When AP launched the Royal Oak Offshore in 1993. Like its forebear, it was criticized and misunderstood. People saw it as a brutish and profane take on the iconic Royal Oak design. But like the original Royal Oak. The Audemars Piguet Limited Edition proved that it was ahead of its time.
The collection expanded and increased its hold on a new part of the watch market. Fast forward to 1999, and Audemars Piguet would introduce a fresh take. A fresh take on the Offshore that again was ahead of its time. The Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch skyrockets the offshore concept. And already a hyper-aggressive and masculine version of the original Royal Oak.
Since its official founding in 1881. Audemars Piguet has been manufacturing some of the world’s finest timepieces. Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet formed a partnership in 1875. This is because they were both watchmakers. Audemars was famous for movements that went into some early Tiffany watches. Among others, Piguet was a specialist in the fine art of regulating watch movements. With a history that includes more than 100 years of innovation. Audemars Piguet has claimed several patents and released many notable watches. Of these, the Royal Oak is among the most popular.
More on Audemars Piguet Royal Oak History
The Royal Oak was first introduced in 1972 at Baselworld. Designed by none other than Gerald Genta. He is also credited with designing the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was one of the world’s first luxury sports watches. Gerald Genta developed this design overnight!
The Royal Oak name and the watch’s unique, octagonal bezel are in honor of a series of 8 of Britain’s Royal Navy ships. These ships got their name from an ancient hollow oak tree nicknamed the Royal Oak. Which King Charles II hid in while evading the Roundheads after 1651’s Battle of Worcester. Knowing this story makes this watch even more fascinating!
The Royal Oak’s name isn’t the only nod to nautical lore. The original stainless steel design was inspired by vintage metal dive helmets. With exposed screws, a somewhat bulky profile for the period. And a unique case that reveals its provenance via an exposed gasket certified to a depth of 150 feet. The original 1972 Royal Oak design featured a blue petite tapisserie motif. Along with a comfortable, streamlined integrated bracelet instead of a leather strap.
The Original Royal Oak used a self-winding Calibre 2121 movement. This movement is based on Audemars Piguet Calibre 2120, and it is still used in the Royal Oak Jumbo
At an introductory price of 3300 Swiss Francs. The original Royal Oak personified haute horology at its finest!
The Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch was considered quite revolutionary. In fact, there were more than a few critics who wondered if this design would stand the test of time. The Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch is the most iconic design. And it’s one of the world’s most recognizable watches.
Audemars Piguet introduced Royal Oak watches in different finishes. And ladies Royal Oak models made quite a splash when they were first offered, as well. Different options such as a date feature, chronometer. Perpetual calendar, moon phase, and more are also part of it.
In honor of the Royal Oak’s 20-year anniversary. The designer Emmanuel Gueit was hired to create something new: The Royal Oak Offshore. This watch, introduced in 1993, featured a 42mm case in place of the traditional 39mm case. Gerald Genta didn’t like the new design at all, but it was successful and is still sought after.
The 30th Anniversary Royal Oak Concept was introduced in 2002. This is a fascinating “lab watch” that’s quite a departure from the classic design. 2010 saw the introduction of the Royal Oak Equation of Time. This features four high complications and a moon phase.
The 2012 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 40th anniversary edition is an updated edition. This offers features that are almost identical to the original design. Right down to the petit tapisserie dial pattern.
AP offers a range of RO watches including the Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch. Grande Complication models, and much more including lots of limited edition models.
Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch Noteworthy Owners
If you recall the TV reality stars from Grey’s Anatomy. Star Patrick Dempsey is known for his love of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watch. Canadian hockey great Mike Comrie likes this watch, and so does Arnold Schwarzenegger.
LeBron James has been spotted in an Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch. This is harder to come by than some other models. Pro golfer Anthony Kim loves the sporty look of Royal Oak watches as well. But chose a lighter color combination for his timepiece.
Producer Stephen Belafonte has been spotted wearing a Royal Oak with a black strap, a gold case, and a white dial. Shaqn Corey Carter likes the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, and so does usher. Usher was spotted rocking his limited-edition Royal Oak Offshore watch.
If you are interested in purchasing an Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch. But would like to find out more about the luxury timepiece brand first, you have come to the right place.
What’s the uniqueness of Audemars Piguet compared to other brands?
Some people are completely unfamiliar with Audemars Piguet. So it is worth starting off by exploring what is so special about the brand. And why AP watches are so regarded.
Despite lacking the level of fame of a brand like Rolex. Audemars Piguet is still part of the ‘Big Dogs’ of Swiss watchmaking. Otherwise known as the ‘Holy Trinity of Luxury Watch Brands’. The company is known for creating exquisite watches. Their watches are also innovative mechanical watches of the highest quality.
Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch Movements
Before delving into the various designs, functions, and complications. It is worth talking about what actually makes Audemars Piguet timepieces tick. Unlike Rolex, this only produces automatic, self-winding watches. Audemars Piguet offers a much wider variety of options. While the majority of AP watches are self-winding too. There are some manual wind models as well. And there are even AP models that have a battery-powered Quartz movement.
It is worth noting that AP is not a complete outlier here. And Patek Philippe is another example of a watch brand that offers a similar range of movements. But, it is one way in which the brand separates itself from Rolex.
How to Spot a Fake Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch
If you’re hoping to buy a pre-owned Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch, keep a sharp eye out for fakes! Fake AP Royal Oak watches are a dime a dozen. And some of them are quite convincing. So much so, that even an expert horologist must take these watches apart. And inspect their components to determine provenance.
There are lots of different models out there. And it’s impossible to come up with a group of features to help you tell a real Royal Oak watch from a counterfeit. With this caveat in mind. Here are some things to watch out for when attempting to determine whether you’re looking at the real thing:
- Priced far below fair market value
- Lacks authenticity certificate
- Obvious finish flaws or a look that fails to convey “quality”
The Seller is someone you never heard of. Or the website is a close match to a trusted one but with misspellings. Plus with different URLs that look like those of trusted sites. Counterfeiters copy websites so double-check to ensure authenticity!
Low-quality components
Since counterfeiting equipment is more advanced than ever before. The likelihood that you’ll buy fake Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch is higher. Counterfeiters attempt to mimic every feature on popular watch models. But they often fail to get things like weight, thickness, and dial details right.
If you’re looking at a watch in person. Be sure to protect yourself by getting an expert opinion before you make an offer. An honest seller will be happy to help you with the authentication process. When shopping online, be sure to buy only from Audemars Piguet. Or from after-market specialty sites such as Diamonds by Raymond Lee. Where you’ll find certified Royal Oak watches that have been authenticated by an expert. Who is familiar with an Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch.
How much does the Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch cost?
As a general rule, we are not keen on naming prices in blog articles. Because prices can change in a short space of time. Of course, the price of an AP watch also depends on the model in question and the material it is made from. The most inexpensive Royal Oak in stainless steel has an official retail price of around $22,900. But demand outstrips supply, which means the retail prices are not always accurate.
Many Audemars Piguet timepieces have a waiting list. And this is especially true with popular entry-level options. Like Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq watch models. While waiting lists for some watch brands a year or two. You can read online luxury watch forums and find users who have been waiting for an AP watch. You can also buy from grey market online shops, such as Diamonds by Raymond Lee, but you will need to pay a premium.
Estimated Value of Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch
Pre-owned Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch tends to hold its value well. Depending on factors that range from rarity to condition. And of course, depending on the current market value for the watch in question. When accompanied by authenticating paperwork and presented in the original box. A Royal Oak watch is typical of greater value than the same model minus these so-called extras.
If you own an Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Shaq Watch and would consider selling it. We can answer your questions about pricing while targeting qualified capable buyers. Who pay fair market value. So that you receive the best possible price for your valuable timepiece.
Does Audemars Piguet Make Better Watches Than Rolex?
It is best not to get too far into material and mechanical comparisons. Comparisons between two brands and personal preferences are major factors. When comparing pure design features too. It is fair to say, yet, that both Rolex and Audemars Piguet are generally regarded as top watchmakers. And you can rest assured that the quality will be excellent regardless of which of the two brands you opt for.
Audemars Piguet generally begins where Rolex watches end with pricing. In this sense, it could be argued that Audemars Piguet is a level above Rolex luxury and watch value. But, Rolex is a more recognized brand. This means casual observers are much more likely to see a Rolex watch. And also immediately appreciate it for being a luxury watch.
Audemars Piguet has some breathtaking yellow gold and rose gold models. And the brand also offers more in the way of openwork or ‘skeleton’ watches. The priorities of the two brands also differ. For instance, while Audemars Piguet does offer water-resistant watches. And even a divers’ model in the form of the Royal Oak Offshore Diver. None of these models have the level of functionality of a Rolex Submariner, for example.
At the same time, Rolex is much less likely to spend time perfecting the sound of a minute repeater. The best way to think of this is not as one of the two brands being superior. But as two ultra high-quality brands with different priorities. As a result, their designs and features may appeal to different customers.
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