** ap trip to le brassus and geneva...come along with me **

[texex91]

Trip Wrap-up:

Well I flew back in late Friday night and have been ‘recovering’ since. I was exhausted, but in a good way.

There are several things this trip has done for me. First and foremost it has validated that there are other people just like me in the world that love watches and talking about watches. Being on TRF gives us all an outlet for this ‘sickness’. But, to actually meet people face-to-face and spend 24/7 with them for 4 days really makes me appreciate how close knit we are in the watch world. I met some great people on this trip and other TRF members like Spencer, Martin, and Joe to name a few. Talking watches during every conversation with the guys was just the best. We all have similar circumstances we have been through in buying/flipping/dreaming/enjoying and repeat again over and over. These guys are all class acts and a huge thank you to them for making the trip so fun!

Second, I now have another level of appreciation for AP. First the history is just amazing how the company came together, has grown, evolved and through all of that is still family owned. Spending the entire day at their manufacturing facility and walk through the entire process, now helps me understand how painstaking it can be to build just one watch. While the factory is large, it’s still small enough to give you a feeling of family, and the workmanship is incredible. From modern day interpretations to being able to send back ANY AP from the very first one, and they will fix it, is true dedication to customer satisfaction. Also the way AP cultivates the younger generation within watch making as fascinating. AP is so prestigious in the valley, that last year they had 650+ applications for their watch making apprenticeship, and only took 1 (yes you read that correct) 1 student. They only hire and retain the absolute best of the best.

Thirdly, seeing how much detail and attention go into these watches, the next time I wonder why I cannot get a anthracite dial in my AD’s inventory, I will remember how hard the components are to source, manufacture, Q&A and delivery in any mass quantity to meet the AP standards. AP did admit they has some issues in the past (due to fast growth) and they have 100% dedication from Francois to make sure growth in the future is slower, in order to keep up with the AP quality standards.

Fourth, I now have a true appreciation for how interconnected the entire Swiss economy is on the watch trade. From parts, tools, machines, engineering, manufacturing, materials, marketing, sales, distribution, etc…the Swiss LIVE watch making. Also they truly appreciate watch making. Everyone at AP wears an AP. The general public all buy what they can afford and wear it proudly—no matter the make or model. Fantastic to see this culture of horology everywhere we traveled in Switzerland.

Fifth, I have been asked what was the best part of the trip. That is a hard question to answer (outside of getting to meet the best group of guys), however at the end of the day, spending a half day with Mr. Papi was without a doubt the top of the trip for me. His passion, dedication and leadership of APRP shows. He WANTED to spend time with us, vs just saying hello and leaving. As a matter of fact there were several times he said “just 10 minutes more okay”—and we were like ABSOLUTELY! His personal story and journey helped me understand why he is SO passionate about what he does—and hence why he is such a visionary and the absolute best. He didn’t have to show us the V2 Schumi, but we probably spent 30+ minutes walking through the entire history of the watch, his meeting with Michael, showing us the watch personally and handling the watch as though it was no issue. Their manufacturing facility is the pinnacle of watch making (and yes you have to see it to know why I state that). For example, it took them 4 years just to source the Forged Carbon provider they wanted to use for V2. They could have used anyone, but Papi wanted the best and was willing to wait. The R&D is second to none in the industry—period. A huge thank you to Mr. Papi for being so gracious with his time and even spending lunch with us in town—very rare on these sorts of tours, but he could see how enthusiastic we were.

Sixth, while everything was taken care of on the trip from the time we left our houses, hanging out in Switzerland will give you a true appreciation for what expensive really is…$100 cigars, $25 coffee, 10 minute $100 taxi ride, etc, etc. I have no clue how these people afford to live here, but it’s without a doubt the most expensive country I have ever traveled. However, what an absolutely beautiful place to visit, extremely friendly people (well unless you get outside on the wrong side of the cab—right Martin LOL) and just so international. Very beautiful country and if I had the opportunity I would go back on vacation.

Lastly, thank you to Audemars Piguet and Govberg Jewelers (George Mayer and Brian Govberg were THE hosts of all hosts) for making this first class trip happen. When I say we didn’t pull out our wallet the entire time, I mean it. The last day I stayed over a day was the only time. The tours, meetings, dinners, hotel, airfare, wine, food, transportation, lunch, cigars, after hour parties, and the list goes on…all taken care of by our two wonderful hosts. This trip was without a doubt a once in a lifetime trip and AP and Govberg made it a memory that I will cherish forever. It goes to show you some AD’s still know the meaning of the term ‘relationship’ and loyalty to their customer base. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope everyone enjoyed the trip log as much as I enjoyed publishing it everyday. It was fun having ALL of you along vicariously and your enthusiasm was fantastic—so thank YOU TRF members for this trip as well.

Cheers,
Paul

[tcheeco]

Thank you too Paul for bringing all of us with you in this trip... Honestly I feel like I was there.
Great write up... So thx again

[HL65]

Originally Posted by texex91

Trip Wrap-up:

Well I flew back in late Friday night and have been ‘recovering’ since. I was exhausted, but in a good way.

There are several things this trip has done for me. First and foremost it has validated that there are other people just like me in the world that love watches and talking about watches. Being on TRF gives us all an outlet for this ‘sickness’. But, to actually meet people face-to-face and spend 24/7 with them for 4 days really makes me appreciate how close knit we are in the watch world. I met some great people on this trip and other TRF members like Spencer, Martin, and Joe to name a few. Talking watches during every conversation with the guys was just the best. We all have similar circumstances we have been through in buying/flipping/dreaming/enjoying and repeat again over and over. These guys are all class acts and a huge thank you to them for making the trip so fun!

Second, I now have another level of appreciation for AP. First the history is just amazing how the company came together, has grown, evolved and through all of that is still family owned. Spending the entire day at their manufacturing facility and walk through the entire process, now helps me understand how painstaking it can be to build just one watch. While the factory is large, it’s still small enough to give you a feeling of family, and the workmanship is incredible. From modern day interpretations to being able to send back ANY AP from the very first one, and they will fix it, is true dedication to customer satisfaction. Also the way AP cultivates the younger generation within watch making as fascinating. AP is so prestigious in the valley, that last year they had 650+ applications for their watch making apprenticeship, and only took 1 (yes you read that correct) 1 student. They only hire and retain the absolute best of the best.

Thirdly, seeing how much detail and attention go into these watches, the next time I wonder why I cannot get a anthracite dial in my AD’s inventory, I will remember how hard the components are to source, manufacture, Q&A and delivery in any mass quantity to meet the AP standards. AP did admit they has some issues in the past (due to fast growth) and they have 100% dedication from Francois to make sure growth in the future is slower, in order to keep up with the AP quality standards.

Fourth, I now have a true appreciation for how interconnected the entire Swiss economy is on the watch trade. From parts, tools, machines, engineering, manufacturing, materials, marketing, sales, distribution, etc…the Swiss LIVE watch making. Also they truly appreciate watch making. Everyone at AP wears an AP. The general public all buy what they can afford and wear it proudly—no matter the make or model. Fantastic to see this culture of horology everywhere we traveled in Switzerland.

Fifth, I have been asked what was the best part of the trip. That is a hard question to answer (outside of getting to meet the best group of guys), however at the end of the day, spending a half day with Mr. Papi was without a doubt the top of the trip for me. His passion, dedication and leadership of APRP shows. He WANTED to spend time with us, vs just saying hello and leaving. As a matter of fact there were several times he said “just 10 minutes more okay”—and we were like ABSOLUTELY! His personal story and journey helped me understand why he is SO passionate about what he does—and hence why he is such a visionary and the absolute best. He didn’t have to show us the V2 Schumi, but we probably spent 30+ minutes walking through the entire history of the watch, his meeting with Michael, showing us the watch personally and handling the watch as though it was no issue. Their manufacturing facility is the pinnacle of watch making (and yes you have to see it to know why I state that). For example, it took them 4 years just to source the Forged Carbon provider they wanted to use for V2. They could have used anyone, but Papi wanted the best and was willing to wait. The R&D is second to none in the industry—period. A huge thank you to Mr. Papi for being so gracious with his time and even spending lunch with us in town—very rare on these sorts of tours, but he could see how enthusiastic we were.

Sixth, while everything was taken care of on the trip from the time we left our houses, hanging out in Switzerland will give you a true appreciation for what expensive really is…$100 cigars, $25 coffee, 10 minute $100 taxi ride, etc, etc. I have no clue how these people afford to live here, but it’s without a doubt the most expensive country I have ever traveled. However, what an absolutely beautiful place to visit, extremely friendly people (well unless you get outside on the wrong side of the cab—right Martin LOL) and just so international. Very beautiful country and if I had the opportunity I would go back on vacation.

Lastly, thank you to Audemars Piguet and Govberg Jewelers (George Mayer and Brian Govberg were THE hosts of all hosts) for making this first class trip happen. When I say we didn’t pull out our wallet the entire time, I mean it. The last day I stayed over a day was the only time. The tours, meetings, dinners, hotel, airfare, wine, food, transportation, lunch, cigars, after hour parties, and the list goes on…all taken care of by our two wonderful hosts. This trip was without a doubt a once in a lifetime trip and AP and Govberg made it a memory that I will cherish forever. It goes to show you some AD’s still know the meaning of the term ‘relationship’ and loyalty to their customer base. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope everyone enjoyed the trip log as much as I enjoyed publishing it everyday. It was fun having ALL of you along vicariously and your enthusiasm was fantastic—so thank YOU TRF members for this trip as well.

Cheers,
Paul

Thanks for taking the time to share such a detailed time consuming report for us. Clearly we can see and feel your passion for the trip and the brand. Glad you got to experience it and as did we thru your posts.

[travisb]

Really enjoyed this!

[csi-n]

Thank you again, Paul. Truly a trip of a lifetime.


Sam

[SamGMT]

Thank you Paul for sharing with us!! Simply amazing trip!!

[orangedial]

Lovely report! Thanks once again, Paul. I really like your wrap-up summary, and I can really feel the joy and appreciation in you as a WIS for such a fantastic trip. Can't wait for my visit to Le Brassus soon

[edo]

Reports like this make TRF best watch forum on whole www...

Thanks Paul...

[Jakx]

Thanks for the report and the very favorable impression you have of the cantons de Vaud and Geneva. You are so right about the interconnectedness of the industry and how average folks do care about their watches.

[conkers]

Thanks Paul for a great write up. However, there is one glaring omission - as a result of your trip, what is your next incoming????

[s14roller]

Originally Posted by conkers

Thanks Paul for a great write up. However, there is one glaring omission - as a result of your trip, what is your next incoming????

Great trip, Paul. I'm sure you have a new-found love for AP and other top-end Swiss manufactures.

[GB-man]

Perfect summation Paul. There has to be an AP up your sleeve now

[texex91]

Originally Posted by conkers

Thanks Paul for a great write up. However, there is one glaring omission - as a result of your trip, what is your next incoming????

Well after some some show stoping pieces (Schumi V2)--the bar is high. However, right now I have a couple of other watches on the must buy list. I did request a 44mm anthracite be built for me, so we'll see.

Would LOVE a V2, but the $250k can be used for some other things right now. AP has some simply amazing pieces--especially the ones PAPI designs

[Racerdj]

Fantastic write-up! One which I will remember for a long time. Yes, George and Govberg are a class act which I have been fortunate to have done quite a few deals with!

[el1125]

Excellent write up Paul. Thank you. Love the brand.

[conkers]

Originally Posted by texex91

Well after some some show stoping pieces (Schumi V2)--the bar is high. However, right now I have a couple of other watches on the must buy list. I did request a 44mm anthracite be built for me, so we'll see.

Would LOVE a V2, but the $250k can be used for some other things right now. AP has some simply amazing pieces--especially the ones PAPI designs

We await incoming thread with bated breath！

[MP5]

Hey Paul did you happen to pick me up one of those black dialed ROCs they were assembling?

[benlee]

Enjoyed your trip report thoroughly. Well done and thanks so much for the effort!

[Cru Jones]

excellent wrap up, thanks.

[PanosI]

Paul, thank you a lot for sharing your great experience with all of us. Good job from a passionate WIS to TRF community

[texex91]

Thank you guys--it was a pleasure!

As to incoming Roger...you may be surprised...

[jjnd08]

Really appreciate the write up and all the pictures, Paul!

Definitely helps me have a better understanding and appreciation for the brand. I also liked how AP was willing to show all of this to their customers.

[yyzpam]

Thanks for sharing. Your pictures and descriptions reminded me just how special the brand is and why I keep coming back to it every time I start thinking about a new watch.

[mfer]

Thanks for sharing Paul. Truly well done.

[Colin W]

Great stuff Paul - thx for taking the time & effort to report your amazing experience at AP. 👏👍


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wmh2]

Thanks again for sharing such an awesome journey!

[TimeOnHand]

Yes thank you Paul for sharing this great adventure with all of us. Thank you for taking the time to write and post!
Cheers!

[Epwerkz]

thnx so much paul for the review etc..appreciate it :)

[incontrol]

Thanks again Paul for taking us on this adventure with you! I think we all have a heightened appreciation for AP!

[FightOnSC!]

Originally Posted by texex91

Fantastic trip Spencer--it was such a great time meeting new friends such as yourself

Count me in...tequila shots in LA.