THE 10 STEPS OF COMPLETE MAINTENANCE SERVICE
STEP 1
REGISTRATION, IDENTIFICATION & DIAGNOSIS
Your watch is photographed when it arrives and is registered in our computer system along with your comments and observations about its timekeeping. Your timepiece has two unique numbers that make it individual. The first is etched on the movement mainplate, the second, alphanumeric, is on the case back. These numbers form a confidential combination that unequivocally identifies your watch and ensures its traceability especially in the event of theft. They are shown in the Manufacture’s registers. Before servicing starts, your watch and its movement are examined meticulously by a specialized watchmaker who decides on what, if anything, has to be done. You receive an estimate for approval before work starts. We are at your disposal. Within our Audemars Piguet boutiques, our watchmakers can provide an immediate estimate based on your needs.
STEP 2
DISMANTLING & PRE-WASHING
Once the strap or bracelet has been removed from the case, the watch is opened and the movement is removed, entirely dismantled and pre-washed. The movement components are examined meticulously and replaced if they show signs of premature wear or risk affecting the operation of the mechanism.
STEP 3
REPLACING COMPONENTS & ADJUSTMENTS
Every component is identified, replaced or repaired depending on its level of wear, its age and the preventive maintenance instructions governing the Manufacture's complete maintenance service. New parts, based on the latest technological advances, are fitted if necessary.
The most frequently-used case and movement components are always changed for collection watches: seals, crown, pushpieces, correctors, barrel, chronograph module, central seconds and chronograph hands and chronograph counters.
STEP 4
WASHING
Every movement component is placed in Teflon washing containers designed specifically to avoid scratching, then in ultrasonic baths to be degreased and cleaned fully under a clearly-defined procedure.
STEP 5
ASSEMBLY & LUBRICATION
Lubrication is essential for your mechanical watch to run properly and guarantees correct operation: it limits the friction between the mechanical parts, thereby reducing energy losses and wear. When assembling the movement, depending on the level of mechanical complication, the watchmaker can use up to a dozen different oils and greases, determined by the sliding and chemical stability coefficients specific to each component.
STEP 6
DIURNAL RATE ADJUSTMENT
The watchmaker runs your watch for 24 hours to stabilize all its moving components. This ensures its accuracy. He/she then adjusts the inertia of the balance dynamically and thus its isochronism in five positions, simulating the normal wear of the watch. The rate results must comply with the Manufacture’s standards and tolerances.
STEP 7
REFINISHING (OPTIONAL)
Just like the movement, the case and bracelet are examined in the most minute detail. All parts showing signs of wear are systematically replaced or restored. We may offer to refinish the case and bracelet.
If appropriate, certain deep marks and scratches in the metal are laser-treated to add material and recover a shine as close as possible to the original appearance. Other surfaces are polished or brightened depending on the level and depth of marks to be corrected. However, we recommend no more than three to five aesthetic refreshings during the life cycle of your watch. Any more than this will run the risk of damaging the angles and geometry of the case.
Each model has its own specific decorative and ornamental features: polishing can be supplemented by other Fine Watchmaking techniques, mostly manual, such as shot peening, sandblasting, satin polishing or circular graining. With a Royal Oak watch, for example, it may be necessary to polish 24 bevels and 16 screw heads and then soften and polish 27 distinct surfaces.
The restoration work ends systematically with an ultrasonic bath and a water-resistance test.
STEP 8
CASING UP
Once the dial and hands are fitted to the movement, It is then inserted delicately into the case and secured, depending on the model, with a casing ring. A new crown, seals and, for chronograph models, pushpieces are fitted to keep your watch water-
and air-resistant. After a final visual inspection, the watchmaker completes the casing up by screwing down or pressing the caseback in firmly.
STEP 9
FINAL INSPECTION & QUALITY CONTROL
Air compression tests to detect the most insignificant leak are performed to ensure that your watch remains water-resistant for a period of two years. Some Royal Oak models are subjected to an additional condensation test known as the “drop of water”. Lastly, your watch undergoes a rigorous technical, functional and aesthetic assessment. The diurnal rate is observed over a cycle of five to twelve days. The power reserve and the additional functions are also tested. The criteria are identical to the ones governing the quality control of a new watch prior to arrival in market. The results of these assessments are registered and archived, thereby providing an exhaustive overview of the history of work carried out on your watch.
STEP 10
TWO-YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY
Work carried out during the complete maintenance service as well as replacement parts are covered by a two-year warranty. The warranty is valid throughout our global network of authorized repair centers as stated in the paperwork accompanying the restored watch.
Anomalies caused by normal wear and tear, anomalies relating to a shock, abnormal use, incorrect handling, work carried out on the watch by someone other than an Audemars Piguet Authorized Repair Center, failure to observe the recommended water-resistant control or service are not covered by the service warranty.
