Vacheron Constantin vs Audemars Piguet Comparison

Comprehensive comparative analysis of Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet models: Case finishes, movement precision, dial details and production tolerances are examined in detail with Saat Detective expertise standards.

In this comparison, we will compare two of the so-called "Big 3" Swiss watch manufacturers. We start this detailed brand comparison with Vacheron Constantin, the oldest of the two.

Vacheron Constantin VS Audemars Piguet

Vacheron Constantin Watches

Vacheron is known for making some pretty impressive one-piece custom orders, like the reference 57260 model they produced for King Farouk of Egypt... and they've been doing so for literally over a century. As the oldest Swiss watch manufacturer in continuous operation to this day (since 1755), certain expectations arise from such an experienced brand. Time and time again, these expectations are met with hours of incredibly creative work.

Most people in the world would laugh at some of the features this watchmaker was asked to make; whereas, for this top master watchmaker, this is just another challenge to overcome, another box to be ticked on his watchmaking goal list.

One of the reasons why people buy Vacheron watches is that, although it is one of the most exclusive and prestigious watch brands in the world, it is a brand that ordinary people are much less familiar with compared to a mainstream brand like Rolex. According to Interbrand, an organization that evaluates Swiss brands, Vacheron Constantin's brand value was estimated at CHF 809,000,000 in 2016.

Vacheron Constantin ranks 31st among the top 50 Swiss brands
making it the 8th most recognized Swiss watch brand worldwide

Browse Vacheron Constantin Watches

Audemars Piguet Watches

Audemars Piguet is a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer since 1875 (over 140 years). Their brand recognition is primarily among watch collectors and watchmaking experts. Brand values ​​are currently estimated at CHF 961 million.

It is the 7th most recognized Swiss watch brand in the world and the 26th most recognized Swiss brand overall.

The brand, simply called AP by its fans, has many iconic watches, especially the famous Royal Oak series designed by the legendary Gerald Genta; the same Swiss genius also designed the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Omega Constellation and the BVLGARI Octo; these are just a few of his iconic designs.

Other popular sports watch lines include Royal Oak Offshore dive watches; most have a round date window and, of course, the distinctive waffle-patterned grande tapisserie dial. The classic-looking Jules Audemars collection includes chronographs, large complications and, of course, the oval-shaped Millenary collection. Their watches are available with a choice of metal bracelet, leather strap or, in some cases, rubber strap.

Check out Audemars Piguet Watches

Prices

Which brand is more affordable, AP or Vacheron Constantin?

You can't exactly call either of these brands "affordable" (in the traditional sense of the word) when the cheapest watch from both brands comes with a 5-figure price tag. However, youcanbuy a 33mm AP Royal Oak Quartz with a stainless steel case for the full list price of XXX; This is slightly more affordable than the cheapest Vacheron Constantin watch, the XXX retail price of the 30mm Traditionnelle Quartz with an 18k white gold case. Their case size is, of course, much smaller than the watches in the popular Overseas collection.

Also remember: one is steel, the other is gold.

Second Hand Value

Which brand has better resale value, Audemars Piguet or Vacheron Constantin?

The answer to this question used to be a pretty neck-and-neck tie, but I'm guessing AP will be slightly ahead now as AP has recently begun closing most of its authorized dealers and trying to make its brand more exclusive. Their ultimate plan is for all new AP watches to be sold exclusively through their own Audemars Piguet boutiques. But they're probably still neck-and-neck across most models. Is Vacheron Constantin a good investment? Watches are not investments designed to gain value. They are consumer products designed to lose value.

One of the things that affects retail prices and resale value is the rarity of the watches and the exclusivity of the brand. It's pretty neck and neck for now, but for the near future I'm leaning towards AP for the reasons stated here. Thanks to their prestige, both watch manufacturers maintain their second-hand value quite well in the second-hand market.

Popularity

Which brand is more popular, Vacheron Constantin or Audemars Piguet?

As with most things, when A-list celebrities and pop culture get involved, a brand can go from hiding in the shadow of exclusivity to becoming a household name. AP has experienced a huge rise in brand awareness, with its brand being mentioned in the lyrics of famous rappers such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, and of course, Jay-Z; Not only does Jay-Z own several high-end Audemars Piguet watches, he even has his own Audemars Piguet Jay-Z limited edition watch, which features a distinctive dial design where only the numeral at 10 o'clock is adorned with round brilliant-cut diamonds.

This type of name mentioning can take your brand awareness out of an exclusive club and into a more inclusive luxury brand aimed at the masses, not just the Fortune 500 CEOs, heads of state, and industry leaders who have traditionally been regulars of this brand.

Let's get to the big question: "Is Audemars Piguet more popular than Vacheron Constantin?" Yes. It is a more well-known brand. But that doesn't mean they do their job better. AP also produces excellent watches; Most of them have high complications such as tourbillon and perpetual calendar. So why isn't Vacheron Constantin as popular a luxury watch brand as Audemars Piguet?

Why is Vacheron Constantin so expensive? Although Vacheron Constantin has not become an iconic watch like AP watches have in hip-hop culture, it is a very respected and reputable watch brand. Vacheron Constantin watches are better known in watch collecting circles, among luxury watch enthusiasts and the watchmaking community. Watch connoisseurs marvel at Vacheron's latest notable achievement: the creation of the world's most complicated watch. (Which should give you an idea of who exactly we're dealing with in the world of watchmaking.)

Result

As a result, both brands are extremely popular and some of the most respected names in watchmaking. You need to see which watch you feel most comfortable with. Many people recommend looking for a watch that meets your needs. Before comparing brands, compare the features, then decide on the brand. On the other hand, there are those who like a stylish watch that is more discreet and can remain "unobtrusive"; Some people are just looking for a new beauty for their wrist. In this comparison, we compared 2 of the holy trinity of high-end watch manufacturers. But you may still ask: "Is Vacheron better than Patek?" (The third member of the 'Big Three'. Click here to find out.)

So after reading this, the real question is: Which one is the best brand for you?

Vacheron Constantin

OR

Audemars Piguet

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