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orangedial · 10 August 2015, 05:52 PM

A Singapore flag was flying outside AP’s HQ… What a hospitality!!!

Read Part 1 here: http://50.30.33.71/~trfcom/showthread.php?t=427087

The programme for our first day in Le Brassus was an intensive one. The first stop was to visit the museum, the high complication workshop as well as the Atelier de Restauration, all housed in the original AP building in Le Brassus. As some parts of the museums and facilities were not allowed to be photographed, and there were simply too many fascinating stuff to the extend of overwhelming, I could only share what I managed/bothered/allowed to see and shoot. This photo essay is thus rather candid with my personal experience about the tour… no heavy details of history and watch models which could be found in books and catalogues!

Let’s go to the museum! ;)

================================================== ==============

Day 2 - AP Museum, High Complication Workshop & Atelier de Restauration

It was a beautiful sunny day with perfect blue sky and nice summer greenery all around the valley. A slow walk up-slope towards the AP main building couldn’t be more pleasant in a low 20s-degC temperature. It felt like being wrapped around in the AP excitement!

AP in Le Brassus in a perfect summer day

A big AP logo on the slope opposite the main building. AP is all around…

The door @ Route de France 16, Le Brassus

I’m here, AP!

Entrance to the AP Museum. This iconic Royal Oak clock should be one of the most photographed items in Le Brassus :D

OK… I supposed there are some rules to follow…

There is a void here… We visited a section of the museum right after the briefing but due to the strict photo-taking policy, I’m unable to share some interesting stuff here. However, you don’t miss much here because what is coming up next would be more fascinating ;)

By the way, our tour guide Carolina explained how the watch-making industry was developed back in the 19th century in Le Brassus. It was all started in the winters in the mid 1800s when the farmers had nothing to do during the harsh weather, so they began to explore the art of watch-making as another form of livelihood. With traders from the nearby Geneva travelled to & fro across Vallee de Joux to bring in watch-making knowledges as well as transporting the watches from Le Brassus for sale in Geneva, the watch-making industry was blossomed and many brands were thus born or set up major R&D and manufacturing facilities in Le Brassus. There are also many smaller workshops producing watch parts, case & movement finishing, etc in the valley. Vallee de Joux and Le Brassus has since become a major watch-making powerhouse in Switzerland, with some of the most fascinating complications being produced.

So, here we are! The High Complication Workshop! This is where all the high complication pieces were assembled and tested. Only a few qualified watchmakers can work here.

Customised skeletonised components… Utmost attention and concentration was rendered by this very down-to-earth watchmaker to ensure best quality. It was really reassuring to be able to see these watchmakers work in real life.

There are a few tourbillon watches being displayed for us to admire. Some were historical pieces while the rest were the latest production models under QC testing. They were simply AMAZING! Check them out!

A classic Jules Audemars Tourbillon with a porcelain white dial in a yellow gold case and bracelet. Where is the crown?

The world’s first tourbillon wristwatch was introduced in 1986!

I believe this is still the slimmest tourbillon wristwatch till date…

The Edward Piguet Tourbillon with a Quartz bridge

Another Edward Piguet Tourbillon. Gotta love those Breguet numerals!

The new 2015 Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph in sand-boasted titanium case and skeletonised movement… This one is gorgeous and lightweight!

AP doesn’t have in-house chronograph movement? Think again… they are not easily affordable though!

The new 2015 Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Chronograph in titanium and a brown accent dial. It’s an ultimate stylish piece!

The similar Concept Tourbillon Chronograph in rose gold case. The purpose coating are applied for protection of the case during testing.

Look at the prominent column wheel and the carbon bridges… the movement is an art.

One of my most favourite timepiece in the AP collection: the Jules Audemars Tourbillon Chronograph with Minute Repeater! The black guilloche dial with roman numerals set in a classical JA round case is so breathtaking to look at!

What a sight to behold… The column wheel, the gongs and hammers, the golden wheels and the beautifully decorated baseplate and bridges… heavenly!

It was hard to describe my feelings as I was inspecting those amazing high complication timepieces. It was overwhelming. Before proceeding to the next section of the museum, I took a quick shot of the group of master watchmakers in the High Complication Workshop. They all have dedicated at least 2 decades of their life in AP to reach where they are. It was indeed a pleasure to be able to meet the men behind those most complex timepieces of AP.

=== End of Part 2 ===

HL65 · 10 August 2015, 08:26 PM

Wow amazing shots and another amazing trip!

Cru Jones · 10 August 2015, 08:42 PM

fantastic!!

AS1 · 10 August 2015, 08:42 PM

absolutely amazing photos. your trip report threads have been first class!

Marcela · 10 August 2015, 08:53 PM

Amazing!
Thank you again for taking the time to share this fantastic experience with us

1st amg · 10 August 2015, 09:38 PM

Wow, nice pics of the heart and soul of AP. Those men who sit there for hours everyday really need to be admired.

dr.ns23 · 10 August 2015, 09:45 PM

Amazing, thanks for sharing with us. Please tell us there is Part 3!!!

malarky_hk · 10 August 2015, 10:21 PM

I'm soooooo jealous!

csi-n · 10 August 2015, 10:32 PM

Very impressive...thanks very much!

Sam

kilyung · 10 August 2015, 10:41 PM

Awesome report!!

texex91 · 10 August 2015, 10:53 PM

All looks very familiar--I wish I were back there again!

benlee · 10 August 2015, 11:00 PM

Super nice Wayne!

Bring back all the memories.

nick c · 10 August 2015, 11:32 PM

Everything is wow

orangedial · 11 August 2015, 12:05 AM

I wish to make a clarification in the report above:

AP has made the world's first AUTOMATIC tourbillon wristwatch in 1986.
I believe it is still one of the slimmest automatic tourbillon wristwatches till date.

Moderator, I don't have the rights to edit my report. May I trouble you to help editing it with my clarification above?
Thanks!

Best,
Wayne

wach16 · 11 August 2015, 01:59 AM

Unbelievable...Thanks for sharing!

Prestige_Swiss · 11 August 2015, 02:40 AM

Absolutely awesome. Was waiting patiently for part 2

I would love to see an Openworked Grand Complication. I just want to hear the minute repeater in person. Ive heard it on videos but I would love to experience it in person. I will keep checking back for more photos of your experience. Thanks for sharing

Mbbgysam · 11 August 2015, 03:40 AM

Lovely photos!

Anyone else notice the J serial on that Tourbillon Chrono?

texex91 · 11 August 2015, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbbgysam

Lovely photos!

Anyone else notice the J serial on that Tourbillon Chrono?

I did notice that as well...looks like change over is coming

Mbbgysam · 12 August 2015, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texex91

I did notice that as well...looks like change over is coming

My thoughts exactly. Seems like just yesterday that I serials started showing up!

conkers · 11 August 2015, 08:52 AM

So what did you buy? ��

Snow-Dweller · 11 August 2015, 09:33 AM

Fantastic. Thank you.

jjnd08 · 11 August 2015, 11:11 AM

What a trip! Love this photo journey!

APRolex · 11 August 2015, 11:00 PM

Beautiful Shots Wayne ! no one on TRF is better. Loved both reports. Keep up the great work.

APRolex · 11 August 2015, 11:01 PM

bayerische · 12 August 2015, 05:14 PM

Wowsa!

SamGMT · 12 August 2015, 05:21 PM

Awesome!!!

Colin W · 13 August 2015, 08:09 AM

Great Report - some spectacular eye candy on display with those pieces😄

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

111forza · 14 August 2015, 05:44 AM

Love it

Hairdude1 · 14 August 2015, 12:13 PM

Amazing! Great shots Wayne!!

B. Doggy · 16 August 2015, 04:08 AM

Thanks for sharing another one!

10 August 2015, 05:52 PM	#1
orangedial "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Wayne Location: Singapore Watch: AP, PP, Rolex Posts: 1,791	A Dream Visit to AP in Le Brassus, Switzerland - Part 2 A Singapore flag was flying outside AP’s HQ… What a hospitality!!! Read Part 1 here: http://50.30.33.71/~trfcom/showthread.php?t=427087 The programme for our first day in Le Brassus was an intensive one. The first stop was to visit the museum, the high complication workshop as well as the Atelier de Restauration, all housed in the original AP building in Le Brassus. As some parts of the museums and facilities were not allowed to be photographed, and there were simply too many fascinating stuff to the extend of overwhelming, I could only share what I managed/bothered/allowed to see and shoot. This photo essay is thus rather candid with my personal experience about the tour… no heavy details of history and watch models which could be found in books and catalogues! Let’s go to the museum! ;) ================================================== ============== Day 2 - AP Museum, High Complication Workshop & Atelier de Restauration It was a beautiful sunny day with perfect blue sky and nice summer greenery all around the valley. A slow walk up-slope towards the AP main building couldn’t be more pleasant in a low 20s-degC temperature. It felt like being wrapped around in the AP excitement! AP in Le Brassus in a perfect summer day A big AP logo on the slope opposite the main building. AP is all around… The door @ Route de France 16, Le Brassus I’m here, AP! Entrance to the AP Museum. This iconic Royal Oak clock should be one of the most photographed items in Le Brassus :D OK… I supposed there are some rules to follow… There is a void here… We visited a section of the museum right after the briefing but due to the strict photo-taking policy, I’m unable to share some interesting stuff here. However, you don’t miss much here because what is coming up next would be more fascinating ;) By the way, our tour guide Carolina explained how the watch-making industry was developed back in the 19th century in Le Brassus. It was all started in the winters in the mid 1800s when the farmers had nothing to do during the harsh weather, so they began to explore the art of watch-making as another form of livelihood. With traders from the nearby Geneva travelled to & fro across Vallee de Joux to bring in watch-making knowledges as well as transporting the watches from Le Brassus for sale in Geneva, the watch-making industry was blossomed and many brands were thus born or set up major R&D and manufacturing facilities in Le Brassus. There are also many smaller workshops producing watch parts, case & movement finishing, etc in the valley. Vallee de Joux and Le Brassus has since become a major watch-making powerhouse in Switzerland, with some of the most fascinating complications being produced. So, here we are! The High Complication Workshop! This is where all the high complication pieces were assembled and tested. Only a few qualified watchmakers can work here. Customised skeletonised components… Utmost attention and concentration was rendered by this very down-to-earth watchmaker to ensure best quality. It was really reassuring to be able to see these watchmakers work in real life. There are a few tourbillon watches being displayed for us to admire. Some were historical pieces while the rest were the latest production models under QC testing. They were simply AMAZING! Check them out! A classic Jules Audemars Tourbillon with a porcelain white dial in a yellow gold case and bracelet. Where is the crown? The world’s first tourbillon wristwatch was introduced in 1986! I believe this is still the slimmest tourbillon wristwatch till date… The Edward Piguet Tourbillon with a Quartz bridge Another Edward Piguet Tourbillon. Gotta love those Breguet numerals! The new 2015 Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph in sand-boasted titanium case and skeletonised movement… This one is gorgeous and lightweight! AP doesn’t have in-house chronograph movement? Think again… they are not easily affordable though! The new 2015 Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Chronograph in titanium and a brown accent dial. It’s an ultimate stylish piece! The similar Concept Tourbillon Chronograph in rose gold case. The purpose coating are applied for protection of the case during testing. Look at the prominent column wheel and the carbon bridges… the movement is an art. One of my most favourite timepiece in the AP collection: the Jules Audemars Tourbillon Chronograph with Minute Repeater! The black guilloche dial with roman numerals set in a classical JA round case is so breathtaking to look at! What a sight to behold… The column wheel, the gongs and hammers, the golden wheels and the beautifully decorated baseplate and bridges… heavenly! It was hard to describe my feelings as I was inspecting those amazing high complication timepieces. It was overwhelming. Before proceeding to the next section of the museum, I took a quick shot of the group of master watchmakers in the High Complication Workshop. They all have dedicated at least 2 decades of their life in AP to reach where they are. It was indeed a pleasure to be able to meet the men behind those most complex timepieces of AP. === End of Part 2 ===

10 August 2015, 08:26 PM	#2
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,005	Wow amazing shots and another amazing trip! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

10 August 2015, 08:53 PM	#5
Marcela "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1,473	Amazing! Thank you again for taking the time to share this fantastic experience with us __________________ "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same"

11 August 2015, 02:40 AM	#16
Prestige_Swiss "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: John Location: Texas Watch: 126610LN Posts: 1,279	Absolutely awesome. Was waiting patiently for part 2 I would love to see an Openworked Grand Complication. I just want to hear the minute repeater in person. Ive heard it on videos but I would love to experience it in person. I will keep checking back for more photos of your experience. Thanks for sharing __________________ ________________ Present: 126610LN “You can have everything in life you want, if you’ll just help enough other people get what they want.” -Ziglar

11 August 2015, 09:33 AM	#21
Snow-Dweller 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Clive Location: The Alps Watch: collections change Posts: 6,284	Fantastic. Thank you. __________________ . The path from WIShood to WISdom can have many turnings... ——————————————————————————————————— . 16803. 16570. 18038. 114300. GMW-B5000D.

10 August 2015, 08:42 PM	#3
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,297	fantastic!!

10 August 2015, 08:42 PM	#4
AS1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: NYC / Milan Watch: 6263 Posts: 3,938	absolutely amazing photos. your trip report threads have been first class!

10 August 2015, 09:38 PM	#6
1st amg 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: nicholas Location: ottawa canada Watch: Rolex,AP,Panerai Posts: 10,406	Wow, nice pics of the heart and soul of AP. Those men who sit there for hours everyday really need to be admired.

10 August 2015, 09:45 PM	#7
dr.ns23 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Somewhere Watch: 15202 Posts: 436	Amazing, thanks for sharing with us. Please tell us there is Part 3!!!

10 August 2015, 10:21 PM	#8
malarky_hk "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: ... Watch: Rolex Posts: 4,466	I'm soooooo jealous!

10 August 2015, 10:32 PM	#9
csi-n "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Sam Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,042	Very impressive...thanks very much! Sam

10 August 2015, 10:41 PM	#10
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	Awesome report!!

10 August 2015, 10:53 PM	#11
texex91 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: . Posts: 17,898	All looks very familiar--I wish I were back there again!

10 August 2015, 11:00 PM	#12
benlee "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Ben Location: SIN & JKT Watch: Rolex, AP, PP Posts: 9,874	Super nice Wayne! Bring back all the memories.

10 August 2015, 11:32 PM	#13
nick c Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 26,846	Everything is wow

11 August 2015, 12:05 AM	#14
orangedial "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Wayne Location: Singapore Watch: AP, PP, Rolex Posts: 1,791	I wish to make a clarification in the report above: AP has made the world's first AUTOMATIC tourbillon wristwatch in 1986. I believe it is still one of the slimmest automatic tourbillon wristwatches till date. Moderator, I don't have the rights to edit my report. May I trouble you to help editing it with my clarification above? Thanks! Best, Wayne

11 August 2015, 01:59 AM	#15
wach16 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: NH Watch: 228239, PAM00684 Posts: 2,121	Unbelievable...Thanks for sharing!

11 August 2015, 03:40 AM	#17
Mbbgysam 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: USA Posts: 1,065	Lovely photos! Anyone else notice the J serial on that Tourbillon Chrono?

11 August 2015, 08:52 AM	#20
conkers "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Roger Location: Hong Kong Watch: Too many! Posts: 6,116	So what did you buy? ��

11 August 2015, 11:11 AM	#22
jjnd08 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: United States Posts: 8,615	What a trip! Love this photo journey! __________________ ---------------------- Instagram: watchesandchickensandwiches

11 August 2015, 11:00 PM	#23
APRolex Banned Join Date: Sep 2014 Real Name: Sam Location: NYC Watch: AP Perp Skeleton Posts: 1,071	Beautiful Shots Wayne ! no one on TRF is better. Loved both reports. Keep up the great work.

11 August 2015, 11:01 PM	#24
APRolex Banned Join Date: Sep 2014 Real Name: Sam Location: NYC Watch: AP Perp Skeleton Posts: 1,071

12 August 2015, 05:14 PM	#25
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	Wowsa! __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

12 August 2015, 05:21 PM	#26
SamGMT "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Sam Location: Singapore Watch: Audemars Piguet Posts: 1,689	Awesome!!!

13 August 2015, 08:09 AM	#27
Colin W "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: UK Posts: 1,314	Great Report - some spectacular eye candy on display with those pieces😄 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________

14 August 2015, 05:44 AM	#28
111forza "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: uk Posts: 2,667	Love it

14 August 2015, 12:13 PM	#29
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Amazing! Great shots Wayne!! __________________ Instagram: @Hairdude Watches in Collection 5070R, 5522A, 214270 MK1, 228238 16750, 26401, 5711, 116718, 116710LN, 116300, 16710"Coke", 372, 15300, 15703 (All Flipped) Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member 'WIS-CON' Las Vegas Int'l GTG 2018

16 August 2015, 04:08 AM	#30
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	Thanks for sharing another one! __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

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