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 and Art Basel:
ap.watchprosite.com 
 
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 smile





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 smile





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


More posts: Grande ComplicationJules AudemarsMillenaryOpenworkedRoyal OakRoyal Oak OffshoreSafari ChronographTradition

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Only thing missing...

 
 By: DRMW : July 29th, 2014-16:32
Great reporting on the visits Mikey! Only thing missing are the cow and cowbells from the Vallee! :) Thanks for taking us along to the AP home base! -MW

Gotta love those cowbells!

 
 By: MichaelC : August 6th, 2014-08:33
Thanks for reading the report.

Well done!

 
 By: M4 : July 29th, 2014-18:09
Outstanding report MC. Great photos too! M4

Thanks M4! [nt]

 
 By: MichaelC : August 6th, 2014-08:37

Great report Michael!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 30th, 2014-01:47
The AP RO Perpetual calendar on the watchmaker looks great especially. Recently I started talking about an AP RO with my watch friends... the AP poison is starting to bite me more and more! Fantastic pics of the manufacture and movements, thanks for shari... 

Happy to hear Robin...

 
 By: MichaelC : August 6th, 2014-08:38
I'll do my best to keep tempting you!! ;-)

I wish I could see it once!

 
 By: Duf : July 30th, 2014-02:11
Thank you for all these nices pictures Michael. Just 3 hours drive from home; can we ring the bell and say "hello I've seen some lights"?!! Thanks

Sounds like you are close...

 
 By: MichaelC : August 6th, 2014-08:40
I am not exactly sure how the process works for scheduling your own visit to AP. Perhaps you can contact them there an inquire? I hope you get to visit one day, it certainly is worth it.

Wow!

 
 By: patrick_y : July 30th, 2014-10:48
No robots at all in the factory, all made by human hands. Except there's a T800 robot looking over the humans. If it sees one improperly finished part, it probably chases down the watchmaker at fault. Thanks for the virtual tour Mike!

My pleasure Patrick

 
 By: MichaelC : August 6th, 2014-08:41
I imagine the workers give it their all knowing the T800 is on patrol! LOL.