So where are the multitudes of watch collectors of the future really coming from? While the US has a good number of watch collectors and connoisseurs, as does Europe, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, indications are that now China is the new frontier. This is a burgeoning market with a huge population, staggering wealth…
Considered one of the “Holy Grail” watch brands, Swiss brand Audemars Piguet is a large privately owned company with its own Foundation. This autonomy enables the brand to consistently push the envelop in terms of research and development. Among its key collections are the Audemrs Piguet Code 11:59, the legendary Royal Oak series that was first designed by the famed Gerald Genta, the extended series called the Royal Oak Offshore and more.
A Moment in Time: Renaud & Papi’s Giulio Papi
It was in the quartz rage era – the crisis of the mechanical watch – that the young Giulio Papi announced to his father that he wanted to be a watchmaker. The year was 1980, and Giulio Papi was 15. He apprenticed in a class of one-on-one – and got the education of a lifetime.…
Around the World: A Look Inside Audemars Piguet, Le Brassus
Internationally renowned for its legendary status as a creator of some of the most complex timepieces in the world, Audemars Piguet owns its own factories in Le Brassus, Switzerland, and is the predominant owner of the famous Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi factory. As such, the brand is always moving forward with new technologies and…
Around the World: Audemars Piguet’s Hydroptere Sponsorship
I had the extreme pleasure recently of joining Audemars Piguet in St. Tropez – to go sailing with the brand on its newest venture – L’Hydropte’re. Those of us who know Audemars Piguet know this cutting-edge luxury brand has always been on the fast track. This is especially true with its involvement with new materials,…