Ask AP Volume I: Community Questions — WatchProSite Forum Digest

MichaelC · 2014-09-16T13:33:32Z

Explore community questions for Audemars Piguet on topics like ceramic bezels, after-sales service, steel types, movement innovation, and future models.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

28 replies7796 views0 photos

MichaelC launched the inaugural 'Ask AP' series, inviting the WatchProSite community to pose questions directly to Audemars Piguet. This initiative aimed to foster a direct connection between collectors and the manufacture, promising insights from various AP experts, including historian Michael Friedman, on topics ranging from new collections to vintage pieces and brand expansion plans.

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Friends,

I am pleased to open the one week question session for our new series called "Ask AP".

For those of you who did not catch my post a few weeks ago, here is the idea. You can reply to this message with any question you have for Audemars Piguet. The answers will come from a variety of workers at the brand, and we will attempt to bring as much expertise to the answers as possible.

A few points to keep in mind:

- First and foremost, please be respectful. If you were having a friendly conversation with someone who worked for AP, would you ask the same question in person? That might be a reasonable guideline to follow. As with our PuristSPro discussion forums, we are not interested in specific questions on value or pricing.

- Not every question will be submitted for an answer. The overall goal here is to connect you, our members, directly with the brand. I am merely the middle man, and will organize our questions to present to AP. I suspect some of your questions will overlap and have similar themes, and I will attempt to condense them where possible. I have it in mind to submit about 8-10 questions per session. Not knowing how many replies we will have, I'll do my best to present a broad scope of topics.

Assuming this project goes well, it is my goal to present a few installments per year. It seems to make sense that a future installment could occur after the dust settles on SIHH and therefore be more theme specific, but for this initial session, all questions are in play. Keep in mind that includes AP History and vintage AP, and we have an amazing contact at the brand (AP Historian Michael Friedman) to lean on for such information. You have heard about AP's plans for expansion in Le Brassus, a new service center in the US, you are of course familiar with recently launched watch collections, etc. Lots of great topics to consider.

So have fun, be creative, and think over your questions for AP. I am not imposing a hard deadline of exactly 7 days, but plan to close this thread in 1 week. I think it is fine to converse with your fellow members in the thread, and hopefully the themes will develop as the thread grows.

AP is quite accommodating to participate with us. They are not on any sort of deadline for their answers, and I will need a little time to present them here. We might do that in batches, or as they are received. We'll figure it out as we go.

And now, time to add your questions!

This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2014-09-17 10:27:09 This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2014-09-24 10:35:26

Key Points from the Discussion

A collector inquired about the possibility of a ceramic bezel and crown for the new Offshore 42mm chronograph, suggesting it would enhance durability and reduce fragility.
Concerns were raised regarding Audemars Piguet's after-sales service, citing high prices, perceived fragility of movements like the 3120 in the 15400, and poor responsiveness to issues.
A user expressed a desire for micro-adjustability or quick-change features for bracelets on the Offshore and Royal Oak Chronograph models, noting these are desirable features in modern sport watches.
A question was posed regarding the exclusive surface treatment AP uses for its steel to achieve a more luminous appearance, requesting more information on this treatment and the specific grade of steel utilized by the manufacture.
A collector suggested making the steel, particularly the bezel, harder on Royal Oak models, as it is known to be a 'scratch magnet,' and speculated that AP likely does not use 904L steel.
A member shared an anecdote about a 3-month waiting period and a cash down deposit for an AP watch in Geneva, questioning if the opportunity cost was worth it despite the exquisite appearance.
A question was raised about the future development of the AP escapement, specifically whether it would be integrated into more watches, particularly those at more accessible price points, such as a 4101 with the AP escapement.
Inquiries were made about potential dial color options for the AP Diver and whether a 'destro' (left-handed) version would ever be produced, suggesting that reversing the crown for the inner bezel might make it a more practical tool watch.
Suggestions for improved customer service included offering an inclusive service package for new watches (e.g., 25-40 years), providing courtesy watches during service, and exploring a pay-for-use or subscription model of ownership.
Questions were raised about AP's plans to update existing movements with anti-magnetic hairsprings (e.g., putting a modern spring in a 2120) and the materials used for pallet jewels and escape wheels.

The Discussion

amanico

Sep 16, 2014

Is a Royal Oak Starwheel still in the tube? ;)

There were some rumors, a few years ago, about such a project. If the RO is not chosen for that project, will we have another Starwheel? Best, Nicolas

ED209

Sep 17, 2014

+1 where's our Starwheel?

Same question, would be interesting to get any hints on a new Starwheel. Regards, ED-209

cory

Sep 17, 2014

+3 where and what is coming for the Starwheel concept? [nt]

brandon1

Sep 16, 2014

Will we see more of the AP escapement?

Thanks for organizing this thread Michael! The AP escapement is, for me, the most exciting thing from AP. I would love to know if they are planning to develop this movement into more of their watches, especially those at more accessible price points. I would love to see a 4101, for example, with the AP escapement. Thank you! Brandon

Tony-GB

Sep 16, 2014

Thanks for this unique facility Michael and AP...

My question is about the Diver. Will it have dial colour options and will it ever be a destro? I have read the crown that operates the inner bezel is awkward with gloves and maybe reversing this will make it more of a tool/true divers equipment. Thanks again Tony

SALMANPK

Sep 16, 2014

Thank You Michael and AP...

Will AP consider releasing the Royal Oak (ref. 15202) in different materials other than the ones currently on offer (for e.g titanium with ceramic or ceramet bezel, carbon cases and so on etc.)? S

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