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
Vintage 1970s Audemars Piguet Pocket Watch Skeleton 18K Yellow Gold Manual 42mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
A Masterclass In Horological Art
Before the Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet built its reputation on producing some of the most refined and technically complex dress watches in the world....
Category
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Audemars Piguet Meridian 18K gold&steel ladies watch, Quartz AP 2610, 1989
By Audemars Piguet
Located in PARIS, FR
Audemars Piguet Meridian – Ref. SA 66289.0.695.38 – 18K Gold & Steel – 1989
Elegant Audemars Piguet Meridian wristwatch combining stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, sold on Ma...
Category
Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Steel
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 1990s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 56175SA Two-Tone Grey Dial Quartz 33mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
The Genta Blueprint In A Classic Size
The Royal Oak is a foundational design in modern watchmaking. This two-tone reference 56175SA delivers the full impact of Gérald Genta's iconic...
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
2000s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790ST Steel Blue Tapisserie Dial Auto 36mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
The Royal Oak Yves Klein Dial
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak features a vibrant blue dial inspired by the famous deep monochrome works of artist Yves Klein. This particular colorway...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel


