One of the easiest ways to date your Audemars Piguet watch is with a serial number. Your serial number will be unique to your Audemars, setting it apart from others in a production run. There are also reference numbers to tell you what model of Audemars Piguet you have. When you’re wanting to identify a watch, looking at the reference and serial numbers can be very helpful, as they can reveal details and help authenticate your watch.
If you’re looking to buy an Audemars Piguet — or any luxury timepiece for that matter — it helps to be familiar with these numbers and what they mean. Each brand will have a slightly different system, but today we’ll be talking about Audemars Piguet’s serial numbers and reference numbers.
Each year, Audemars Piguet will produce roughly 40,000 new timepieces. When you flip an Audemars Piguet over, you’ll see a sequence of numbers on the caseback. You’ll also see a separate letter that will change after every 100,000 watches. This is the sequential letter, which will change about every three years. Sequential numbers were used before the implementation of the simplified letter system.
The serial numbers will be preceded by this serial letter, which can give you the approximate year or time period your watch was produced. While Audemars Piguet doesn’t officially release its serial numbers, this is the best way to find out on your own.
The difference between an Audemars Piguet case number and movement number is an important distinction. The movement number can be found on the movement of your watch. If your watch has a transparent caseback, you may be able to see the movement number. If not, you’d need to remove the caseback or have a professional check it for you.
The case number is another name for the serial number. This is a unique number your Audemars Piguet will have that is preceded by a letter indicating the approximate year that it was produced.
Each Audemars Piguet watch is manufactured with a unique serial number, also called a case number, that is engraved on the caseback (the part of the watch that rests on your wrist when worn). All you need to do is flip the watch over, and you should see the number engraved on the back of the watch case.
Additionally, the serial number can be found on your Audemars Piguet warranty card or warranty certificate.
If your Audemars Piguet was produced before 1972, it may be difficult to determine the year of production. Instead of the simplified letter system, there will be sequential numbers that can give you a rough estimate of the period your watch was produced in.
For watches produced after 1972, you can follow this serial letter system to determine the production years of your watch:
A Series – 1972 to 1975
B Series – 1976 to 1979
C Series – 1980 to 1986
D Series – 1987 to 1994
E Series – 1994 to 2000
F Series – 2001 to 2007
G Series – 2008 to 2010
H Series – 2011 To 2012
I Series – 2013 to 2015
J Series – 2016 to 2018
K Series – 2019 to present
If you’re unsure of the year or authenticity of your Audemars Piguet, you can always call on BQ Watches for a professional Audemars Piguet appraisal.
If you’re looking to add a beautiful Audemars Piguet to your collection, BQ Watches is the place to go. We have an incredible inventory of vintage and modern Audemars Piguet timepieces for you to choose from. If you already have an Audemars Piguet, but you can’t decipher the serial number, feel free to send it to us for an appraisal. Our team of experts can help you determine the approximate year of your watch.
If you’re not in the market for an Audemars Piguet, we have an extensive inventory of pre-owned watches like Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philip, Bremont, IWC, Breitling, Omega, Tudor, Panerai, and many others. We also offer comprehensive sourcing services if you’re looking for something specific.
Once you know what luxury watch service you’re needing, simply fill out our contact form and let us know. A member of our team will reach out shortly to assist you.
