Audemars Piguet Manufacture Experience Tour

sebks · 2024-02-25T16:02:15Z

Explore the Audemars Piguet manufacture and museum through an exclusive tour. Discover artisanal production, vintage archives, and iconic timepieces like the Concept Watch 1.

sebks

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

23 replies7339 views55 photos

Sebks recently shared an exclusive look into the Audemars Piguet manufacture and museum, offering WatchProSite readers a rare glimpse into the brand's artisanal production methods and historical archives. His detailed account highlights the intricate craftsmanship behind Audemars Piguet timepieces, providing invaluable context for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This insider's perspective underscores why Audemars Piguet remains a titan in haute horlogerie.

I’ve been lucky to be invited for a private tour of the AP manufacture and museum, and this was my best watch related day ever!

Absolutely amazing experience with the fantastic AP crew!

We saw case and dial production, no pictures allowed in the production area… but I can say that this is a lot more artisanal and manual than I thought! RO and Code cases are all hand polished in multiple steps, including wood stick / diamond paste polishing for the Code cases. Another interesting learning: Jumbo calibers are assembled from start to finish by the same watchmaker while the other « simple » calibers are assembled on a chain.

We also got the privilege to see the restoration workshop, located on the last floor of the historic building, this is exactly where the founder established their atelier in 1875 - so full of history ! That’s also where AP keeps the inventory of spares for caliber

where it all started for AP

The founders view - very little has changed since 1875

Starwheel rooted in history

The vintage spares treasure chest

See the « 33 »? That’s for 1933

Continuing with the masterpieces of the museum

The first ever PC wristwatch

RD2 with proto guilloche dial - production RD2 have flat dials because guilloche was adding too much thickness 🤯

The movement of the Schumacher lap timer concept - not recommended for skiing

The first RO, A serie

The Concept Watch 1 - >20 years old and so ahead of its time. It paved the way for RM and many others. I absolutely love it!

Starwheel from the 90’, I’ll own one someday

Hollywood collab done right - End Of Days: when the watch is more memorable than the movie

The beast - 30 years old and also really ahead of its time

The Genta owned Genta design! Mr Genta’s very own Royal Oak

Another collab done right - T3

And now the candy shop - a « VIP room » where all production models (and some discontinued goodies) can be tried as much as you like - you leave the room with stars in the eyes! Very good surprise with the Travis Scott - absolutely stunning in real life

And finishing with some of the accommodations - we did not only see great watches, AP also took good care of our stomach

L’hôtel des Horlogers, always great to stay there

I declined the limo, roads in Le Brassus are too nice not to drive myself

A huge thank you to AP, love the brand even more after seeing the background !

Key Points from the Discussion

The Audemars Piguet Concept Watch 1 is lauded for its timeless design, appearing as contemporary today as it did upon its release, a testament to its groundbreaking aesthetic and engineering.
The Audemars Piguet x Travis Scott (Cactus Jack) collaboration resulted in a brown ceramic perpetual calendar openworked watch, a celebrated limited edition despite some initial controversy.
The Audemars Piguet museum and facilities have significantly evolved since 2006, offering an even more elevated experience for visitors today.
The Audemars Piguet museum is described as an incredibly innovative and essential destination for all AP enthusiasts and watch fans.
The first visit to the Audemars Piguet manufacture and museum is considered the most impactful and memorable experience.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Feb 25, 2024

I am guilty of not posting much after I visited with my Family in June. The Museum is so incredible, and innovative. A worthy visit for all AP enthusiasts, and watch fans in general.

GWIS

Feb 25, 2024

Thanks for the fantastic pictures. I was on the Purists tour in 2006 and that was great but the revised hotel, museum and facilities look like they have taken it to another level! All the best, Jon

AuHavrePro

Feb 25, 2024

The Concept Watch 1 is to me historically the most impressive, it looks as contemporary to my eyes as the day it was released! An astonishing feat in and of itself. Of the many hugely impressive watches you posted, the Travis Scott (no clue who that individual is!) concept in that sublime green color is easily my favorite. Thanks again, cheers, Filip

LiftAngle51

Feb 25, 2024

A learnable visit is always interesting. The rooms were it all began. Impressive. I learn a lot of AP, and i see interesting models that could be my first AP. All things start little and odd to see some similarities. Not that i go to start a manufacture 😎 Cool to see the old work instruments.

pfang56

Feb 26, 2024

Many thanks for sharing this experience and the novelties! Planning to visit this summer! Cheers Peter

MichaelC

Feb 26, 2024

Not sure if you have been yet Peter? I actually hope you have not, because the first time is always the best!

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