Audemars Piguet Kicks Off 40th Anniversary Celebration With Gala, 4-Day Exhibit

By Haley Friedlich | March 22, 2012

Last night commenced the 40th anniversary celebration of Audemars Piguet’s iconic timepiece Royal Oak. To pay homage to the world’s first ever luxury sports timepiece, the Swiss Manufacturer curated a special exhibition. This showcase kicked off with an exclusive black tie soiree last night and is now open to the public for four days only; through Mar. 24th at the Park Avenue Armory.

The significance of the Royal Oak and its influence on Haute Horlogerie is vast; Audemars Piguet defied the norms of fine watchmaking in 1972 with the avant-garde Royal Oak, the first luxury sports watch. The watches on display range from the very first Royal Oak in 1972 to the most current models, which will be revealed in the exhibition.

Celebrating the Royal Oak at last night’s gala were Audemars Piguet’s CEO Philippe Merk, President & CEO, North America, Francois-Henry Bennahmias, and Administrator, Olivier Audemars, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady, Haute Living’s Seth Semilof, Ed Burns, Claude Nobs, hockey legend Sean Avery, John Simonian, producer/rapper Swizz Beatz, and former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber.