Since 1882, Audemars Piguet has made a point of keeping the Grande Complication at the spearhead of its production even during times of crisis, perpetuating this ancestral craftsmanship from one generation to the next.
Audemars Piguet first Grande Complication wristwatch

Following the revival of classic complications in the aftermath of the quartz crisis, Audemars Piguet released its first Grande Complication wristwatch in 1996 featuring a Jules Audemars case measuring 8.5 mm in thickness. This was followed by the Royal Oak Grande Complication in 1997. These pioneering feats build on the Manufacture’s long-standing commitment to continuously crafting Grande Complication watches. 

To be considered a Grande Complication, a watch must include a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph and a perpetual calendar. Each of these features symbolises a significant milestone in watchmaking, adding to the allure and prestige of the Grande Complication.

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Accurate gestures, absolute mastery, infinite patience: an almost magical atmosphere of exceptional refinement pervades the premises where these unique horological creations come to life, within the Audemars Piguet Grande Complication Workshop in Le Brassus.

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Representing the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship, the creation of a Grande Complication watch requires the highest level of skill and precision. Each watch is assembled by a single watchmaker, ensuring consistency and attention to detail throughout the process, which can take up to eight months. Comprising 648 components, the process begins with the assembly of the movement, followed by multiple stages of adjustment, dismantling, decoration, and reassembly.