Questions & Answers
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Who are the Big Three watchmakers?
1 Answer
The Big Three watchmakers are Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. Collectors refer to these luxury makers by this unofficial title because of the quality, innovation and durability of their timepieces. Patek Philippe is known for impeccable craftsmanship and some of the most complicated timepieces ever created, and is considered by many to operate at the height of fine watchmaking. Audemars Piguet is perhaps best known for conceiving the first-ever luxury watch in stainless steel, the Royal Oak, which debuted in 1972. Vacheron Constantin was among the first brands to embrace the Geneva Seal and is the oldest watch producer in the world still in operation. Shop a diverse assortment of Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
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Shop for Audemars Piguet Watches on 1stDibs
Audemars Piguet Vintage Cobra Blue Dial and Diamonds White Gold 26 mm Manual
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Genève, GE
The most wanted vintage watch of 2026. With the most elegant blue diamond dial!
Beautiful Cobra Era: 1970s
Movement: Manual wind
Case Size: 27x29mm Bezel:
18K White Gold Integrat...
Category
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Lady 26mm Stainless Steel Quartz Grey Tapisserie Dial
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Zurich, CH
A Compact Legend of Avant-Garde Luxury.
This beautiful neo-vintage Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Lady perfectly captures Gérald Genta's legendary 1972 industrial design language, scaled...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Audemars Piguet Bamboo 56205 18K YG Champagne Dial Quartz 27mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
A Pure Expression Of Form
The Bamboo belongs to a period when Audemars Piguet was producing some of its most sculpturally ambitious designs. Created in the late 1970s, it was the br...
Category
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990s Audemars Piguet Ladies Bamboo 18K YG Diamond Emerald Dial 20mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
A Top Tier Jewelry Watch
The Audemars Piguet Bamboo collection is a testament to the brand's creative ambition in the late 20th century. It took the idea of an integrated bracelet w...
Category
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 56303SA Two Tone Grey Dial Quartz 33mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
The Icon, Adapted For Its Time
The Royal Oak did not just enter the market in 1972, it created a new one. Gérald Genta's design was a watershed moment, proving a steel watch could b...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 56303ST Steel Black Dial Quartz 33mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
The Original Icon, Distilled
The Royal Oak is the watch that created the luxury sports category. This reference 56303ST from the 1980s captures the essence of Gérald Genta's origina...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
