A Visit to AP Service Centre in Singapore (*Heavy pics content*)

Aug 11, 2013,08:09 AM
 

 

It was a cool drizzling Monday morning as I pulled my vehicle into a spacious car park located at a tranquil site off the busy Orchard Road. I was privileged to be invited to a private workshop tour at APSC to take a glimpse of the behind-the-scene actions of my favorite watch brand. To NO surprise, I would summarize upfront that this experience was typically excellent, a well-rendered hospitality one would expect from a top luxury brand. Of course, I'm full of confidence in the technical competency and quality of the watchmaking team after the tour.

  

With its tranquil location and contemporary layout, APSC presents a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and staff. There are many Royal Oak inspired decorations around, which signifies the importance of RO to AP.

 

Thomas Rubi, the Regional Customer Service Manager, was my tour guide of the day. Together with Maarten, the watchmaker trainer, they showed me around the workshop enthusiastically, explaining key processes involved in servicing every watch, as well as showing me the special tools, instruments, spare components, etc. that designed to support the servicing of the myriads of models AP has ever produced.

Two sets of 3-stage cleaning machine, one for pre-wash & the other for final wash

Machine for QC timing checks; Trays below are storage compartments for spare parts

Different types of RO bezel gaskets
 

One of the RO bezel gaskets. Check out the details and complexity
 

A set of O-rings and gaskets for ROO 25721ST

Forged carbon and anodized aluminum components for special high-end ROO 

An anodized aluminum plate

As we discussed about the competency of the local servicing team, I'm not surprise to learn that, as the key regional service center, AP Singapore is capable of handling most of the movements, including high complications such as perpetual calendar and a specific model of Tourbillon. For case refinishing works, almost all processes are carried out by steady hands. It was really an eye-opener to see the demonstration by the veteran jeweler, with every polishing and chamfering executed with decisive precision. The training process appeared to be very structured, and the team also have several long-serving watchmakers and jewelers that add to the overall confidence of the technical quality from the service centre.

  

Chamfering
 

Polishing
 

The secret tool for the famous vertical brush finishing of the RO bezel  

Training cases for watch assembly training
 

The complex ROC case construction
 

Besides servicing watches received from customers, APSC also conduct QC checks for brand new watches delivered fresh from Switzerland before dispatching them to boutique and retailers. I was quite lucky to see a few high-end models!

RO Concept Tourbillon in Titanium case
 

2012 RO Toubillon Extra Thin
 

The fabulous ChronAP
 

The originally scheduled one-hour tour was stretched to almost two thanks to the interesting info exchange. Oliviero popped by for a good 20 minutes chat and he shared something really interesting, a very special ROO LE, which I've promised not to disclose any detail before its official launch later this year. But if you have read though this far, I guess I'm safe to give you a 'sneak preview' of this very special LE to end my report of a very fascinating and enriching encounter with the AP service Centre in Singapore. 

Oliviero, Thomas & Maarten
 

The soon-to-be-launched special ROO LE
 

Thanks for reading! smile
Wayne


More posts: ChronAPJules AudemarsRoyal OakRoyal Oak ChronographRoyal Oak Offshore

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Awesome report Wayne on a great experience!

 
 By: MichaelC : August 11th, 2013-08:17
Your words and photos remind me very much of our factory trip. Different locations, but it is quite evident that the "AP way" is carried out the same around the world. Thank you for sharing this special tour with us. PS - glad you got a sneak peak at a co... 

Great report!

 
 By: Parsh4 : August 11th, 2013-14:04
But on the picture with concept,i saw grand prix carbon in the corner! was it brand new one from manufacture or not? thank you

really great pictures and report, thanks for sharing with us!

 
 By: Ancienne Le Brassus : August 11th, 2013-14:56
I especially like the pix of the RO finishing procedures, thanks for posting htese pix!

Excellent report

 
 By: NoahW : August 11th, 2013-17:44
Is that the back of the Lebron we are seeing? Only SE I know coming out in near future. Looks like SS case and SS bezel peaking out at bottom of last photo. Case back looks to be 42mm? Hmmmm, would think the lebron would be 44mm piece. Guess we will have ... 

Great photojournalism, Wayne.

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : August 11th, 2013-19:10
Thanks for taking us along on the tour. Best, CaliforniaJed

Fantastic tour, thank you Wayne for the great pictures..

 
 By: Sandgroper : August 11th, 2013-19:26
and your review. From my experience with AP Singapore the people are extremely dedicated, very nice and really helpful. It has always been a pleasure dealing with them. Thank you again. Cheers Francois

Great report on the AP SC

 
 By: ED209 : August 12th, 2013-17:30
Great report on the AP Singapore Service Center. Isn't amazing how they apply the brushed finish by hand? And very cool you got to get info on the upcoming LE. Regards, ED-209

Thank you!

 
 By: ingmar : August 12th, 2013-21:56
While I occasionally feel the RO is overexposed (door handles) its hard to argue the timeless nature and amazing execution by Audemars Piguet. Really appreciate the time you spent on this for us.

nice post

 
 By: Cookies : August 13th, 2013-00:49
Esp since the area is off bounds to the public..my piece is somewhere there now and will be back in 15 weeks, then I will post something.

Thanks Wayne!

 
 By: patrick_y : August 13th, 2013-10:04
Great report of the AP service center in Singapore. Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see the new model!

Wow... Just wow...

 
 By: KIH : August 16th, 2013-17:47
.. is this a service center? Looks almost like the manufacteur itself! Wonderful facility and customer service, AP! Thank you for the report, Wayne! Ken

Excellent Photos

 
 By: Tourbeon : August 18th, 2013-17:32
Thanks for sharing