Collectors can buy and sell secondhand APs online via the Watch Keepers
Getting your hands on a Royal Oak just got a little easier.
Audemars Piguet has officially launched a new digital platform on which collectors can buy and sell the Swiss maison’s timepieces. The Watch Keepers—which has first rolled out in Europe and Switzerland but will progressively expand across regions worldwide—will list about 100 certified pre-owned (CPO) watches at a time. All have been given the tick of approval by AP, with the in-house team following a meticulous authentication process.
Both buyers and sellers follow the same initial registration process, ensuring a community of trusted collectors. Sellers then complete an online verification, providing the watch’s serial number and proof of ownership. (Watches are only eligible for the program if a full 24 months have passed since the initial retail purchase date.) The piece is then securely shipped to AP’s Customer Service facilities, where the maison’s watchmakers examine it and carry out the requisite checks. They will use a five-point grading system that assesses the aesthetic condition of the case, dial, and bracelet, AP says.
The team then photographs the watch and writes a detailed listing for the platform. The seller is able to review all of this information before deciding to list with a set price or auction format. The watch remains with AP until the sale is complete. Once sold, the timepiece is safely delivered to the buyer with a branded travel pouch, certificate of authenticity, and a two-year warranty covering proper functioning.
“With the Watch Keepers, we continue to offer our clients products and services aligned with their expectations,” Audemars Piguet CEO Ilaria Resta said in a statement. “Building on the manufacture’s hospitality, this new end-to-end service provides collectors with the opportunity to give pre-loved timepieces a new life, welcoming anyone curious to explore our world.”
This story was first published on Robb Report USA. Featured photo by Audemars Piguet
