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Since its establishment in 1875, Audemars Piguet has crafted an array of pioneering mechanical watches for women. Due to their diminutive sizes, women watches offered Audemars Piguet’s founders a platform for innovation. Worn as pendants, brooches or rings, these timepieces played a trailblazing role in the Manufacture’s quest for miniaturisation that led to the development of the wristwatch in the early decades of the 20th century.
These feminine watches all reflect the technical and aesthetic challenges characterising their respective era, while often anticipating the evolving tastes and expectations of its female clientele.
Explore some of the feminine timepieces that influenced the history of Audemars Piguet and the Haute Horlogerie industry as a whole.
1917: Octagonal wristwatch
The aesthetics of the extendable bracelet are in line with the two horizontal sides of the octagon, as would be the case with the Royal Oak half a century later.
1921: High Jewellery with cover
The mechanism produced in the Vallée de Joux is hidden beneath a case designed by the New York jeweller Oscar Heyman.
1927: Timeless Baguette
The smallest “baguette” style movement produced by Audemars Piguet. This style of watch, made in a great variety of designs, blurred the line between jewellery and horology.
1932: Art Deco jumping hour wristwatch
Both aesthetically pleasing and functional, the aperture-type display protects the dial from shocks.
1950: ‘Secret’ wristwatch with cover 5949BA
When the cover is closed, the watch becomes a pure Milanese mesh bracelet. Calibre 5/7SB, the smallest in the world.
Ladies watches have celebrated the plurality of tastes and styles of the contemporary woman by offering creative contrasts, from the sleek aesthetics of black ceramics to the shimmering sparkle of Frosted Gold or the vivid hues of multicoloured gemstones.
In 1976, Jacqueline Dimier designed the women’s version of the Royal Oak – a watch in its own way as shockingly revolutionary as the original.
For Audemars Piguet, this model was the first milestone in a rich and varied women’s line, since punctuated by amazing creative collaborations.
Jacqueline Dimier
A graphic designer by training, Jacqueline Dimier entered the world of object design via that of jewellery by chance. For a Geneva-based designer, turning to watchmaking was a natural progression.
Discover moreTamara Ralph
Audemars Piguet and Tamara Ralph have collaborated on the design of a boldly feminine Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon limited edition inspired by her Couture universe.
Discover moreCarolina Bucci
Florentine jewellery designer Carolina Bucci, creator of the alluring Frosted Gold finish introduced on several Royal Oak models in 2016, lent her creative eye to design a 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding limited edition in black ceramic.
Discover moreThe Royal Oak through the eyes of the women who make it
Masters in the art of precision, our AP people have become the keepers of precious know-how, making sure that each watch is unique down to the smallest details.
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Ranging from timeless classic to avant-garde artistic creations, they include a wide range of eclectic case designs, vibrant dial finishes, exquisite gem-setting techniques as well as the creative use of colourful stones.
Birth of the First Women’s Model
In 1976, Jacqueline Dimier designed the women’s version of the Royal Oak – a watch in its own way as shockingly revolutionary as the original.
Read on AP ChroniclesAP Talks about Ladies Watches
Looking back at the history of ladies watches and its evolution through time, our three experts discuss the art of gemsetting and the 2021 novelties in this latest episode of AP Talks.
Read moreTalent Stimulates Talent : Episode 2 with Ralph & Russo
Talent Stimulates Talent opens the door onto the parallel artistic universes of luxury fashion house Ralph & Russo and Audemars Piguet, both uncompromisingly rooted in traditions and reinvention.
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