Audemars Piguet, founded in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, is a prestigious Swiss luxury watch manufacturer known for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. From the iconic Royal Oak collection to the sophisticated Millenary line, Audemars Piguet watches are revered by enthusiasts and collectors alike for their uncompromising quality and timeless appeal. 

As with any high-end timepiece, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure that your Audemars Piguet watch continues to function flawlessly and maintain its value over time. 

In this article, we will explore the various aspects of caring for your Audemars Piguet watch, from daily wear considerations to regular servicing and storage. By following these guidelines and best practices, you can safeguard your investment and enjoy the exquisite craftsmanship of your Audemars Piguet timepiece for generations. So, let's dive in and discover the essential steps to keep your AP watch in pristine condition. 

Day-To-Day Considerations for Audemars Piguet Watches

To ensure your Audemars Piguet watch performs optimally and maintains its pristine appearance, there are several day-to-day considerations to keep in mind. One of the most important aspects is winding your watch if it features a manual movement. Most watches, such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model, are equipped with automatic movements that wind themselves through the natural motion of your wrist. The same applies to models like Audemars Piguet Millenary. However, if your AP watch has a manual movement, it's essential to wind it daily to keep it running accurately. 

Another crucial aspect of daily care is adjusting the date and time as needed. While many Audemars Piguet watches feature a perpetual calendar that automatically adjusts for months with 30 or 31 days and even leap years, others may require manual adjustment at the end of shorter months. Be sure to consult your watch's user manual for specific instructions on how to set the date and time correctly. 

To protect your Audemars Piguet watch from potential damage, it's very important to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, shocks, and magnetic fields. Extreme heat or cold can affect the lubricants within the movement and cause it to lose accuracy, while strong shocks can damage the delicate components inside the watch. Similarly, exposure to magnetic fields, such as those generated by electronic devices or magnetic clasps on bags, can interfere with the movement's accuracy. 

Finally, to keep your Audemars Piguet watch looking its best, make a habit of gently cleaning the case and crystal with a soft, dry cloth. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or fingerprints that may accumulate on the watch's surface over time. By incorporating these simple day-to-day practices into your routine, you can ensure that your Audemars Piguet watch remains in excellent condition and continues to provide reliable timekeeping for years to come.

Water Resistance and Audemars Piguet Watches

Understanding the water resistance rating of your Audemars Piguet watch is crucial for proper care and maintenance. Most AP watches have a water resistance of at least 50 meters (5 ATM), allowing them to withstand splashes, rain, and brief submersion in water. 

To maintain water resistance, ensure the crown is fully pushed in or screwed down before exposing the watch to water, and avoid operating the crown or pushers while submerged. Rinse your watch with fresh water after exposure to salt water and have its water resistance tested during regular servicing every 3-5 years. 

Always consult your watch's user manual or an authorized Audemars Piguet service center for specific guidance on water resistance and care. By taking appropriate precautions, you can safely wear your Audemars Piguet watch in various environments while minimizing the risk of water damage.

How to Change the Battery on an Audemars Piguet Watch

While most Audemars Piguet watches are powered by mechanical movements, some models, particularly in the ladies' collections, feature quartz movements. These watches rely on batteries to keep them running accurately. If your AP watch has a quartz movement, it's essential to know when and how to change the battery. 

On average, quartz watch batteries last between 2-5 years, depending on factors such as the watch's power consumption and the battery's quality. Signs that your watch may need a new battery include the seconds hand jumping in 5-second intervals or the watch stopping entirely. 

When it's time to replace the battery, it's crucial to have it done by a professional watchmaker, preferably at an authorized Audemars Piguet service center. Attempting to change the battery yourself can result in damage to the movement, case, or gaskets, which can compromise the watch's water resistance and overall performance. 

During a battery replacement, a skilled watchmaker will carefully open the case back, remove the old battery, and install a new one while taking precautions to maintain the watch's water resistance and prevent damage to the delicate components inside. 

By entrusting your Audemars Piguet quartz watch to a professional for battery replacements, you can ensure that your timepiece continues to run accurately and reliably.

AP Watch Movement Care and Maintenance

At the heart of every Audemars Piguet watch is a finely crafted mechanical movement, be it the iconic Calibre 2121 in the Royal Oak Jumbo or the innovative Calibre 2950 in the Code 11.59 collection. To ensure your watch continues to perform at the highest level, regular servicing is essential. 

Audemars Piguet recommends servicing your watch every 3-5 years, depending on the model and your individual wearing habits. During a typical service, a skilled watchmaker will disassemble the movement, clean each component, replace any worn parts, lubricate the movement, and reassemble it, ensuring that every aspect of the watch is restored to its optimal condition. 

Regular servicing not only keeps your watch running accurately but also helps to prevent excessive wear and tear on the movement components, extending the life of your timepiece. Additionally, servicing helps to maintain your watch's water resistance by replacing aging gaskets and seals. 

Between services, there are a few signs that may indicate your Audemars Piguet watch needs professional attention. If you notice a significant change in accuracy, such as the watch gaining or losing several minutes per day, it may be a sign that the movement requires adjustment or lubrication. Unusual noises, such as a rattling or grinding sound, can also indicate that the movement needs servicing. 

By staying proactive with movement care and maintenance and adhering to the recommended service intervals, you can ensure that your Audemars Piguet watch continues to perform at the highest level.

Straps & Bracelets

An essential aspect of caring for your Audemars Piguet watch is maintaining its strap or bracelet. Audemars Piguet offers a variety of strap and bracelet options, each requiring specific care to ensure longevity and pristine appearance.

Leather Band

If your AP watch features a leather strap, it's crucial to keep it clean and conditioned to prevent cracking and maintain its supple texture. Gently wipe the strap with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Occasionally, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to keep the strap moisturized and prevent it from drying out. Avoid exposing the leather strap to water or excessive moisture, as this can cause discoloration and deterioration. If your leather strap shows signs of excessive wear, such as cracks or fraying, it may be time to replace it. 

Rubber Strap

Rubber straps, such as those found on certain Royal Oak Offshore models, are durable and comfortable but still require proper care. To clean a rubber strap, use a soft brush and mild soap to gently scrub away any dirt or grime. Rinse the strap thoroughly with water and allow it to air dry completely before reattaching it to your watch. Avoid exposing the rubber strap to harsh chemicals or solvents, as these can cause the material to degrade and lose its elasticity. Regularly inspect the rubber strap for signs of wear, such as cracks or tears, and replace it if necessary.

Metal Bracelet

Audemars Piguet's metal bracelets, most notably the integrated bracelets found on the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections, are crafted from high-quality stainless steel or precious metals. To keep your metal bracelet looking its best, periodically clean it using a soft brush and mild soap, paying attention to the spaces between the links where dirt can accumulate. Rinse the bracelet thoroughly with water and dry it completely with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. For a perfect fit, have your metal bracelet professionally adjusted by an authorized Audemars Piguet service center or an experienced watchmaker. 

Following these care guidelines for your Audemars Piguet watch's strap or bracelet ensures that it remains comfortable, secure, and visually appealing, complementing the overall beauty and functionality of your timepiece.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, caring for your Audemars Piguet watch is essential to ensure its longevity, performance, and value. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, from daily wear considerations to regular servicing and proper storage, you can maintain your AP watch in pristine condition for years to come. 

Remember to handle your watch with care, protecting it from extreme temperatures, shocks, and magnetic fields. Regularly clean your watch and its strap or bracelet to keep it looking its best, and have it serviced by a professional every 3-5 years to maintain its accuracy and water resistance.