Whenever we discuss luxury watch brands, certain names come to mind instantly. One of them is Audemars Piguet, a watchmaker highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts for its exclusivity, bold and avant-garde designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. However, there’s another reason this luxury Swiss watchmaker is gaining recent popularity – its substantial resale value, making it a rising star in the world of watch investments.
Apart from their obvious standout beauty and functionality, Audemars Piguet watches, whether new or pre-owned, are highly revered for their ability to retain value, with certain models even appreciating over time. This quality makes them stand out to collectors and savvy investors.
But due to limited availability, high prices for new models and long waiting lists, considering a pre-owned AP for investment makes perfect sense. However, with so many great and tempting models, choosing one becomes a head-scratching scenario.
According to The Luxury Hut, every collector, investor, or enthusiast should consider these five pre-owned AP models, which not only retain their value but also continue to rise in demand and price.
5 Best Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Models For Investment
- AP Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Ref: 16202ST
Launched in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of AP’s most iconic Royal Oak, the Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin Ref. 16202ST is a celebrated successor of the Ref. 15202 as well as the original Ref. 5402 of 1972. The watch has near-perfect proportions, and aesthetically, it is better than its predecessors, featuring a stainless steel case with the signature blue ‘Petite Tapisserie’ dial. On the inside, AP utilises the new Calibre 7121 that squeezes technical goodness into the slim 39mm case.
Discontinued the same year, the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Ref. 16202ST is one of the most desirable luxury watches on the pre-owned market, due to its scarcity and intense demand among collectors.
Note: The model has seen a value increase of almost 27% in 2025.
- AP Code 11.59 Chronograph Ref: 26393NR
This is a handsome two-tone pink gold and black ceramic version of AP’s popular Code 11.59 chronograph, combining bold aesthetics with unmatched craftsmanship. It is a modern take on the classic chronograph design, further enhanced by a smoked grey dial with gold hands and hour markers, an inner bezel and black chronograph counters. Even though the Code 11.59 collection received mixed reviews during its 2019 launch, the Ref. 26393NR, with its stealthy luxury appeal, stands out in the lineup.
The enhanced visual appeal and in-house chronograph movement are what make it so popular and desirable among collectors. Amidst the Royal Oak models claiming the headlines, this Code 11.59 piece is a serious long-term investment model.
Note: The model has seen a value increase of almost 18% in 2025.
- AP Royal Oak Offshore Diver Ref: 15720ST
The Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 15720ST represents modern AP engineering at its finest. This is a highly capable dive watch, featuring a robust 42mm stainless steel case, a dial with a rotating inner bezel, an advanced Calibre 4308, and a water resistance of 300 metres. The dial retains the ‘Mega’ Tapisserie pattern, and the bezel can be operated unidirectionally with the crown at 10 o’clock. It comes modernised with an interchangeable strap system, appealing to the younger collectors.
Bold aesthetics paired with daily wearability make the Royal Oak Offshore Diver Ref: 15720ST particularly desirable by active collectors who demand both luxury and functionality in their timepiece.
Note: The model has seen a value increase of almost 22% in 2025.
- AP Royal Oak Chronograph “50th Anniversary” Ref: 26240ST
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref: 26240ST celebrates the Royal Oak’s 50-year legacy. Although retaining the aesthetic codes of the original Gerald Genta-designed Royal Oak, this beautiful sports watch presents subtle evolutions to the case, dial and bracelet design. Presented in a 41mm case, the watch appears slightly slender and wider, and frames a Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 hue black dial with a new applied ‘Audemars Piguet’ logo. Featuring the exclusive ’50 Years’ rotor, this column wheel Flyback chronograph is seriously collectable.
The discontinued status of this special 50th Anniversary Royal Oak Chronograph model fuels demand among collectors, enthusiasts and brand loyalists on the pre-owned market.
Note: The model has seen a value increase of almost 20% in 2025.
- AP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Blue Ceramic Ref: 26579CS
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Blue Ceramic 26579CS is a high-end luxury watch known for its strikingly rare blue ceramic construction, perpetual calendar complication and iconic Royal Oak design. Released in 2022, this model is bold, provocative and demands attention with its execution. Boasting a Grand Tapisserie dial and a perpetual calendar, both in a striking shade of blue, this is a true piece of haute horology.
Full ceramic Royal Oak models have ascended to become the pinnacle of the brand, surpassing precious metals, and this stunning piece in blue ceramic is truly remarkable in terms of aura and collectability.
Note: The model has seen a value increase of almost 31% in 2025.
Top Reasons That Drive Value Growth In Pre-Owned Audemars Piguet Watches
Several reasons cause pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches to retain value and appreciate in the secondary market. They are:
- Limited or boutique-only editions
- Discontinuation of popular models
- Complications
- Rarity of the material (for instance, ceramic)
- High demand with low supply
- Cultural influence and Celebrity endorsements
Conclusion
Audemars Piguet is an icon of high horology. It’s a brand that will never let you down, visually, practically, or financially. Pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches have consistently demonstrated strong value retention due to their high global demand and limited annual production, which contributes to the increasing value of well-maintained timepieces.
However, it’s key to remember that the journey towards owning a pre-owned Audemars Piguet isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in horological excellence that spans generations. Therefore, you must always consider your personal style, collecting goals and functional needs to find the perfect AP piece.
