Audemars Piguet

I am very pleased to share a special visit made to Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi, known more simply as APRP. AP organized the visit to the high end watchmaking facility after completing our tour of Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland. If you missed that r...  

I had the fortunate opportunity to tour about 7 years ago. I really like seeing so many watchmakers have so much pride in their work. I call it "Artists at work" although it is much more than that. Hope to tour again. Best, JerryW

Well said Jerry!

I would definitely would love to visit APs facility... Giulio Papi's Royal Oak sure is amazing!! Which watch would you say was the most amazing? Thanks for sharing this experience Michael!!

I am really liking the Royal Oak Extra Thin tourbillon. I caught it on the wrist of Francois Bennahmias and it looked amazing. Seeing those Concepts up close is really something too; that is an amazing watch and design.

It's my dream to visit the AP museum and facilities one day! :) Best, Wayne

I thought they mentioned you might have come? I look forward to meeting you Wayne, and suspect you will find your way to the homeland no doubt :-)

AP does it best! Just like the watches they produce…quality icons!

At APRP, we were able to see projects they work on for other brands like Cartier, RM, etc. Giulio and his staff were quite accommodating to all of our questions, and the watchmakers really have you feel welcomed, even as you continually peer over their sh... 

Appreciate the report, MichaelC. M4

.. Having met Mr. Papi in Tokyo, I have wanted to visit his atelier for a long time. Very nice complete report and very much appreciated. Felt like I were there! Ken

When you speak with him, it is as though you grew up as childhood friends. I really enjoy his commentary.

It is always a pleasure to meet Giulio Papi, he is always very available for collectors and watches fans and it is fascinating to listen to him. Fx

And I replied just about the same to Ken above. He is very receptive and never rushed. He takes his time with everyone.

Small and delicate movement parts... And the work of the people behind our watches, too. Superb article, my friend. What is this Watch with a tonneau shpaed case? AP??? Best, Nicolas.

And no doubt this sort of magic is performed at many manufactures. To see it up close is always special and never repetitive. The tonneau piece was a Richard Mille, although I do not recall the specific reference.

Thanks Michael for the great photos of your visit. Reminds me of my trip to Renaud ad Papi during a PuristS trip back in late 2008. Great memories meeting the talented staff there. Regards, ED-209

Those guys are real craftsmen, turning those raw materials not such amazing watches - amazing!

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Thank you for this great visit summary! I love this concept GMT!!!

Notice the chair they use even has a Royal Oak dial guilloche design. Thanks for the report!