Audemars Piguet Watch Maintenance and Care
Owning an Audemars Piguet (AP) watch is a statement of refined taste, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Whether you own a classic Royal Oak, a sophisticated Millenary, or a cutting-edge Royal Oak Offshore, the care and maintenance of these exceptional timepieces are crucial to preserving their beauty, functionality, and value.
Audemars Piguet watches are not only meticulously crafted but are also engineered to last for generations. However, like any fine mechanical object, proper maintenance and care are required to ensure the watch performs at its peak for years to come. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the essential aspects of maintaining, servicing, and caring for your Audemars Piguet watch, along with expert tips on how to keep your timepiece in pristine condition.
I. The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Audemars Piguet watches are precision instruments that require regular care to keep them running smoothly. Routine maintenance helps ensure that the watch continues to function correctly and retains its value. While the aesthetic appeal and technical prowess of an Audemars Piguet watch are immediately obvious, the movement—the heart of the watch—is an intricate piece of engineering that demands attention.
1. Why Regular Maintenance is Essential
Even though an Audemars Piguet watch is built to withstand daily wear, it is still a delicate mechanism that can be affected by a variety of factors. Regular maintenance ensures that the watch continues to function as intended and prevents issues from escalating into costly repairs. Some of the key reasons to adhere to a regular maintenance schedule include:
- Longevity of the Movement: Over time, the lubricants inside the movement can degrade, causing friction and potential damage. Regular servicing helps prevent this and ensures the watch’s accuracy.
- Water Resistance: Over time, seals can wear down, compromising the watch’s water resistance. A periodic check ensures that these seals remain intact.
- Preserving Value: Audemars Piguet watches are valuable assets, and maintaining them in excellent condition helps preserve their resale or inheritance value.
2. The Recommended Service Interval for Audemars Piguet Watches
Audemars Piguet recommends servicing their timepieces approximately every 5 to 7 years, depending on how frequently the watch is worn and the conditions it is exposed to. However, certain situations might necessitate more frequent servicing, such as:
- Exposure to water or extreme conditions (e.g., high humidity, sweat, etc.)
- Frequent use of chronograph functions or other complications
- Visible issues such as inaccurate timekeeping, erratic movement, or fogging beneath the crystal
Regularly servicing your watch ensures that any underlying issues are addressed before they develop into more serious problems.
II. How to Maintain an Audemars Piguet Watch
Proper daily maintenance is just as important as periodic servicing. Although Audemars Piguet watches are designed for durability, owners must take care to follow certain guidelines to ensure their timepieces remain in top condition. Here are essential tips for daily maintenance.
1. Winding the Watch
Audemars Piguet watches are automatic (self-winding) or manual wind, depending on the model. Automatic watches require minimal winding, as the movement of the wrist keeps the watch ticking. However, if the watch is not worn for several days, it can stop. To avoid this, it is recommended to wind the watch by hand at least 20-30 times before wearing it. For manual wind models, winding once a day is usually sufficient.
2. Storing Your Watch Properly
Proper storage plays a pivotal role in preserving the condition of your watch. Storing your Audemars Piguet correctly will protect it from dust, humidity, extreme temperatures, and magnetic fields—all of which can negatively affect the movement.
- Watch Box: Always store your watch in its original box or a high-quality watch winder when not in use. This helps prevent dust and dirt from accumulating and ensures that the watch remains in a controlled environment.
- Temperature: Keep your watch in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources like radiators.
- Magnetic Fields: Avoid storing your watch near electronic devices, such as smartphones, televisions, and computers, as these emit magnetic fields that can affect the timekeeping.
3. Cleaning and Polishing
While Audemars Piguet watches are designed to withstand everyday use, they require occasional cleaning to remove dirt, oils, and residue that accumulate on the case and strap. Cleaning is essential for maintaining the watch’s aesthetic appeal and preventing corrosion or deterioration.
- Cleaning the Case: Use a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the watch case. For stubborn stains or grime, dip the cloth in lukewarm water mixed with a mild soap solution. Dry the watch thoroughly afterward.
- Cleaning the Bracelet: For metal bracelets, you can use a soft brush (such as a toothbrush) to clean between the links. For leather straps, it is essential to avoid water and excessive moisture, as leather is a sensitive material that can degrade over time.
- Avoid Polishing: While it’s tempting to polish your watch to remove scratches, it’s best to leave that to a professional. Polishing can often alter the original finish and diminish the value of the watch.
4. Water Resistance and Seals
Audemars Piguet watches are water-resistant, but the level of resistance varies from model to model. It is crucial to keep an eye on the watch’s gaskets and seals, as these components can wear down over time, potentially allowing water to seep inside.
- Check Water Resistance: If your watch is exposed to water frequently (e.g., swimming or showering), it’s recommended to have its water resistance tested during each servicing. This is especially important for watches with screw-down crowns or screw-down pushers.
- Seal Replacement: If you notice condensation under the crystal or if the watch has been exposed to water more than usual, have the seals checked and replaced by a professional.
III. Professional Service and Repairs
Though routine care is important, some aspects of Audemars Piguet watch maintenance require professional attention. Understanding when to take your watch to a certified Audemars Piguet service center is critical to keeping your timepiece in excellent working condition.
1. Authorized Service Centers
Audemars Piguet strongly advises owners to have their watches serviced only at authorized service centers or authorized retailers. These service centers are staffed by highly trained technicians who are familiar with the intricacies of Audemars Piguet’s movements, materials, and craftsmanship.
- Genuine Parts: Authorized service centers use only genuine Audemars Piguet parts, ensuring that your watch maintains its authenticity and quality.
- Expert Technicians: These technicians are skilled in handling the complex movements of Audemars Piguet watches, ensuring that they remain in peak working condition.
2. Watch Servicing Process
The typical servicing process for an Audemars Piguet watch involves several key steps:
- Disassembly: The watch is carefully disassembled, and the movement is thoroughly examined.
- Cleaning: The individual components of the movement are cleaned and re-lubricated as necessary.
- Testing: The watch’s performance is tested, including timekeeping accuracy, power reserve, and water resistance.
- Reassembly: The watch is reassembled, and the case and bracelet are polished to restore their original appearance.
IV. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with the most meticulous care, issues can occasionally arise with your Audemars Piguet watch. Recognizing common problems early can help you avoid expensive repairs later.
1. Accuracy Issues
If your Audemars Piguet watch starts running fast or slow, it could be a sign that the movement needs servicing. It is important to address these issues early, as continued inaccurate timekeeping can cause other mechanical problems.
2. Fogging or Condensation Under the Crystal
Fogging or condensation under the crystal can occur if the watch’s water-resistant seals are compromised. If you notice this, take the watch to an authorized service center for inspection.
3. Damaged or Worn Straps
If your leather or rubber strap becomes damaged, it’s best to have it replaced with a genuine Audemars Piguet strap. Don’t attempt to repair it yourself, as improper handling may damage the watch further.
Conclusion: Preserving the Legacy of Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet watches are extraordinary pieces of engineering that require proper care and maintenance to ensure they continue to function at their best. By adhering to regular service intervals, taking steps to maintain your watch on a daily
basis, and having it professionally serviced when needed, you can preserve the value, aesthetic beauty, and technical precision of your timepiece.
Whether you’re the proud owner of a Royal Oak or a Millenary, maintaining your Audemars Piguet watch with the attention it deserves will ensure that it remains a timeless heirloom, a symbol of luxury, and a true masterpiece of horology.
