For the first time in Thailand, Audemars Piguet brought examples of its ground-breaking horological innovations in an exhibition entitled "From Le Brassus to Bangkok" held recently from 8 to 17 June at Central Embassy.
The exhibition took visitors on a journey through Audemars Piguet's 143-year history and its unwavering dedication to the art of watchmaking. During the occasion, the watch manufacture also showcased its first collaboration with Thai contemporary artist, Mr. Arin Rungjang who created an art piece specially for this exhibition.
Mr. Oliviero Bottinelli, Board of Directors and Mr. Jonathan King, Chief Executive Officer of Southeast Asia, hosted the opening reception to celebrate the unveiling of the exhibition on 7 June. Special guest of the evening, Mr. Jetrin "Jay" Wattanasin, Audemars Piguet's Thai 'Friend Of The Brand' welcomed the Thai guests to an immersive journey through space and time, exploring both technology and artistry.
Joining them were celebrities and fans of Audemars Piguet such as Ployvarin Songpakorn, Dermphan - Melanie Yoovidhya, Chulalux Piyasombatkul, Ploy Bhinsaeng, M.R.Mannaruemas Yugala, Parva Nakasai, Onchuma Durongdej, Varithorn Kanpaibool, Pattara Salirathavibhaga, Kornkanok Yongsakul.
Each section of the exhibition revealed a story about the brand, its traditions and innovations, and its home in the remote and wildly beautiful Vallée de Joux.
In all, over 50 timepieces were displayed, each piece chosen by Audemars Piguet’s Museum Director, Mr, Sébastian Vivas. Among them, including several world firsts and many one-of-a-kind models such as an original Triple Complication pocket watch from 1880, an Art Deco timepiece featuring jumping hours with an aperture display from 1930, the original Royal Oak Offshore launched in 1993, as well as the world's thinnest selfwinding Perpetual Calendar – the Royal Oak RD#2.
"We are excited to bring Le Brassus to Bangkok through this exhibition. It is the first time ever that that more than 50 historical timepieces, specially curated from the museum, will be displayed and showcased in Southeast Asia. We hope to bring the brand closer to our fans in Thailand, showing our deep appreciation and focus on this significant market for Audemars Piguet." – Jonathan King, Chief Executive Officer, Southeast Asia.
On show were also two models created by Audemars Piguet specifically for Thailand. The first was produced in 2008 as a 50-piece steel and pink gold edition. The Royal Oak King of Thailand 80th Birthday watch paid tribute to this major milestone in the monarch’s life. Parts of the proceeds from its sale were donated to the Chai Pattana Foundation and a one-of-a-kind pink gold model was officially gifted to the King himself.
The second model dedicated to Thailand, the Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Siam, features a sculpted engraving depicting the royal white elephant of Thailand, a sacred animal that Audemars Piguet admired all the more in that the brand was the main sponsor of the King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament. Number 9 of this series was auctioned on behalf of the HM Queen Sirikit's Support Foundation.
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