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Old 9 September 2018, 07:47 PM   #1
Analysing You
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Anyone ever been invited to Patek / AP factory tours?

Hi all,

I have been informed by my AD that they are putting together a list of names for a very special tour of the Patek factory later next year and would be inviting me! They arrange for a jet to take a select group of people over to Geneva where they spend a few days touring the museum and the factory where we would also have the opportunity to have dinner with Thierry Stern. Sounds like a once in a life time opportunity and I cannot wait.

I have to say I was compeltey suprised by this and it was completely unexpected. I’m not a massive spender in be grand scheme of things but I have a great relationship with them. Has anyone on here ever been in this tour with their AD? If so what was it like? I was hoping to find a blog on here about it but could not find anything. I’m very excited but I hope the other people invited are like minded enthusiasts.

No doubt when the times comes, I will be sure to take lots of pics!
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Old 9 September 2018, 07:56 PM   #2
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Congrats! This sounds like the best thing in the horological world!
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Old 9 September 2018, 08:58 PM   #3
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What a wonderful opportunity!! If you are permitted to, some photos of the factory would be great.
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Old 9 September 2018, 09:08 PM   #4
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nice

I can only dream of getting that tour.
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Old 9 September 2018, 09:16 PM   #5
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I wasn’t invited. But I once stayed at a Holiday Inn.


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Old 9 September 2018, 09:22 PM   #6
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I wasn’t invited. But I once stayed at a Holiday Inn.


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u made my day
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Old 9 September 2018, 10:37 PM   #7
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Yes, I have been.

It was awesome if you're really into watches. My favorite part was meeting the pivotage guy in the service/restoration department.
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Old 9 September 2018, 11:02 PM   #8
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Congratulations! Sounds awesome.

These kinds of events are great for getting further appreciation of a watch manufacture and the meticulous work that goes into making and finishing a fine haute horlogerie watch.

I was in Switzerland to pick up my Urban Jürgensen "The Alfred" (such a lovely watch!) and got a full tour of their atelier / workshops by their CEO. Great experience! Gave me a newfound respect for the art of high-end handmade watch making.
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Old 10 September 2018, 12:46 AM   #9
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I was fortunate enough to be offered the same trip from the USA. It is a trip of a lifetime and you will never regret attending. You will have a new appreciation of the work it takes to produce a Patek Philippe!
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Old 10 September 2018, 01:09 AM   #10
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Yes but unfortunately my "jet" was commercial
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Old 10 September 2018, 02:27 AM   #11
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There should be some old threads of members doing the factory tour over the years if you do a search here.

I remember another member with a UK AD mentioning taking a private charter jet to Geneva. Those of us who went on a tour from the US were on commercial business class. They usually put you up at the Mandarin Oriental. The factory tour itinerary can range from 2-5 days. You do get a greater appreciation for the work that goes in manufacturing the watches and also servicing/restoring their older watches.

Most of the factory is off-limits to photography, but you can take as many photos as you want at the Salon, when you get to try on the Grand Complications, including the Grandmaster Chime.
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Old 10 September 2018, 03:05 AM   #12
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Wow...that’s amazing! Sounds like an amazing experience.
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Old 10 September 2018, 03:58 AM   #13
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You are very lucky.....

Have a good time & don't forget to keep us posted regarding your trip.....!!!

Marc Andre Deschoux had put up a small watchmaking road trip tour before and I think he doing it again in the near future......

Here some of his video on the Patek Philippe Museum, What happens to a Patek Philippe in its lifetime, & A Walk Through Patek Philippe Finishing Departments...








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Old 10 September 2018, 04:12 AM   #14
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Wow awesome opportunity. Enjoy it. I could only imagine what you'd have to spend in the US to be offered that trip.
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Old 10 September 2018, 06:51 AM   #15
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Sounds amazing. Enjoy!
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Old 12 September 2018, 02:07 AM   #16
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nice

I can only dream of getting that tour.
I was dreaming of the same until it was offered to me. It is a horological dream come true!
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Old 12 September 2018, 02:08 AM   #17
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I wasn’t invited. But I once stayed at a Holiday Inn.


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Old 12 September 2018, 02:09 AM   #18
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Yes, I have been.

It was awesome if you're really into watches. My favorite part was meeting the pivotage guy in the service/restoration department.
I'm so excited, can you give me more of an incite as to what to expect?
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Old 12 September 2018, 02:10 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by MCMartiny View Post
Congratulations! Sounds awesome.

These kinds of events are great for getting further appreciation of a watch manufacture and the meticulous work that goes into making and finishing a fine haute horlogerie watch.

I was in Switzerland to pick up my Urban Jürgensen "The Alfred" (such a lovely watch!) and got a full tour of their atelier / workshops by their CEO. Great experience! Gave me a newfound respect for the art of high-end handmade watch making.
Thank you sounds like you had a memorable experience. I'm sure I will learn lots and see some wonderful things too.
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Old 12 September 2018, 02:11 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jon_jon View Post
There should be some old threads of members doing the factory tour over the years if you do a search here.

I remember another member with a UK AD mentioning taking a private charter jet to Geneva. Those of us who went on a tour from the US were on commercial business class. They usually put you up at the Mandarin Oriental. The factory tour itinerary can range from 2-5 days. You do get a greater appreciation for the work that goes in manufacturing the watches and also servicing/restoring their older watches.

Most of the factory is off-limits to photography, but you can take as many photos as you want at the Salon, when you get to try on the Grand Complications, including the Grandmaster Chime.
Fantastic insight, thank you. Anymore info / tips please get in touch.
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Old 12 September 2018, 02:12 AM   #21
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Originally Posted by SL BRABUS View Post
You are very lucky.....

Have a good time & don't forget to keep us posted regarding your trip.....!!!

Marc Andre Deschoux had put up a small watchmaking road trip tour before and I think he doing it again in the near future......

Here some of his video on the Patek Philippe Museum, What happens to a Patek Philippe in its lifetime, & A Walk Through Patek Philippe Finishing Departments...








Awesome videos! Thanks
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Old 12 September 2018, 02:39 AM   #22
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Wow... that's very nice of PP. Must be a once in a lifetime experience. Something I hope to experience one day but realistically my PP collection is still small ( only 2 watches ) at the moment.

Do report back and share with us after fhe trip.
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Old 12 September 2018, 03:17 AM   #23
Analysing You
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Wow... that's very nice of PP. Must be a once in a lifetime experience. Something I hope to experience one day but realistically my PP collection is still small ( only 2 watches ) at the moment.

Do report back and share with us after fhe trip.
I can't wait and I certainly will, I'm not sure how much I will be able to photograph but I will definitely give you guys all the details on this post in due course.
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Old 12 September 2018, 06:56 AM   #24
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I wasn’t invited. But I once stayed at a Holiday Inn.


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Old 12 September 2018, 08:19 PM   #25
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My wife & I went last July courtesy of our AD and had a fantastic time...you will love it.

So interesting to see how much hand work goes into the watches, lunch with Thierry was amazing and I got to try on just about all the current minute repeaters as they were going to be shipped to the US for the NYC exhibition...awesome.

If you want to order one of their current models you get VIP status via Patek UK though I believe the chaps who ordered Nautilus watches are still waiting
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Old 12 September 2018, 10:16 PM   #26
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I'm so excited, can you give me more of an incite as to what to expect?
You put on lab coats and walk around the floors with a guide. Depending on the area you’re often able to ask questions of specific employees as they show you what they do all day on their long shifts.

They have 2 dining areas in their cafeteria, one is like a nice restaurant the other is more like a corporate cafeteria. We ate at both including a number of lunches and dinners around Geneva.

On our tour we went to the dial factory, salon, and museum as well.
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Old 13 September 2018, 12:20 AM   #27
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I was fortunate enough to be offered the same trip from the USA. It is a trip of a lifetime and you will never regret attending. You will have a new appreciation of the work it takes to produce a Patek Philippe!
I would also have a new appreciation for the margins in high end watches!

Sounds like an awesome perk and one that anyone on this list would enjoy taking advantage of. Also, having just gotten back from Switzerland on Sunday, I can tell you that an all-expenses-paid trip to Geneva would not be cheap!
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Old 13 September 2018, 12:38 AM   #28
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That will be a trip of a lifetime! Enjoy and share your experience with us.
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Old 13 September 2018, 03:31 AM   #29
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My favourite part was having a private lunch with Thierry Stern (I was assigned to his table in fact). He was extremely humble and down to Earth.
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Old 13 September 2018, 04:49 AM   #30
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Ask Mr. Stern to make you a one of one 5711/1G salmon dial. Get him drunk first.
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