Audemars Piguet Set to Make Debut as Art Basel Partner

This month luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet will make its first appearance as the new Associate Partner of the prestigious Art Basel fair. The manufacture will make their debut at Art Basel in Hong Kong (which runs from May 23-26) with a dedicated space within the show’s exclusive Collectors Lounge. Audemars Piguet will also appear at Art Basel in Miami Beach and, of course, Basel.

The partnership with Art Basel, the world’s premier international art show for Modern and contemporary works, will give Audemars Piguet the opportunity to introduce visitors to its origin and timepieces. The brand’s display will include highlights from the brand’s 2012 global touring exhibition From Avant-garde to Icon, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak model. Visitors will also have the chance to see a retrospective exhibit about the Royal Oak, as well as other classic pieces from the brand’s 138-year history. A watchmaker’s bench and guided tours by watch specialists will complement the Audemars Piguet Lounge. In addition, visitors will be able to take in British photographer Dan Holdsworth’s images of the Vallée de Joux, one of Europe’s most remote and pristine forest regions, and Audemars Piguet’s home.

François-Henry Bennahmias, the CEO of Audemars Piguet, told us; “We are delighted to start this partnership with Art Basel, the world’s premier art show for modern and contemporary works. The story of Audemars Piguet is in particular one in which art and craft are closely intertwined. We look forward to forging closer ties with the world of contemporary art and to developing a fruitful long-term collaboration with Art Basel.”

Following Art Basel in Hong Kong, Audemars Piguet will join Art Basel’s upcoming shows in Switzerland (running from June 13-16) and in Miami Beach (running from December 5-8). Photo credit: © Art Basel 2012.