Independents

VdJ 2003 - Day Three (a.m.) - Audemars Piguet

 

After long day of fantastic visits away from the Vallee, we were quite pleased to stay in the area and visit one of the most respected houses in watchmaking, Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus.

A five to ten minute drive from the apartments had us at the door?s of AP for our scheduled morning tour. We were greeted by Martin Wehrli, a senior manager at AP who seems to have his hands in all AP activities. Martin gave us a brief history of the company, fielded some questions, and then lead us on our tour. The tour was extensive, seeing both new and old buildings, including visits to the design department, manufacture, various finishing and assembly workshops, the museum and restoration department for complicated pieces. Although we essentially had full access, there were several areas where photographs were understandably not allowed, e.g., prototypes, R&D, etc.

A special treat was the chance to view, handle and drool over the watches being exhibited in AP?s "Musical Hours" travelling exhibition of striking watches. These are watches made by Audemars Piguet or are from their rich lineage.

There is much that can be said about this visit, as AP has a tradition that is matched by few, but I will allow the following photographs do the talking. Thank you Martin and AP for your hospitality and giving us a first class tour.

Enjoy!

Welcomed by Martin Wehrli

Machining Royal Oak Case

Skeletonizing Movement Plate

Grande Complication (wristwatches) Workshop

Tourbillon Workshop

Complicated Restorations & Grand Complications Workshop (my favorite place)

Modern Grande Comp. Pocket

Examining Watches From ?Musical Hours? Exhibition

Louis Audemars Minute Repeater - 7 Ligne, ca. 1840 (smallest known to that date)

VdJ 2003 - Day Three (p.m.) was spent at Meylan Freres SA, which uses electro-erosion, CNC mills, stamps and the like to produce many parts for the watch industry. While an interesting visit, I didn't take any photos (conserving resourses for other visits ), so the next instalment will be from Sainte Croix.

So, please stay tuned for VdJ 2003 - Day Four (a.m) - Vianney Halter.

Cheers,

Curtis