which has long waitlists for models like the Nautilus.

➡️ Draw

AP is trendier; Patek is classic. Both are in demand, just in different circles.

🔹 Long-Term Investment

If you’re considering keeping the watch for years, Patek Philippe models tend to rise in value over time.

Audemars Piguet keeps value, too, especially if you have a Royal Oak, but may be subject to more fluctuations in that value.

➡️ Winner: Patek Philippe

Legacy and demand from collectors make it a more secure long-term option.

🔹 Craftsmanship & Complications

Beautifully complex mechanics define Patek Philippe. It is famous for making perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and grand complications.

In the end, Audemars Piguet also shows outstanding technical prowess in watchmaking but goes a more progressive route in design, foregoing some of the traditional complications.

➡️ Winner: Patek Philippe

Its skill in the application of mechanical watchmaking is all but unparalleled.

🔹 Production Volume & Exclusivity

Patek manufactures fewer watches every year compared to AP; thus, the exclusivity.

Because of the soaring demand for Royal Oak models, AP has recently stepped up production.

➡️ Winner: Patek Philippe

Less production means more exclusivity, making it even more collectible.

🔹 Iconic Models

The Nautilus and Calatrava are classics that endure and define the identity of Patek.

The Royal Oak is, without question, the jewel in AP’s crown—immediately recognized and extraordinarily desirable.

➡️ Draw

Both brands have legends in their portfolio. It comes down to your style: elegant vs. edgy.

Final Word: Which Keeps Its Value?

Patek Philippe takes the nod regarding value retention over the long term, auction results, and brand prestige.

The brand itself has proper value preservation when considering the Royal Oak series.

So, be it an audacious statement coming from AP or timeless sophistication from Patek, both make investments worthy of your interest; just make sure to buy from a reputable luxury watch dealer.

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