Caring for Audemars Piguet Watch Collection

Audemars Piguet, the luxury Swiss watchmaker, was established in 1875 in the modest village of Le Brassus in Switzerland. The brand is widely recognized for its creativity and quality workmanship. It has been producing some of the best wrist-worn watches all over the globe. In this article, we’re going to discuss the details of taking care of the Audemars Piguet watch collection. Get the nuts and bolts on how to keep luxury timepieces ticking and tocking for years.

Understanding Your Audemars Piguet Collection

Materials and Construction

Audemars Piguet watches are made with top-quality materials that can be found on the market. Cases in many models are manufactured from metals like 18-karat gold, platinum, or even high-grade stainless steel. For instance, the Royal Oak collection, which is one of the most famous collections of the brand, frequently uses both stainless steel and gold. The dial windows are usually surrounded by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It is very clear and hard.

Bracelets and straps are different in various AP models. Some feature metal bracelets that are made from the same material as the case. Other pieces come with high-quality leather straps. There are interchangeable rubber straps for Audemars Piguet for everyday use. The use of certain materials also determines the appearance of the luxury watch, as well as its maintenance characteristics.

Movement Types and Water Resistance

Audemars Piguet has always been associated with mechanical movements: hand-wound and automatic. Such complex systems pose some difficulties in the maintenance of their precision. Some models, especially in the women’s collections, may come with quartz movements for better accuracy.

Water resistance varies across different models as well. There are Audemars Piguet watches that are water resistant to a depth of 300 meters. And some models provide quite limited water protection. Understanding your watch’s water resistance ensures the piece will last long and work effectively in water environments.

Daily Care and Maintenance

Wearing Habits

When taking your AP watch on or off, be very careful not to apply much force on the strap. In the case of watches with leather straps, avoid washing your hands with water or sweating, as this can damage the leather strap.

Switch between wearing different watches from your collection from time to time. It will let you wear all your timepieces on special occasions to get to the frontline of the event. Also, let automatic watches remain wound and mechanical parts lubricated.

Cleaning Techniques

Clean your Audemars Piguet watch on a regular basis so that it remains in its top-shelf state. Metallic cases and bracelets should be cleaned with a soft, non abrasive, lint-free cloth that is dampened with water. Areas between links need particular focus because debris may gather there.

The crystal requires delicate handling to avoid scratches. To remove smudges and fingerprints, dampen a microfiber cloth slightly and wipe the surface gently. For stubborn marks, add some water to the cloth, but don’t let any water seep into the case of the timepiece.

Leather straps should be wiped with a clean cloth. This will remove dirt that sits on the surface of the AP straps. Don’t wet the leather directly, as this can permanently mar the material. Use soap or other cleaners instead.

Storage Recommendations

When Audemars Piguet watches are not in use, they should be kept in a cool and dry place. Most importantly, the watches should not be placed under direct sunlight. If possible, put the high-end timepieces in their original box. Otherwise, invest in a good-quality watch box with separate slots for each watch. This will prevent the goods from rubbing against each other.

As for mechanical watches, use a watch winder in order to keep the movement going and prevent lubricants from settling.

Avoiding Potential Hazards

Avoid exposing your Audemars Piguet to very hot or cold temperatures – the lubricants and the gaskets may be affected. Don’t take the AP watch near strong magnetic fields, as these will affect the movement. During sports or any physically intensive activities, it is advisable to take off your luxury watch to prevent accidental damage.

Winding and Setting

Manual Winding Procedures

For manually wound Audemars Piguet watches, establish a routine of winding at the same time each day. Twist the crown clockwise until they stop to take more turns. Don’t overwind the movement as this may lead to damage. The watch winding process should take between 20 to 30 turns to fully wind the watch.

Automatic Winding Considerations

Automatic watches wind themselves through the natural motion of your wrist. However, if the timepiece hasn’t been used for a long time, then you may need it to wind by hand at first. Spin the crown roughly 20 times to allow the movement to build up an initial power reserve.

Setting Time and Date

When setting the time, always move the hands forward. If you need to set the watch back, move past the desired set time and then approach it from the forward direction. This practice helps to protect the movement from being affected.

 

For watches with a date function, don’t the date between 9 PM and 3 AM. This is when the date change mechanism is engaged. Adjusting during this period can damage the movement of your AP watch.

Precautions for Complicated Watches

Audemars Piguet actually offers a myriad of watches with such complications: perpetual calendar, chronograph, and minute repeater. These complications need more caution when fine tuning. Adhere to the guidelines provided for your AP watch model, and if you are uncertain, contact one of the authorized Audemars Piguet service centers.

Professional Servicing

Recommended Service Intervals

Mechanical watches, in particular, should be serviced every 4-5 years to guarantee their flawless functioning. For quartz models, battery change should be done every 2-3 years or when your timepiece shows signs of low power.

Signs That Service is Needed

Watch for signs that indicate your timepiece needs professional attention. Some of them may be reduced accuracy of the movement, the presence of moisture in the case, or any kind of sound coming from the piece. If the crown or pushers feel loose or difficult to operate, this also signals the need for service.

Choosing an Authorized Service Center

Maintenance and repairs should only be done at an authorized Audemars Piguet service center. These centers have all the needed skills, equipment, and genuine components required to service your luxury watch. Illegitimate repairs lead to the cancellation of the warranty and may also potentially decrease the watch’s value.

What to Expect During a Service

This includes dismantling the AP watch, washing, replacing any faulty component, reassembly and calibration as well as checking on water resistance. The service may take some time and can take up to several weeks.

Special Care for Different Models

Royal Oak Line

One of the most recognizable watches, the Royal Oak, has an octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. The model needs special care for its polished and brushed finish. Use gentle, linear motions when cleaning to avoid altering the finish. Pay extra attention to the spaces between the bracelet links, where dirt can accumulate.

Millenary Collection

The Millenary collection is characterized by an elliptical case and an off-centered dial. It may have exposed parts of the movement on the dial side. These watches should be washed gently to ensure that the visible parts are not tampered with or damaged in the process. When cleaning tight corners or other complicated spaces, use a soft brush so that you don’t harm the surface you’re cleaning.

Code 11.59 Series

The contemporary Code 11.59 series can include complicated case constructions and innovative materials. While cleaning the AP watch, focus on the unique case architecture. This includes the open-worked lugs and the junction between the bezel and case middle.

Vintage Pieces

Vintage Audemars Piguet watches are supposed to be handled with the utmost attention and care. Each of these timepieces is more than merely a watch, but a piece of horological history. Don’t polish the old cases since this process decreases their price. For cleaning, only the mildest products should be used.

Conclusion

Maintaining an Audemars Piguet collection is a fulfilling experience that ensures the value of these timepieces is retained. With regular maintenance, yearly services, and proper handling of each piece, the collectors continue wearing their high-end watches for even more years.

 

Feature Photo by Nikola on Unsplash