The Top 5 Most Expensive Audemars Piguet Watches
Read on to learn more about the 5 most expensive Audemars Piguet watches, highlighting the brand’s craftsmanship, rarity, and enduring collector appeal.
A udemars Piguet remains a popular choice for collectors in 2024, with Sotheby's Audemars Piguet watch experts bringing a wide range of examples to market. In part the appeal is Audemars Piguet, or AP as commonly abbreviated, taking their iconic watches like the Royal Oak and incorporating a range of extraordinary complications and advanced design techniques. In this guide we recap the top 5 most expensive Audemars Piguet watches sold at auction since 2024.
Most Expensive Audemars Piguet Watches
Rank | Model | Notable Features | Price (USD) |
| 1 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “The Roast” Ref. 26730BC.ZZ.1320BC.99 (2024) | Unique piece for Tom Brady; 41 mm white-gold case; diamond “Brady” markers; custom rotor | $720,000 |
| 2 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Ref. 25636PT (1990) | Platinum case; skeletonized dial with blue subdials; limited to 34 platinum pieces | $334,000 |
| 3 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ref. 25820PT (1990) | Mother-of-pearl dial with moon phase; platinum case; ultra-thin automatic caliber 2120/2800 | $304,800 |
| 4 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon “50th Anniversary” Ref. 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01 (2022) | Pink-gold case; smoked blue Grande Tapisserie dial; consigned by Sylvester Stallone | $228,000 |
| 5 | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpétuel Ref. 25829TR.OO.0944TR.01 (2004) | Tantalum-and-pink-gold construction; perpetual calendar; bracelet by Gay Frères | $215,000 |
1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'The Roast' Reference 26730BC.ZZ.1320BC.99 Circa 2024, 720,000 USD
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'The Roast' Reference 26730BC.ZZ.1320BC.99 was sold for 720,000 USD in December 2024. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'The Roast' Reference 26730BC.ZZ.1320BC.99 sold for an impressive 720,000 USD in December 2024. Designed as a unique piece for Tom Brady to wear during his Netflix special, The Roast of Tom Brady, the watch features a 41mm white gold case with a dazzling diamond-set bezel. Its salmon dial, with a radiating pattern around the flying tourbillon, replaces standard hour markers with Brady’s name in diamonds, while the Roman numeral "VII" highlights his seven Super Bowl victories. A custom rotor bearing Brady’s signature is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, making this piece both personal and exceptional.
This watch celebrates both Audemars Piguet’s iconic Royal Oak design and Brady’s legendary career. Created in 1972 by Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak redefined luxury sports watches, and this piece continues that legacy with a bold, modern twist. Consigned directly by Brady, this one-of-a-kind timepiece combines exclusivity, craftsmanship, and a connection to a sports icon, making it a truly remarkable collector’s item.
2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Reference 25636PT.OO.0344PT.01 Circa 1990, 304,800 CHF
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Reference 25636PT was sold for 304,800 CHF in May 2024. This model stood out as one of the most collectible models of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar series. It featured a skeletonized dial revealing the intricate workings beneath, while blue subsidiary dials and an outer track enhanced its visual appeal. Encased in platinum with a sapphire crystal display back, this Audemars Piguet watch was limited to only platinum 34 pieces, making it exceptionally rare. The combination of luxury and functionality, along with the original Audemars Piguet signature, added to its allure. It was a true collector’s piece that embodied the finest qualities of the AP Royal Oak series.
The rarity of is example was further emphasized by its limited production in various metal combinations. Among the 264 examples made, only a handful were crafted in platinum. The skeletonized dial and the perpetual calendar movement, housed in a platinum case, marked a significant departure from the conventional AP Royal Oak designs by merging sporty aesthetics with high-end complications. This timepiece is a testament to Audemars Piguet's mastery in creating timeless pieces.
3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Reference 25820PT, 304,800 USD
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Reference 25820PT was sold for 304,800 USD in June 2025. Known for its rare configuration and refined design, this model combines the sportiness of the Royal Oak with the prestige of a perpetual calendar complication. The standout feature is its luminous mother-of-pearl dial, which lends a soft, iridescent quality to the timepiece, while the moon phase display adds a poetic touch. Encased in platinum with a sapphire crystal caseback secured by eight screws, the watch showcases AP’s attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence.
The rarity of this example is further underscored by its platinum construction—among the few of its kind from the early production years. Powered by the automatic Caliber 2120/2800 with 38 jewels, the movement is renowned for its thin profile and reliability. With a diameter of 39 mm and a platinum AP bracelet with folding clasp, this piece maintains the Royal Oak’s iconic profile while introducing high complications in an understated, luxurious format. This timepiece reflects Audemars Piguet’s continued legacy of blending avant-garde aesthetics with mechanical mastery.
4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon '50th Anniversary' Reference 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01 Circa 2022, 228,000 USD
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon '50th Anniversary' Reference 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01 was sold for 228,000 USD in June 2024. Created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the above model featured a self-winding flying tourbillon. The 41mm pink gold case contrasted beautifully with the smoked blue dial, adorned with a Grande Tapisserie pattern. The movement included a special gold rotor engraved with a 50 Years logo, marking its significance in the Audemar Piguet Royal Oak watch’s storied history. This piece was consigned directly by Sylvester Stallone, adding notable provenance to its already impressive credentials.
The design of this watch was inspired by Gérald Genta's original AP Royal Oak concept and paid homage to the roots of Audemars Piguet brand's iconic line. The use of pink gold and the Grande Tapisserie dial emphasized its luxurious nature, while the flying tourbillon showcased Audemars Piguet's technical prowess. This particular model’s unique features and association with a famous owner made it a highlight of the season.
5. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpétuel, Reference 25829TR.OO.0944TR.01, 1,680,000 HKD
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpétuel, Reference 25829TR.OO.0944TR.01 was sold for 1,680,000 HKD in October 2024. Featuring a bimetal design, this timepiece pairs dark grey tantalum, known for its durability and rarity in watchmaking, with elegant 18k pink gold accents on the bezel, crown, and bracelet links. This bold combination creates a stunning contrast that highlights the watch's sporty yet refined character. The inclusion of a perpetual calendar complication, first introduced to the Royal Oak line in 1983, underscores Audemars Piguet’s pioneering spirit in merging advanced mechanics with contemporary design.
Adding to its appeal, the bracelet bears the hallmark of Gay Frères, a renowned craftsman behind some of the most iconic bracelets in watchmaking history. This connection ties the piece to a rich heritage of exceptional craftsmanship. The Reference 25829TR’s unique materials, sophisticated complication, and historical details make it a standout model in the Royal Oak lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Audemars Piguet Watches
How much are Audemars Piguet watches?
Prices vary by model, material, and complexity. Stainless-steel Royal Oak models typically start around $30,000, while gold or high-complication pieces often range between $80,000 and $200,000. Limited editions and celebrity-associated watches—like Tom Brady’s “The Roast”—can far exceed these figures at auction. Vintage and platinum references have achieved prices in the six- to seven-figure range.
Why are Audemars Piguet watches so expensive?
Audemars Piguet combines hand-finishing, technical innovation, and limited production. The brand pioneered the luxury sports-watch category with the 1972 Royal Oak, crafted in stainless steel yet finished to haute-horology standards. Today’s models feature in-house calibers, intricate complications, and precious materials produced in small numbers. Each watch reflects over a century of craftsmanship rooted in Le Brassus, Switzerland.
How does Audemars Piguet compare to Patek Philippe or Rolex?
While Rolex focuses on durability and precision at scale, and Patek Philippe emphasizes classical complications, Audemars Piguet bridges both worlds—offering avant-garde design with high-horology craftsmanship. The Royal Oak’s bold geometry and open-worked dials set it apart visually, while its exclusivity rivals Patek’s most complex models. Collectors value AP for its balance of innovation, heritage, and distinctive identity within luxury watchmaking.
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