Keli Chew, International Luxury Brand Management 2015-2016, Singapore
To understand more about the world of watchmaking, the class visited
Audemars Piguet at Le Brassus, Switzerland. It was definitely a memorable trip
as it is the first time visiting a manufacture for most of the class and it was
snowing in the middle of April in the valley!
We were welcomed by CEO, Francois-Henry Bennahmias and given VIP
treatment starting with a visit of the museum located at the former Audemars
family home. My group was guided by Veronique who used to work at the Audemars
Piguet Academy. She is extremely knowledgeable and explained in details about
the history of watchmaking, how a movement functions and the different
complications. We were awed by the vintage watch collection as well as the
beautiful grand complication pieces made by the manufacture. The highlight of
our morning was visiting the watchmaker working on restorations whereby we saw
him fabricating parts to restore antique pieces.
After lunch, we proceeded to visit the manufacture to understand the
complexity and processes involved in fine watchmaking. We were required to put
on protective gowns and shoe covers to prevent dust before given a tour around
the manufacture. We marveled at the patience and skills of the watchmakers
having seen with our own eyes how small and delicate the parts are.
The day ended with a conference with Mr Bennahmias whom answered all
our questions without any hesitation. After
which, was time for us to bid farewell to the manufacture and head back to
Paris. Though the trip was short, I am
certain that we all left Le Brassus with better understanding of timepieces and
a new found appreciation for high watchmaking.
