Audemars Piguet Singapore Service Centre Tour

orangedial · 2013-08-11T08:09:01Z

Explore the Audemars Piguet Service Centre in Singapore with orangedial's exclusive tour. See behind-the-scenes watchmaking, high complications, and meticulous hand-finishing.

orangedial

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

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orangedial offers a rare glimpse into the Audemars Piguet Service Centre in Singapore, providing an exclusive tour that highlights the meticulous processes and dedicated craftsmanship behind maintaining these luxury timepieces. His detailed photo essay and commentary reveal the 'AP way' of customer service and technical excellence, underscoring the brand's commitment to quality beyond the initial sale. This insider's view is invaluable for understanding the intricate world of high-end watch servicing.

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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!

Wayne

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 25721

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Reference 25721

The reference 25721 represents the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in its stainless steel configuration with black dial execution. This reference was produced from 1999 to 2008, positioning it as a core offering within the Offshore Chronograph series during this production period.

The 42mm stainless steel case features a fixed octagonal bezel and sapphire crystal, with 100-meter water resistance. The black dial houses chronograph functions powered by the automatic caliber 2226/2840 movement, which provides a 50-hour power reserve. The watch is fitted with a rubber strap.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in its fundamental steel and black dial combination. The nearly decade-long production run and rubber strap configuration make it representative of the series' sports-oriented positioning within the Audemars Piguet chronograph lineup.

Specifications

Caliber: 2226/2840

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 42 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Market snapshot

As of today, 1821 Audemars Piguet listings are live on the eBay market and 1477 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.

Key Points from the Discussion

The AP Singapore Service Centre is equipped to handle most movements, including high complications like perpetual calendars and specific tourbillon models, with case refinishing done by hand with precision.
The service center's operations and commitment to quality mirror the 'AP way' observed at the manufacture itself, indicating a consistent global standard.
The facility's appearance and capabilities are so impressive that it could be mistaken for the manufacture, highlighting its advanced nature.
The hand-applied brushed finish on Audemars Piguet watches is a testament to the brand's dedication to traditional craftsmanship.
The tour provided a sneak peek at an upcoming limited edition model, sparking speculation among forum members about its details.
The Audemars Piguet Singapore team is highly dedicated, helpful, and provides excellent customer service, making interactions a pleasure.
The Royal Oak's design influence is evident throughout the service center's decor, signifying its importance to the Audemars Piguet brand.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Aug 11, 2013

Awesome report Wayne on a great experience!

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 coming LE!! ;-)

Parsh4

Aug 11, 2013

Great report!

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

Ancienne Le Brassus

Aug 11, 2013

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

I especially like the pix of the RO finishing procedures, thanks for posting htese pix!

NoahW

Aug 11, 2013

Excellent report

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 to submit photo to CSI to see what we can uncover... Any more hints you can share.

CaliforniaJed

Aug 11, 2013

Great photojournalism, Wayne.

Thanks for taking us along on the tour. Best, CaliforniaJed

Sandgroper

Aug 11, 2013

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

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