TIMEPIECE LIFE & CARE

Selfwinding calibre 2120/2808, sunrise and sunset indications and

perpetual calendar with astronomical moon
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INTRODUCTION
LOOKING AFTER YOUR TIMEPIECE
THE TEN STEPS OF THE AUDEMARS PIGUET
COMPLETE MAINTENANCE SERVICE
THE AUDEMARS PIGUET RESTORATION WORKSHOP
STRAPS
A GLOBAL NETWORK OF AUTHORIZED
SERVICE CENTERS

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INTRODUCTION
Ownership of an Audemars Piguet watch equates to owning a fragment of
time. Share in our history of fine watchmaking and adopt our culture, one that
Audemars Piguet has kept going since 1875 with the same spirit of independence
that has motivated it from the start. At its heart are the inherited values of past
successes and the tradition of the first watchmakers: the Manufacture takes its
rightful place founded on respect, integrity, exclusivity, inspiration, refinement and
passion.

YOUR TIMEPIECE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED, PRODUCED AND DECORATED

ENTIRELY THROUGH A PROCESS BASED UPON EXCEPTIONAL
MANUFACTURING EXPERTISE, ENSURING IT WILL ENDURE ON YOUR
WRIST AND ON THOSE OF FUTURE GENERATIONS.

Regular maintenance is therefore necessary to ensure first-class operation and

performance. Your watch has a complex mechanical heart, beating at the rhythm of
a precise orchestration of between 100 and 600 components. As a guide, the balance the component regulating the energy of the watch of calibre 3120 oscillates at
21,600 vibrations an hour and covers the equivalent of 21,000 kilometers over a
five-year period.
Our watchmakers and those we train are the only ones able to offer your timepiece
a quality service. Our Manufacture in Switzerland and our subsidiaries, boutiques
and authorized retailers and service centers throughout the world have cuttingedge technical skills centers that give your watch the attention it deserves.

LOOKING
AFTER YOUR
TIMEPIECE

LOOKING AFTER YOUR TIMEPIECE

Time is precious. So is your watch. Special care is required to keep it working
perfectly with precision and reliability.

EVERYDAY ADVICE

Remove your watch from your wrist when setting to make it easier to manipulate
the winding crown.
If your watch has a hand-wound mechanism, we advise you to wind it every day at
the same time so that the mainspring is kept sufficiently taut.
If you do not use it for a while, wind your mechanical watch (selfwinding or handwound) at least once a month. For a hand-wound watch, turn the crown until it
resists further winding, without forcing it. For a selfwinding watch, we recommend
at least 25 turns of the crown. This will help to keep the movement components
well lubricated.

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LOOKING AFTER YOUR TIMEPIECE

Ensure that your watch is fitted properly on your wrist to improve the efficiency of
the winding system and avoid premature wear of the links of your metal bracelet.
If your watch is water-resistant:
Before swimming, always check that the crown and pushpieces are fully screwed
down. With the exception of the crown that operates the rotating bezel on the
Diving models, you must ensure that the crown and pushpieces are not activated
while submerged in water.
Under normal use, we recommend a water resistance test at least every 2 years and
every year if the watch is frequently exposed to water and humid environments.
You can deliver the watch to an Audemars Piguet Authorized Service Center or to
an Authorized Point of Sales having the suitable watch equipment for performing
a water resistance test. This control is very fast and free of charge at Audemars
Piguet, but does not grant any additional warranty.

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LOOKING AFTER YOUR TIMEPIECE

The water resistance of the watch can be compromised by an accident or upon
contact with an aggressive material (acid, perfume, liquid metal, etc.). After any
type of these incidents, it is key to completely avoid immersing the watch, and to
have a water resistance test promptly re-carried out on the watch. If you frequently
go swimming, since sand, salt and chlorine are abrasive and corrosive agents, rinse
regularly the watch in fresh water before drying it.
Moreover, an invoiced water resistance service (dismantling of the watch and
replacement of the water resistance gaskets) will be required every 2 to 3 years
depending on wear and tear or immediately in case of incident or unsatisfying
water resistance test. The water resistance will be then guaranteed 2 years, without
guaranteeing however the good whole functioning of the watch.
This regular water resistance service is the only way to protect the heart of your
watch from dust and humidity.

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LOOKING AFTER YOUR TIMEPIECE

ROUTINE SERVICING OF THE MECHANICAL MOVEMENT OF YOUR
WATCH

The precision of a mechanical movement depends on a number of technical

parameters, but also on the habits of the person wearing it; it is therefore subject to
variation. Our watchmaking expertise allows us to master the variations in precision
of most Audemars Piguet movements to within a few seconds per day.
Regardless of whether or not the watch has been worn, the mechanical movement
can nevertheless start to lose some accuracy four to six years after its purchase
date. This is mainly caused by the evaporation of lubrication points in its many
geartrains, the wear of the most used components and the micro-shocks that can
move the movement parts very slightly.
Audemars Piguet and authorized service centers offer a complete maintenance
service to restore the original accuracy and ensure the longevity of the movement.
This care rectifies the weaknesses noted whilst providing preventive maintenance
for many years.
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LOOKING AFTER YOUR TIMEPIECE

MAINTENANCE OF QUARTZ MOVEMENTS

Quartz movements are powered by a battery. Once the batterys energy has fully
discharged, we advise that you replace it as soon as possible in order to prevent
damage to the movement. The battery has a shelf life of several years.
During the battery exchange, a water resistance service is completed and a complete
maintenance service is proposed if necessary.

AVOID

Avoid all contact with corrosive materials (acids, perfumes, lacquers, carbonated
beverages, etc.) likely to damage the water-resistant seals.
Avoid submerging a watch fitted with a leather strap, even if it is water-resistant,
as you risk damaging the strap.

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LOOKING AFTER YOUR TIMEPIECE

Wearing several watches or items of jewelry on the same wrist risks scratching the
watch and metal bracelet links. Limit the time your watch is exposed to sources
of magnetic fields that may cause it to run slow, excessively fast, or even stop. If
necessary, a simple demagnetization process can be performed by a professional
watchmaker, before resetting the time.
Watch out for thermal shocks or high-intensity accidents. Although some of our
models are designed to be worn in an active sports life and are capable of resisting
thermal differences, immersion and micro-shocks of daily life, this type of impact
may compromise the proper running of your mechanical movement.
Avoid correcting the date, month and lunar cycle in the afternoon or evening.
Avoid manipulating the annual or perpetual calendar outside the time ranges
recommended in the instructions. All complication geartrains in your watch can be
engaged at this time of day. For detail setting instruction, please refer to your manual
or contact Audemars Piguet Boutique or Local Customer Service Center for help.

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THE TEN STEPS OF

THE AUDEMARS
PIGUET COMPLETE
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
When your movement requires servicing, our teams take your timepiece through a
secure and precise protocol.
The service of Audemars Piguet timepieces is entrusted to the most experienced
hands at the Manufacture and its partners. Our watchmakers are highly skilled in
dealing with various calibers throughout our collections whilst our polishers and
jewelers are expert in their highly specialized crafts.
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 1.
2.
3.
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5.
6.
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9.
10.

REGISTRATION, IDENTIFICATION AND DIAGNOSIS

DISMANTLING AND PRE-WASHING
REPLACING COMPONENTS AND ADJUSTMENTS
WASHING
ASSEMBLY AND LUBRICATION
DIURNAL RATE ADJUSTMENT
OPTIONAL REFINISHING
CASING UP
FINAL INSPECTION AND QUALITY CONTROL
TWO-YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY

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1. REGISTRATION, IDENTIFICATION AND

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 bottom of the
case. 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 Manufactures 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 in our Audemars Piguet boutiques where our watchmakers
can provide an immediate quotation.

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2. DISMANTLING AND
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.

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3. REPLACING
COMPONENTS AND
ADJUSTMENTS
Every component is identified, replaced
or repaired depending on its level of wear,
its age and the preventive maintenance
instructions governing the Manufactures
servicing department.
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, central seconds and chronograph hands and chronograph
counters.
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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.

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5. ASSEMBLY AND
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.

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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 or six positions,
simulating the normal wear of the watch.
The rate results must comply with the Manufactures standards and tolerances.

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7. OPTIONAL REFINISHING
Just like the movement, the case and bracelet are examined in the most minute detail;
all parts showing signs of wear, as well as all those guaranteeing the water resistance
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 similar to the original. 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 restorations 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.
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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.

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9. FINAL INSPECTION AND

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 the
markets. The results of these assessments are registered and archived, thereby
providing an exhaustive overview of the history of work carried out on your watch.

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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 service centers as stated in the paperwork
accompanying the restored watch.
Normal wear and tear, anomalies caused by an impact, accident, work performed
outside our global network of authorized service centers or the use of non-original
components are not covered by the service warranty.

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THE
AUDEMARS PIGUET
RESTORATION
WORKSHOP
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THE AUDEMARS PIGUET

RESTORATION WORKSHOP
The Manufacture has a large stock of original
components so that servicing can continue
for several dozen years after production has
been halted.
The restoration workshop is capable of
manufacturing identical movement parts from
the era so that the oldest timepieces can be
skillfully restored. In this case, the watchmaker
draws the part to be manufactured freehand
before fashioning it in the same material as
the original. He then applies the appropriate
finishes in order to reproduce the same
decorations as on the original piece. If necessary,
he can call on the latest technological advances
to facilitate the restoration and functionality
of the part.
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The most exceptional restorations are accompanied by an individual journal

describing the work performed.

Before restoration

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After restoration

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STRAPS

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STRAPS
Audemars Piguet straps are subject to strict standards of workmanship and
excellence.
The farmed materials are rigorously selected and chosen from the best suppliers and
manufacturers. The hand-crafted strap demands a rare manufacturing skill. Most of
our contemporary straps are stitched by hand. Each one is approved by our Quality
Department following high criteria.
Our straps are luxury leather objects in themselves and require care to maintain in
good condition. We recommend you avoid contact with water or any other liquid
that may damage the strap.

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A GLOBAL NETWORK
OF AUTHORIZED
SERVICE CENTERS

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GLOBAL SERVICE NETWORK

Audemars Piguet has built up a global network of skilled watchmakers that ensures
local service and a consistent level of expertise. All watchmakers and polishers
approved by Audemars Piguet undergo ongoing training and must obtain periodic
certification of their technical skills. They undertake to use only original parts and
components.
Each watch is identified by its case and movement numbers and its history can
therefore be traced and accessed for any new intervention.
Our authorized service centers display the statement Audemars Piguet - Official
Service Center, with dated validation stamp.
Visit our site www.audemarspiguet.com to find your nearest authorized service
center.

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Audemars Piguet (Marketing) SA

Route de France 16 - Case postale 16
1348 Le Brassus - Switzerland
Phone: +41 21 642 32 66
info@audemarspiguet.com
www.audemarspiguet.com

Photography
Time Photo
Production and layout of the various languages
IVM Concept
Switzerland
Photolithography
Images3 SA
Printing
JP Optimum SA
Switzerland
Published in 07.2015

MG.ED.BK.LC.US.EN.15.08/30,800 copies

Design and production

Audemars Piguet