MichaelC[AP Moderator]
18864
PuristSPro visits the AP Manufacture in Le Brassus
Jul 29, 2014,06:51 AM
We will now conclude our coverage of PuristSPro's meetings with Audemars Piguet in June 2014. The previous reports can be found directly by clicking the links below:
Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi:
ap.watchprosite.com
Audemars Piguet Heritage Museum and Restoration Workshop:
ap.watchprosite.com
The primary manufacturing facility for Audemars Piguet watches is in Le Brassus, a short walk from the original buildings we have already visited. Opened in 2008, this modern building is extremely environmentally friendly, a trait AP has embraced for many years. The construction conforms to the Swiss Minergie-ECO energy standards. Inside, all areas are impeccably clean. It is really a joy to see up close.
Security is no problem for the T-800 Endoskeleton. He is back, and you better not be, unless you have the proper credentials
Moving right into the workshops, let's have a closer peek at the Caliber 5122, which is an openworked version of the 2120
As the watchmaker demonstrated for us, the spring is inserted into the circular housing and attached to a single pinion
Attaching it on only one side helps maintain the thinness of this special caliber (3.05mm)
Below we see a finished sample, the pink gold Royal Oak reference 15204
One lady watchmaker wore this wonderful diamond bezeled ceramic and carbon Offshore
We next moved into the Grande Complication department. The workers here are of the highest experience levels and do everything by hand.
They tend to wear some very nice complicated APs
Earlier in the day, a Tradition Grande Complication had just been finished! An AP Grande Complication watch will take a single watchmaker nearly 1000 hours from start to finish. As we have discussed, AP's standard of a Grande Complication watch includes a split seconds chronograph, perpetual calendar with moonphase indicator, and a minute repeater. Each finished sample will have been assembled, tested, and disassembled 3 times before it will leave the Manufacture.
AP has been producing Grande Complication timepieces continuously since 1882 - as in at least one per year for the last 132 years! Astounding.
Here, we see a Jules Audemars Grande Complication having the tone of the minute repeater sampled
Divine, as you might expect
Next, we moved into an area exclusively outfitted to produce the Millenary 4101
Testing the teeth on a wheel
And a finished sample
284 components comprise the Caliber 4101
As you know, the big development in 2014 for Audemars Piguet is the new 42mm Royal Oak Offshore collection. We have covered these 6 new models rather extensively. Now, let's see them being built!
Precision work
Anyone waiting on a new Safari? Should not be much longer
AP really nailed the colors on this new dial. Definitely my favorite of the 6 new models.
We have Navys too...
Of course, it takes a few steps to get to the point of being complete
Case, bezel, crystal, and inner tach
Add a Manufacture Caliber 3126/3840...
Presto!
Before leaving the AP Manufacture, every timepiece will have its photo taken, front and back, and recorded
How does your AP arrive so perfectly pristine to you authorized point of sale? With much love along the way, that is the answer. These workers have the meticulous job of applying protective plastics to keep everything clean and unscathed from handling.
All areas are covered with pre-cut plastic pieces
And there you have it. A wonderful insider's view of the modern manufacturing facilities of Audemars Piguet!
Proper credit must be extended to everyone at AP. The individual workers could not be more gracious and inviting. Thanks to them, we get to snap some pretty cool photos. Audemars Piguet is genuinely interested in building relationships with their clients. They are excited to share their history and passion. It truly is like a big Family, and when you visit them, you are treated as such.
Closer to home, Audemars Piguet North America brought us along for this journey. Xavier Nolot, Fred Martel, Kathleen Bridoux, and Paul Lerner. Talk about an All Star Team! On behalf of all of the PuristSPro staff and members, thank you Friends.
This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2014-07-29 15:17:01