A Guide to Buying Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Watches in Australia

Why Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Watches Are Capturing Australian Attention

Audemars Piguet preowned watches are gaining serious traction with Australian collectors. The appeal is straightforward: you get exceptional craftsmanship and prestige, often at prices that reflect the initial depreciation on new pieces, and without waitlists. Buying pre-owned offers strong value, immediate access to coveted models like the Royal Oak, and the chance to acquire discontinued treasures.

Since 1875, Audemars Piguet has quietly set the standard among the “Holy Trinity” of Swiss watchmakers. Its independence allows for selective production—around 40,000 watches each year—keeping each piece rare. Then, in 1972, designer Gérald Genta shocked the industry with the Royal Oak: a stainless steel luxury sports watch with an octagonal bezel and intricate “Tapisserie” dial. The design was revolutionary then and remains a timeless icon.

For Australian buyers, acquiring a pre-owned AP means owning a piece of watchmaking history. The secondary market does, however, reward careful research: prices and availability can shift with broader market conditions, brand allocation policies, and seasonal demand. This guide sets out a practical approach to navigating the pre-owned market, showing you what to look for, how to weigh DIY buying versus using a trusted dealer, and which models tend to hold value best.

Your Guide to Buying an Audemars Piguet Preowned in Australia

The Legacy and Allure of AP

Founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet remains one of the few elite watchmakers still in family hands. This independence allows a focus on craftsmanship over shareholder demands, with production deliberately limited to around 40,000 watches per year. This scarcity is one reason many Audemars Piguet preowned models maintain strong long-term desirability.

The brand’s defining moment came in 1972 with Gérald Genta’s Royal Oak. A luxury sports watch in stainless steel was unheard of, but its bold octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet became an industry icon. This legacy of innovation and exclusivity makes AP a top choice for discerning collectors.

The Icons: Popular Pre-Owned AP Models

When exploring Audemars Piguet watches, a few key collections stand out.

• The Royal Oak: The original icon. Its octagonal bezel, "Tapisserie" dial, and integrated bracelet are instantly recognisable. It’s the quintessential luxury sports watch, sought after in all its variations. Collectors particularly favour the 39mm "Jumbo" Extra-Thin models for their historical significance and perfect proportions, while 37mm and 41mm versions offer versatile sizing. Complications like chronographs and perpetual calendars add another layer of desirability.
• The Royal Oak Offshore: Introduced in 1993 as "The Beast," the Offshore is a bigger, bolder, and more rugged version of the Royal Oak. With its larger case, prominent chronograph pushers, and robust construction, it makes a powerful statement. Popular sub-collections like the Diver and various limited editions showcase AP's willingness to experiment with materials like ceramic and forged carbon.
• The Code 11.59: AP's modern vision, featuring a unique and complex case with an octagonal middle section set within a round bezel and caseback. It represents a bold step forward in design and manufacturing, appealing to collectors who favour contemporary aesthetics and technical sophistication. Its initial mixed reception has made it an intriguing choice on the secondary market.
• The Millenary: Known for its distinctive oval case and often-exposed, three-dimensional movement, the Millenary collection showcases AP's creative and technical artistry. With its off-centre dials and visible balance wheel, it is an architectural and sculptural choice for those who appreciate horology as a form of art.

What Influences an AP's Value?

Several factors determine the price of a pre-owned AP. Condition is paramount; a watch with minimal wear, sharp case lines, and its original factory finish is worth more. Collectors look for sharp, well-defined case edges and bevels, and a bracelet with minimal stretch. As a rule, professional polishing is acceptable for modern watches, while collectors generally prefer vintage pieces to be unpolished to preserve their original character and value.

A "full set"—the original box, papers, and accessories—adds significant value and confidence by providing provenance. The "papers" typically include the original stamped and dated certificate, user manuals, and any other accompanying booklets. The specific model and reference number matter immensely; rarity and high demand for discontinued references can drive prices well above their original retail, turning certain models into "grail" pieces for collectors. Materials also play a role, with stainless steel sports models often trading at a premium due to scarcity, while precious metals like rose gold or platinum offer a different value proposition. Finally, prices can move with market conditions, currency shifts, and sentiment—so consider recent sales data and be prepared to act when the right example appears.

Buying Privately vs Using a Dealer Like WristWorks

There’s more than one way to buy a pre-owned AP. Here’s a practical comparison to help you choose what suits you:

• Price: Private sellers may offer sharp pricing, but factoring in the risk of misrepresentation, potential servicing costs, and lack of recourse can narrow the gap. With WristWorks, pricing reflects authentication, vetting, and a clear condition report.
• Security and Authenticity: Private purchases require diligence and expertise to avoid counterfeits, undisclosed issues, or "frankenwatches" assembled from non-original parts. WristWorks authenticates every watch in-house, ensuring its authenticity and reducing your risk.
• Time and Convenience: DIY buying can involve extensive back-and-forth with sellers, arranging inspections, and verifying provenance. WristWorks provides detailed photography, transparent descriptions, and clear inclusions, saving you time and effort.
• After-Purchase Support: A private seller's responsibility typically ends at the point of sale, leaving you with no recourse if an issue arises. WristWorks can recommend trusted third-party servicing and independent authentication options when you want an extra layer of assurance.

A Smart Buyer's Checklist

• Authentication is Non-Negotiable: The risk of sophisticated counterfeits is real. At WristWorks, every watch undergoes a rigorous in-house inspection. We stand by the authenticity of every piece we sell (we do not issue physical certificates). If you’d like another opinion, we can recommend trusted third-party authenticators.
• Choose a Trusted Dealer: Your dealer’s reputation is as important as the watch. Our online-first model is built on trust. Around 95% of our inventory is owned by WristWorks, meaning we’ve sourced and vetted each watch ourselves. We are accountable for what we sell.
• Inspect the Condition: Use high-resolution images and ask questions. Understand the watch's history, including any polishing or repairs, to ensure the price is fair.
• Verify Provenance: A full set with box and papers adds confidence and value. We clearly state what is included with every watch.

Caring for Your Timepiece

Proper maintenance protects your investment. AP recommends a complete service for mechanical movements every four to six years. Annual checks for water resistance are also wise, especially before summer. Always ensure the crown is screwed down before any water exposure. Polishing can be suitable for modern watches when done correctly, but is generally avoided for vintage pieces. For servicing, use an authorised centre or a reputable independent specialist. WristWorks can recommend trusted third-party servicing options for our clients across Australia.

New vs Pre-Owned: The Right Choice for You

Buying new often involves long waitlists, while the Audemars Piguet preowned market offers immediate availability. You’ll also gain access to discontinued models not available in boutiques. Financially, buying pre-owned can help you bypass the steepest initial depreciation. That said, prices fluctuate with demand and market sentiment, so focus on condition, provenance, and long-term enjoyment rather than short-term price movements.

Making Your Move: Securing Your AP with Confidence

Buying a preowned Audemars Piguet watch should be a confident, well-informed process. At WristWorks, we've built our online-first business on transparency to remove common risks.

Our approach is different. We own approximately 95% of our inventory, meaning each watch is sourced, inspected, and vetted by us personally. Every timepiece is authenticated in-house by our experts, and we stand behind the authenticity of every piece. We do not issue physical certificates, and we’re happy to recommend reputable third-party authenticators if you’d like an additional independent view. Each watch sold by Wrist Works also includes a 6-12 month mechanical warranty dependant on the age of the watch.

We also offer consignment as an optional service. All consigned pieces are held by WristWorks, authenticated to the same standard as our own stock, and, when sold, payments are made directly to our business for a clear and secure process.

This model means we are fully accountable for every watch we sell. When you're ready to find your next timepiece or want to source a specific model, we're here to help you make an informed decision with complete confidence. If you need servicing guidance, we can recommend trusted third-party specialists across Australia.

Explore our curated collection of watches

FAQs

What payment options are available?

Buying a preowned Audemars Piguet watch is a significant purchase. Please contact WristWorks directly to discuss current payment methods for a smooth and secure transaction.

Do you accept trade-ins?

Yes. We consider trade-ins on a case-by-case basis. Values are confirmed after inspection and authentication, and settlements are handled directly through WristWorks for a straightforward experience.

How does consignment work at WristWorks?

While we own about 95% of our inventory, we also offer consignment as a secondary option. All consigned watches are held and authenticated by us to the same high standard as our own stock. When the watch sells, payment is made directly to our business, ensuring a transparent process for all parties.

How does WristWorks ensure authenticity?

Authenticity is our foundation. Every watch is subject to a rigorous in-house authentication process by our experts, and we stand behind every piece we sell. We don’t issue physical certificates, but we can recommend trusted third-party authenticators if you’d like an additional independent opinion.

What You Can Do Next

Ready to add a preowned Audemars Piguet watch to your collection? At WristWorks, we provide expert guidance and a transparent buying experience, ensuring you can purchase with complete confidence.

Explore Our Collection: Browse our curated collection of watches that have been carefully authenticated for quality and value.

Source Your Perfect Watch: Looking for a specific reference? Contact us directly and let our team find it for you.