Audemars Piguet

Day 2 - APRP

 

After waking up to a beautiful morning in Le Brassus, our group came together and prepared to depart for Le Locle.  Unfortunately, we left one of our attendees behind.  Goly Noghrey, the manager of the AP Boutique in New York, stayed to complete an employee academy.  No doubt that training must be incredible, and it certainly translates when you interact with AP staff.  These people know what they're doing.  If you happen to be in NYC, make a point of visiting Goly's boutique and meeting her in person.

Making our way around Lac de Joux in Le Pont...

I also did something on this trip I have never done before, and tried on a Rubens Barrichello Offshore.  I have seen them over the years, but not in some time.  The owner was extremely gracious to let me wear it for a bit.  Comparing it to my favorite every day wearing Jarno Trulli, I'll admit the RB2 is a very special watch.  Certainly befitting its "grail" status amongst AP loyalists.

We arrived in Le Locle and were greeted at the door by Giulio Papi.  It was a pleasure for me to see him again so soon after interviewing him at SIHH.  That report can be found here:
ap.watchprosite.com / ap.watchprosite.com 3/

APRP is the workshop where most of AP's high complications (minute repeaters, grande sonneries, etc.) are built.  Giulio and his team also create pieces for other brands such as Harry Winston and Richard Mille.

The Master in person (clearly the gentleman on the right!!):

Giulio sketches and designs by hand.  All of the projects begin in this manner, and are later rendered using computer software.  Also, detailed working models of the mechanisms are made out of plastics and metals at a larger scale.  We were understandably not allowed to photograph them.  On one of the front desks sat a Grande Sonnerie model.  When Giulio activated it, something was amiss.  The master watchmaker quickly began examining the model right in front of us and traced the issue to a lever that was out of position.  He quickly adjusted it and the mechanism activated.  Truly awesome to watch a professional work like that.

Some of the various machines used for the fabrication of parts:

Here Giulio would have us examine a specific movement part while he demonstrated various aspects to us.

You should all recognize this beauty, a ChronAP movement in the works:

Another complicated AP completed and no doubt soon to find a new home:

And trays of various movement parts and finishes:

Giulio was very gracious with his time and answered many questions.  The best thing to see in person is the passion he displays.  The workshop in no way seemed like a job for him, but rather a place where he explores his dreams.  Like in Le Brassus, all of the workers were very receptive to our group.  It was a very rewarding visit.  The workers at APRP clearly take pride in what they do, and it certainly shows in the watches they produce.
This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2013-07-11 08:17:28 This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2013-07-11 08:19:15 This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2013-07-11 08:21:11 This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2013-07-11 08:22:49

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