Affordable Audemars Piguet Tank Watches Under $10,000

Affordable Audemars Piguet Tank Watches

Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious Swiss watch brands, known for their intricate designs and high-end luxury timepieces. However, not all Audemars Piguet watches cost an arm and a leg. Here is an overview of some of their more affordable tank style watches for under $10,000.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding reference 15400ST features the iconic octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet that the Royal Oak collection is so famous for. It comes in at 41mm with an automatic caliber 3120 movement visible through the display caseback. The blue Grande Tapisserie dial with Mega Tapisserie patter and silver-toned subdials keep the overall aesthetic both modern and refined.

Audemars Piguet Millenary Quadriennium Calendar

The Millenary Quadriennium watch combines the elliptical case shape of the Millenary collection with an annual calendar complication. The silvered opaline dial includes four subdials displaying the day, date, month and leap year cycle. The self-winding caliber 5134 movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal on the caseback. At 47mm x 42mm, it makes a statement on the wrist.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

This stainless steel Royal Oak Chronograph watch features a timeless blue Grande Tapisserie dial with white gold hour markers and hands. The chronograph counters are located at 12, 9 and 6 o’clock with a date window at 3 o’clock. It is powered by Audemars Piguet's calibre 2385 automatic movement with a 45-hour power reserve. A screw-down crown and sapphire crystal caseback finish the sporty yet sophisticated look.

Pre-owned Audemars Piguet Millenary

The oval shaped Millenary case was inspired by an antique pocket watch. Pre-owned Millenary models can provide an affordable entry point for experiencing Audemars Piguet's unique sense of style and watchmaking innovations. Depending on the reference and condition, pre-owned Millenary watches can often be found from $5,000 to $9,000. This allows you to own a distinctive Audemars Piguet timepiece at an accessible price point.

Vintage Audemars Piguet

Vintage Audemars Piguet watches from the 1960s to 1980s can sometimes be found for under $10,000. This may include manual wind dress watches like the ultra-thin reference 5516, as well as early Royal Oak models. When buying vintage however, be sure to source from a reputable dealer who can authenticate the watch and confirm it has all original components.

Audemars Piguet's Watchmaking Heritage

Founded in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux region of Switzerland, Audemars Piguet has a long history of watchmaking innovations. This includes being one of the earliest Swiss manufacture's with design ownership over their movements. The brand has also pioneered complex mechanisms like the first minute repeater wristwatch and the world's thinnest self-winding perpetual calendar.

Caring for your Audemars Piguet Watch

Once you have acquired that dream Audemars Piguet timepiece, be sure to care for your investment properly. Like other high-end watches, an Audemars Piguet requires periodic servicing every 4-5 years by a certified watchmaker. This will keep the movement accurate and functional over decades of use. Day to day, avoid exposing your Audemars Piguet to harsh chemicals, extreme shocks or magnets to preserve longevity.

FAQs

What is the most affordable Audemars Piguet tank watch?

The most affordable new Audemars Piguet tank watch is likely the Royal Oak Selfwinding 15400ST which comes in at under $10,000. Pre-owned and vintage Audemars Piguet tank models can also sometimes be found for under $5,000.

What movements do affordable Audemars Piguet watches use?

Entry-level Audemars Piguet watches utilize quality Swiss made automatic movements like the caliber 3120 in the Royal Oak Selfwinding and the caliber 5134 in the Millenary Quadriennium Calendar.

Where is the best place to buy an affordable Audemars Piguet?

Your best bet is to shop either directly from an authorized Audemars Piguet boutique or a trusted pre-owned watch dealer. This ensures you receive a genuine, authentic Audemars Piguet timepiece.

How often should you service an Audemars Piguet watch?

An Audemars Piguet watch should be serviced approximately every 4-5 years by a certified watchmaker in order to keep the movement functioning properly over decades of use.