How does AP design a movement?

[jacksprat]

I guess this question could be asked of Rolex, Patek, etc also...

Modern day designs-
Do they draw up all the gears and simulate movement in using CAD software? Do they 3D print larger scale version of the movement to confirm it works as intended before miniaturizing everything?

Back in the day-
How did they do it before the advent of computers and CNC machines? All those tiny gears made by hand? Again, how is the theory of the movement designed and tested?

I am assume there is quite a bit of math involved regarding the gear diameters, tooth pitch, etc. Even tooth thickness and profile probably must be taken into account for durability?

[singe89]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=625KnrabXdI more of a case design but do the same for movements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4g3XTrJGsc

I'm drawing a blank on the name of the group (historic restoration center or something) but AP still makes parts and tools to work on watches the old fashion way. They have kept all the books, notes and parts to all the watches they have ever made so they can service any watch they have produced. They will also service watches made by other companies from the Vallee De Joux if they are no longer in business. They want to "keep the rich history of watch making in the valley alive". Is what they told me.

[kearez]

Pfm