Audemars Piguet serial numbers
Updated · Bedesten Watches
A Royal Oak can carry several numbers with different jobs. Before dating an Audemars Piguet, establish whether you are reading a movement number, a case number or a Royal Oak series number. The manufacturer's own history explains why these should never be treated as interchangeable.
An approximate movement-number chart
These selected ranges come from AP's published history and apply to movement numbers, not case engravings. They overlap deliberately. Read them as broad orientation, then compare the actual watch and its records; never turn a boundary into a claim that every watch above it was made in one specific year.
| Period | Movement number from | Movement number to |
|---|---|---|
| 1950–1959 | 55,000 | 80,000 |
| 1960–1969 | 72,000 | 120,000 |
| 1970–1979 | 110,000 | 230,000 |
| 1980–1989 | 220,000 | 350,000 |
| 1990–1999 | 330,000 | 490,000 |
| 2000–2009 | 475,000 | 750,000 |
| 2010–2017 | 700,000 | 999,999 |
A Royal Oak series is a separate clue
The visible Royal Oak series marking is distinct from the case and movement identifiers. Take photographs of all markings and label each one before comparing watches. Do not assume that a prominent number is the one a chart requires, or that a series letter establishes the exact production date of your example.
An archive extract or an authenticity certificate?
AP distinguishes the two services. An archive extract confirms that the numbers occur in its records. A Certificate of Authenticity follows an examination in Le Brassus. Choose the document that answers your question: historical identification and an assessment of the watch's actual materials and components are different tasks.
Sources & further reading
- AP Chronicles — Audemars Piguet Watch Numbering
- AP Chronicles — Royal Oak Numbering
- Audemars Piguet — Official documents
Brand services and eligibility can change. Check the maker’s current requirements before applying.
Independent guide by Bedesten Watches. A serial number alone does not establish authenticity.
Frequently asked questions
Does the table use my Royal Oak case number?
No. It uses the movement number. Have a qualified watchmaker identify the correct marking before comparing it with the chart.
Why do the date ranges overlap?
They describe approximate historical periods, not an exact production calendar. An individual watch needs its own documentary and physical assessment.
Is an AP archive extract proof of authenticity?
No. AP treats the extract and Certificate of Authenticity as separate services; the latter requires examination of the watch.