Service of a Men’s Audemars Piguet Genève 18-Jewel Wristwatch
Introduction
This men’s Audemars Piguet Genève 18-jewel wristwatch was recently received for complete service and mechanical restoration. Housed in an elegant yellow gold case with a small seconds subdial, the watch displays the refined proportions and understated design typical of mid-20th century Swiss dress watches.
Condition on Arrival
This particular example arrived running but clearly overdue for service. The movement’s lubricants had deteriorated with age, resulting in increased friction and reduced amplitude. Particles of old hardened grease had built up inside. The dial showed spotting and surface aging, but remained original and untouched—an important consideration for preservation.
The case exhibited normal wear consistent with decades of use. Given the watch’s age and originality, the service approach focused on mechanical restoration while preserving cosmetic character.
Service Procedure
The watch underwent a complete professional overhaul, including:
- Full disassembly of the manual wind movement
- Inspection of pivots, jewels, and gear train components
- Ultrasonic cleaning of all movement part
- Proper lubrication using modern high-grade synthetic oils
- Regulation in multiple positions
- Cleaning of the case, with no polishing to preserve original lines
After servicing, the movement demonstrated strong amplitude and stable timekeeping appropriate for a vintage dress watch of this era. The goal was not to make the watch “look new,” but to ensure reliable operation while maintaining originality.
Brief History of Audemars Piguet Genève
Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, Audemars Piguet has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious names in Swiss horology. Unlike many brands of the period, Audemars Piguet remained independent and family-owned, focusing on high-grade finishing and technically refined movements.
Before the introduction of the Royal Oak in 1972, the company was primarily known for producing elegant, slim dress watches and complicated timepieces. Mid-century Audemars Piguet wristwatches—often signed “Genève” on the dial—were typically fitted with finely finished, manually wound movements featuring precise adjustments and traditional Swiss construction. These watches emphasized craftsmanship over mass production, and many were produced in relatively small numbers.
Conclusion
Vintage Audemars Piguet watches represent a period when the brand focused on classical Swiss craftsmanship and refined mechanical design. Proper servicing ensures that these timepieces continue to function reliably while preserving their historical integrity.
If you own a vintage Audemars Piguet or other high-grade Swiss wristwatch requiring careful, preservation-focused service, I invite you to contact me directly to discuss your watch, or visit getting started.
For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages: Vintage Rolex repair— Vintage Breitling repair —Vintage Omega repair — Vintage Heuer repair —Bulova Repair, and Pocket Watch Repair. See my FAQ for additional information, and visit Watch Repair Case Studies.
