Audemars Piguet

Hi. I see far too many AP's where the angle of polishing does not look good.

Specifically, the case edge angle/width compared to the first link of the bracelet. Sometimes the edge on the case is very wide and the link angle is still thin, totally does not match.

When I sent a watch to AP servicing, I received the watch in perfect condition with good polishing, angles match perfectly. So the watches I see online, did these watches got polished by some unauthorised watchmaker or something? I can't believe AP can do such basic mistakes (my theory is that the case and bracelet are polished separately, so when the parts are put together again the angles are more obvious). I'm asking because I'm honestly worried that the QA for re-finishing is not good enough. Curious to know your experiences. Thanks!

I've seen so many jobs that look worse than and honestly worn watch! I'd avoid it like the plague.

....."watchmakers" can polish off sharp edges. Even worse are all the molested Heuer Monaco 1133 models with rounded lines.

Those first two are really bad

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Really good to know. Sorry to hear about your experiences with PP. didn't expect the QA can be so bad!

They offered free polishing as part of the maintenance servicing. Bad decision on my part, should have said no as there were negligible marks on it. Watch came back without one of the hallmarks on the back of one lug. It's unbelievable!

I have a couple of Offshores which occasionally go to AP for servicing. I request a clean and de-gunk only, no polishing or refinishing. The titanium is more daily wearer and has stood up pretty well over 4+ years.

It is very hard to reproduce the same quality of the finish as when the watch was first manufactured. That is because the initial finish is done by someone that only does that particular part of the watch, day in day out. I doubt very much any authorised centre (AP, PP, etc) will have anyone of that skill who does the same job everyday, particularly these days that the brands have become very sloppy when it comes to the service. I will never risk it again, I will either live with the marks and irregularities or sell the watch on.

That is why you should only use one if you ever need refinishing.  Of course, the metal can only be worked a few times at most, but AP does not round over bezels and make huge polished areas on the lugs.

I am tough on watches. Each was returned in better than new condition, they do take their time but the result has been perfection for me. I am sending another 5 year old RO next week.