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Audemars Piguet Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Royal Oak in Style. . .Posted by Jack Forster
. . . at the Park Avenue Armory in New York! Celebrities a-plenty were there to help Audemars Piguet North America and CEO Philippe Merk, as well as Audemars Piguet North America President Francois Bennahmias, celebrate four decades of one of the world's most revolutionary watches. The Royal Oak debuted in 1972 and since then it has become an icon of design as well as one of the most recognized and coveted watches in the world. Some of the stars who came out to join AP included Tiki Barber, Tom Brady, Ed Burns, and Arnold Schwarzenegger --but all agreed that the real star of the night was the Royal Oak. Hope to be around ten years from now for the fiftieth anniversary celebration
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And of course, we all honor the memory of the designer of the Royal Oak, Mr. Gerald Genta --sadly absent, but whose memory will stay green for as long as the Royal Oak is loved and admired, which is to say, a very, very long time. 
(Gerald Genta, 1931-2011) If you are in New York, don't miss the show! PRESS RELEASE To break the rules, you must first master them - 40 years ago, Audemars Piguet broke all rules of fine watchmaking when in 1972 it introduced the ground-breaking design of the Royal Oak, the first luxury sports watch in Haute Horlogerie. Joining Audemars Piguet’s CEO Philippe Merk, President & CEO, North America, Francois-Henry Bennahmias, and Administrator, Olivier Audemars were guests including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady, film actor/director Ed Burns, Montreux Jazz Festival’s Claude Nobs, hockey legend Sean Avery, produce/rapper Swizz Beatz, and former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Audemars Piguet’s iconic timepiece Royal Oak; the world’s first ever luxury sports timepiece, the Swiss Manufacture has assembled a unique exhibition that is open to the public for four days only beginning March 21st through 24th at the Park Avenue Armory. These rare watches, from the very first Royal Oak in 1972 to the latest models, will be revealed in an exhibition showcasing the brand’s ability to innovate and create. Using design, photography, sound and film from three unequivocally 21st century artists, Sebastien Leon Agneessens, Quayola, and Dan Holdsworth, the Manufacture has curated an exhibition of 100 exceptional timepieces set against the backdrop of a stage that underscores Audemars Piguet’s origins, mastery and artistry. Apart from 100 iconic timepieces and invaluable memorabilia dating back to the beginning of the 70s, visitors will also have the opportunity to visit a watchmaker’s area including a brocading dial machine where they can closely observe the artistry of Audemars Piguet’s craftsmen. The exhibition displayed images taken by photographer Dan Holdsworth and a film by digital artist Quayola. In celebration of the opening night, the Manufacture hosted an invitation-only, black tie gala for 200 guests; many of whom traveled from around the world to attend. The Park Avenue Armory, one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks was the perfect setting for the magical evening. Renowned caterer Olivier Cheng created an exceptional 3-course menu with Swiss influences for the dinner held at 3- 60’ long tables set in the Armory’s spectacular main hall, which were dramatically decorated with glass containers holding foliage reminiscent of the landscape of the Le Brassus region where Audemars Piguet was founded. Sound, also an integral part of the evening’s program was provided by The Irrepressibles; a band Audemars Piguet selected because of its reflection of one of the brand’s core values: audacity. The band’s theatrical stage presence captured the crowd’s attention and was one of the evening’s highlights. A special thanks to Château Malartic-Lagravière who graciously provided wines for the New York City dinner as well as the subsequent exhibition events globally. The Bonnies as well as the Audemars and Piguet families share the same values and passion for excellence, mastery and artistry and embark together on this worldwide journey. Further thanks to Champagne Nicolas Feuillate for their exceptional Palmes d'or Cuvée Speciale 1999 vintage served during the cocktail reception and dinner. Following New York City, the year-long traveling exhibition will make stops around the world including Milan (April), Paris (June), Beijing (August), Singapore (October), and Dubai (December). Exhibition Title: ROYAL OAK 40 YEARS: From Avant-Garde to Icon Dates: Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th March, 2012 Location: New York City / Park Avenue Armory Address: Park Avenue at 67th Street Pictures from the exhibition: all images courtesy Patrick McMullan except where noted. 
Inside the (spectacular) entrance to the Park Avenue Armory (pic by yours truly) 
Our host for the evening: Audemars Piguet CEO Philippe Merk welcomes guests 
Guests mingling (as guests will )
The exhibit captures the spirit of the topography of the Swiss Jura, and the Vallée de Joux 
One exhibit shows the making of the Royal Oak's "Mega Tapisserie" guilloche dial. The rose engine shown is nearly a century old, and still running strong. 
(preceding 3 pics by me) 
Stylized representation of the forests around Le Brassus, home of Audemars Piguet (pic by me) 
AP North America President Francois Bennahmias with, of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger (longtime friend of AP, and longtime partner with AP in supporting Arnold's After-School All Stars 
L-R AP Board Member Olivier Audemars, Philippe Merk, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. AP is proud to be the only haute horlogerie Swiss manufacture still in the hands of the original founding families. 
Tiki Barber and Tracy Lynn Johnson 
If you've got it, flaunt it L-R Ed Burns, Sean Avery, Tom Brady, and über music producer and artist Swizz Beatz
Tom Brady, Francois Bennahmias 
It was another 40th birthday --AP Asia Managing Director Oliviero Bottinelli, who was treated to a very special rendition of "Happy Birthday." 
And, of course, there was the Royal Oak as well as some of its illustrious brethren, vintage and modern . . . 
Next few are by me (hence the dodgy focus/white balance --hey, vitrines are a pain to shoot through!) 
Vintage Royal Oak pocket watch 
World's first automatic tourbillon wristwatch 
The Royal Oak owned by Gerald Genta himself --on loan to AP from Mrs. Genta 
Early AP complete calendar wristwatch, 1928 
Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 
And, of course, the watch that started it all --the original Royal Oak from 1972 (photo by Patrick McMullan) Don't miss the show! Jack
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