How to Photograph an Audemars Piguet for Valuation

Preparing Your Audemars Piguet for Photographs

Clear, well-lit photographs allow us to understand your Audemars Piguet fully before making an offer. The right images speed up the process and ensure the assessment reflects the watch accurately.

Begin by placing the watch on a clean, neutral surface near a window that provides soft natural daylight. Avoid direct sunlight and never use flash, as it creates harsh reflections on the polished surfaces and crystal. Remove the watch from any display stand or box so every angle remains unobstructed. Wipe away any loose dust with a microfibre cloth but send the piece exactly as you wear it. Steady your phone or camera on a book or small tripod to prevent blur. Take all images at the same time under consistent light so the colours and textures appear true.

Work methodically through a fixed sequence: dial straight on, caseback, crown and side profile, bracelet laid flat, clasp both open and closed, and any visible engravings or marks. Capture the entire bracelet and strap if present rather than just sections. Include a few overall shots that show the watch from a slight angle to convey its three-dimensional form. These simple steps give us the information needed to understand the specific model, its generation and the details that influence its assessment.

Consistency matters more than professional equipment. A modern smartphone in natural daylight produces better results than studio lighting that introduces unwanted colour casts. The goal is quiet clarity, allowing every engraving, surface texture and sign of use to be read without distraction.

The Design Story of Audemars Piguet

Founded in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux, Audemars Piguet remains one of the few independent Swiss watchmakers still owned by the founding families. The company built its reputation on technical excellence and bold design choices that challenged the conventions of the time. Its most recognised creation, the Royal Oak, was introduced in 1972 during a period of wider change in Swiss watchmaking. Designed by Gerald Genta, the watch featured an octagonal bezel with an integrated bracelet and an industrial brushed finish that contrasted with traditional luxury expectations.

This combination of sporty proportions and refined execution created an entirely new category that others later followed. Over the decades Audemars Piguet has continued to develop complicated movements while preserving the distinctive aesthetic language established in the 1970s. The brand's commitment to in-house manufacture and careful control of production has reinforced its position among collectors who value both innovation and heritage. Understanding this context helps when identifying which generation and execution of a particular model you own.

Common Pitfalls When Photographing Your Watch

Many owners unintentionally obscure important details. Shadows cast by overhead lights can hide engraving depth on the caseback or dial. Reflections on the crystal often mask the exact marker style or any subtle text. Images taken at an angle rather than perfectly straight on make it difficult to assess dial alignment and symmetry. Close-ups that are too tight lose the sense of overall proportion.

Using artificial light or flash creates glare across brushed surfaces, making it impossible to judge the uniformity of the finish. Photographing only the front and back while omitting the side profile and bracelet leaves gaps in understanding. Backgrounds that are busy or reflective pull attention away from the watch itself. Taking images in low indoor light reduces sharpness and colour accuracy. Each of these issues can be avoided by using natural daylight, a steady hand and a disciplined checklist.

Another frequent oversight is omitting the crown and any pushers in both closed and operated positions. These elements often reveal subtle design changes between generations.

Paperwork, Boxes and Completeness

Any original documentation, warranty cards, hang tags or service records add useful context though none are required to begin the valuation process. When available, photograph the papers clearly under the same natural light, ensuring all text and dates remain legible. The box and outer packaging should be shown if present, capturing both exterior and interior details. These elements help confirm the completeness of the set and the continuity of provenance.

The specialist checks the case, caseback, engravings and movement. Even partial information assists in identifying the exact version and production period. If the watch has been serviced by an authorised workshop, any related paperwork can be included. The presence of these items is welcomed but never essential to starting a conversation with us.

Focus instead on capturing the watch itself comprehensively. A complete photographic record of the physical object usually provides enough detail for an initial assessment, with further clarification requested only if needed.

Understanding Condition and Signs of Wear

Condition is assessed through the clarity of your photographs. We look at the uniformity of the brushed and polished surfaces, the sharpness of the case edges and the state of the bracelet links and clasp. Natural wear appears as softening of edges or slight discolouration in certain finishes, while deeper marks or dents are more significant. The dial should be examined for any spotting, discoloration or damage to the applied markers.

The crystal, hands and movement visible through the caseback or exhibition window all contribute to the overall picture. Photograph any areas that show use rather than attempting to conceal them. Honest documentation of the watch as it exists allows for a fair and accurate evaluation. Factors such as the specific model, its relative scarcity and the consistency of its appearance across all photographed angles influence how it is assessed.

Different generations and materials respond differently to time. A stainless steel Royal Oak will show wear in characteristic ways compared with a gold model. Capturing these nuances clearly helps us understand exactly what you own.

The Valuation and Selling Process

Once you have taken the photographs, submit them through the valuation form located near the top of this page. Our specialists review each submission carefully and an offer usually arrives within minutes, available around the clock. The process is designed to be straightforward and respectful of your time.

If you accept the offer we arrange free, fully insured collection or you may post the watch to us using the prepaid label we provide. Upon arrival the watch is examined in our premises to confirm it matches the images and description. When everything aligns, payment is made by bank transfer on the same day. Should the physical inspection reveal any meaningful discrepancy from the photographs we will contact you immediately to discuss options. If you choose not to proceed we return the watch fully insured at our expense. There is no obligation and no fee at any stage.

Detailed Photo Checklist for Audemars Piguet

Follow this sequence every time. First, the dial taken perfectly straight on from a distance of about thirty centimetres so the entire face is visible without distortion. Ensure the markers, hands and any text are sharp. Second, the caseback, again straight on, capturing all engravings and markings clearly. Third, the crown side view showing the profile of the case, thickness and how the crown sits.

Next, lay the bracelet or strap flat and photograph the full length from above, then detail the clasp both closed and open to show any engravings or mechanisms. Include a side profile shot that reveals the case shape and bracelet integration. Finally, photograph any papers, certificates, tags or service records if they exist. All images should be taken in soft natural daylight with the watch on a plain, non-reflective background. This methodical approach removes guesswork and allows us to respond with confidence.

Review your images before submitting. Check that every required angle is present, that focus is crisp and that lighting remains even across all shots. Replace any blurred or poorly lit photographs immediately. These few extra moments spent on preparation often lead to a smoother and more accurate valuation.

Sharing Your Audemars Piguet with EncoreLuxe

The valuation form appears directly beneath the main image on this page. Upload your daylight photographs following the checklist above and include any additional close-ups that show particular details or areas of interest. Our team reviews each watch individually rather than relying on automated systems. An offer is typically shared within minutes, whatever the hour.

Accepted watches travel to us free of charge and fully insured, whether collected by courier or posted using our materials. After careful inspection that confirms the photographs, we complete payment by bank transfer on the same working day. The entire journey is managed with care and transparency. If for any reason the watch does not match the submitted images and you prefer not to continue, we return it promptly at our expense, again fully insured. This approach has been developed over many years to make selling a pre-owned Audemars Piguet simple, safe and dignified.

Frequently asked by sellers

Do I need original papers and box to receive a valuation? No. While any accompanying paperwork is welcome and can be photographed, we do not require it to begin the process. Clear images of the watch itself are the most important element.

What type of lighting should I use for the photographs? Soft natural daylight from a window is ideal. Avoid direct sun, indoor bulbs and flash, which create reflections and distort true colours and textures.

How many photographs should I submit? Aim for at least eight to ten images covering the dial, caseback, crown side, full bracelet, clasp, side profile and any papers if available. Additional close-ups of markings are helpful.

What happens if my watch shows signs of wear? Photograph any areas of wear honestly and clearly. Condition is one of several factors considered. We assess each piece individually based on the images provided.

How quickly will I receive an offer? Offers are usually shared within minutes of submission. The valuation service runs 24 hours a day so you can upload at any convenient time.

Is collection or postage free? Yes. We arrange fully insured collection or provide a prepaid postage label at no cost to you. The same applies for any return if you decide not to proceed.