Brand comparisons usually run on opinion. This one runs on settled transactions: 5,639 recorded sales of Rolex and 1,616 of Audemars Piguet, all in US dollars so the figures are directly comparable.
What each one actually costs
The median Rolex result is $11,550. The median Audemars Piguet result is $16,250. On typical examples, Audemars Piguet carries roughly 1.4 times the price of Rolex at auction.
Half of all Rolex sales land between $4,680 and $27,500. For Audemars Piguet the middle half runs $6,875 to $34,600.
Which one surprises the specialists
47% of Rolex lots beat their high estimate, against 44% for Audemars Piguet. The two are closely matched, which suggests both are priced with similar confidence.
Breadth of the record
Our archive covers 758 distinct Rolex references and 591 for Audemars Piguet, with results going back to 2001 and 2001 respectively. The top recorded result is $1,803,400 for Rolex and $1,016,000 for Audemars Piguet.
What this does not tell you
A median is not a verdict. These brands overlap heavily at the edges, and a well chosen example of the cheaper one will outrun a poor example of the dearer one. Condition, completeness and model matter more than the badge on the dial.
