Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

Not far from the HQ will be the site of a new Audemars Piguet museum, set to open in 2020, and the restoration trio are closely contributing to the selection of 500 pieces from the archives that will be displayed. One example that is certain is a Grand Complication Universal watch that 120 years ago won a silver medal at the aforementioned exhibition in Paris. Today, Audemars Piguet manufacture 40,000 watches per year, a figure that’s capped due to production capacity and to ensure the utmost quality of every individual timepiece. As we thank the restoration team and make our way out, our guide Vanessa deftly slips in front of our field of vision to block a watchmaker working on the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in white ceramic. We have jumped through time again to the future creations of AP, and this is a highly confidential new watch which has to remain secret for now. Shielding us peeking at this new Royal Oak Vanesa laughs and says, “You see, we have one foot in tradition and one in the future…this keeps us alive.” Audemars Piguet is alive indeed, and thriving. As well as the forthcoming museum, the AP family is opening a new Audemars Piguet Hotel, as they want to continue to invest in the region. The hotel will be open to guests of the other brands in the valley, invited guests of AP, through to holidaymakers and anyone else who wants to explore the extraordinary history of craftsmanship and breathe in the pure mountain air of this beguiling region. 1 0 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I