Ong Chin Huat pays a visit to the newly expanded and vastly improved Audemars Piguet boutique in The Starhill Kuala Lumpur and while doing so, grabs the opportunity to look at some of the legendary watchmakers latest creations.
With a history that harks back to 1875, Audemars Piguet can be credited as the oldest fine watchmaking manufacturer, which still belongs to the two founding families. With a storied history that forms the foundation of its unparalleled craftsmanship and forward-thinking management, This Swiss watchmaker extraordinaire has forged ahead in current times to be both innovative and relevant.
Based in La Brassus in the Vallé de Joux in the heart of Swiss Jura, Audemars Piguet has several iconic timepieces in its repertoire that continue to astound watch lovers and connoisseurs alike with their design, intricate movements and exquisite artistry.
After closing for twenty months, the Audemars Piguet Flagship boutique in Kuala Lumpur reopened in November 2021 with enlarged space, extending to approximately 2,800 square feet at The Starhill in the heart of the Malaysian capital. Almost double the size of its previous boutique, the store’s interior takes its inspiration from the watch company’s headquarters located in the Jura Mountains in Switzerland.
With bespoke furniture and fittings combining wood and stone, the muted and neutral colour palette is as soothing for the senses as the ticking sound of an Audemars Piguet timepiece. A lounge area with comfy seating allows Audemars Piguet enthusiasts to relax and admire the specially curated watches in the boutique.
“I look forward to bringing new experiences to our clients at The Starhill boutique and strengthening Malaysia as one of our key markets in South East Asia,” says Stefanie Ng, Chief Executive Officer of South East Asia and based in Singapore.
The Boutique will also be the venue of exclusive launch events and parties whenever the watchmaker unveils any new novelties, such as the new version of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Self-winding Chronograph, which it unveiled in September 2021.
Presented in two new versions – a choice of 18-carat white or pink gold, the two 41 mm timepieces are equipped with the latest generation chronograph movement, the Calibre 4401, which is visible through a sapphire case back and are complemented with a “Grande Tapisserie” black or blue dial which comes with contrasting counters which match the case’s colours.
But the most outstanding feature of this Royal Oak is the frosted gold and polished chamfers, which glitter in any light. Taking its inspiration from an ancient Florentine jewellery technique, Audemars Piguet enlisted the expertise of jeweller Carolina Bucci in replicating this special technique on its watches.
The diamond dust effect is achieved by gently tapping the case and bracelet with a diamond-tipped tool that makes small indentations on the watch’s surface, causing it to glimmer under any light.
Another Audemars Piguet model released in 2021 is the Royal Oak Self-winding 24 mm in black ceramics. Suitable for ladies with smaller wrists, this chic new addition to the Royal Oak family is enhanced with pink gold accents for a nice contrasting look.
Utilising Zirconium powder mixed with a binder, the black ceramics is produced through a complex industrial technique using high-precision machinery. Polished and satin-brushed before being finished by hand, this light and ultra-resistant material are also scratchproof.
The 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Divers in stainless steel adds gravitas to any dive in the world’s largest oceans. Powered by a new movement, the Calibre 4308, this heavy-duty timepiece is available in three colours, namely khaki, blue or grey, and feature a new dial design as well as an interchangeable strap system.
Fit for underwater exploration up to 300 metres, this stunning version of the Royal Oak also has a power reserve of 60 hours with luminescent coating on the gold hour-markers, making it visible in the dark.
For further information about the new Audemars Piguet boutique or any of their latest models, please visit www.audemarspiguet.com.
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