Audemars Piguet
I'm in the reception area of Audemars Piguet, one of the world's
oldest (1875) and best known manufacturers of watches, and I'm
waiting to find out who ended up with my letter of introduction
mailed to CEO George-Henri Meylan. The most prominent items in
the small reception area are an antique watchmaker's workbench
and a wall clock; the later to my surprise bears no name of its
maker. Earlier, before entering the four-story building (built
in 1907) I check the large exterior clock atop the structure
to be sure its sporting the correct time. It is.
The picture shown with this story was shot from faraway on purpose
to give one a sense of the pastoral setting of the area. The
tall building to the right of the church steeple is a roadside
hotel (recently bought by AP). You then see a building with a
brown oval roof -that's AP's new factory (built in 2000). It's
connected to the four-story headquarters building which I'm standing
in right now. To the right there's a three-story pointed-roof
building. Built in 1868, this building is where AP was founded
and since 1992 has housed the company's watch museum. Audemars
Piguet's headquarter/factory complex fronts the main (and only)
road running through Le Brassus, whose population probably totals
no more than a few hundred people. Several blocks way stands
the terminus for the train that runs through the valley.
Oh no, I'm disappointed to be told they hadn't received my letter
of introduction. I find that somewhat suspect. After all, it
was mailed over a month ago from Lausanne, Switzerland-a mere
30 miles away. Sidebar: Mailing
the letters.
Juliette North, Public Relations, steps out into the lobby and
after explaining what I do she graciously agrees to answer my
questions. A total of 250 people work here with about 100 in
administration and 150 in the factory. Four floors is the height
of the tallest building, smoking isn't allowed in the workplace,
there's plenty of parking for cars and bicycles, meeting rooms
are named after AP's various watch collections and there's no
formal dress code.
It's an hour's drive to the nearest major airport (Geneva) and
there're no onsite recreational facilities-though the water's
edge of Lake du Joux lies about a half-mile away. As far as lunchtime
you're on your own as there isn't a company cafeteria. My request
to see CEO George-Henri Meylan's corner office is denied because
"it's private". Is it possible to have a look in the
company's watch museum? North answers, "No, you need an
appointment"
While disappointed in their saying my letter of introduction
wasn't received, I'm grateful for Ms. North's flexibility-though
walking me over for a peek in the watch museum would have been
a nice touch. I leave without haven't seen a single Audemars
Piguet watch aside from the Promesse ladies watch being worn
by North.
Revenues in 2001 totaled 200 million Swiss Francs (roughly $150
million). Company's website: www.audemarspiguet.com
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