Right from their arrival, guests were immersed in the mood of the evening, since the key theme chosen by Audemars Piguet for the 2010 edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie was the fascinating world of motor sports. All eyes were naturally drawn to the dizzying speed of powerful cars flashing across giant screens.
After a year at the head of the Manufacture in Le Brassus, Philippe Merk reminded listeners in his welcome speech that he was fully confident in the future.
Mr Philippe Merk made a special announcement of Audemars Piguet ‘s support for Haiti through a donation of CHF 200,000 as a token of solidarity with the victims of terrible earthquake that devastated the country several days ago.
Returning to the central theme of the evening, Philippe Merk invited Jarno Trulli and Sébastien Buemi to join him on stage. After screening a magnificent film in honour of the brand's Formula 1 ambassadors, Philippe Merk officially presented them with a stellar new release for this SIHH 2010: the Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix model, embodying the symbiotic ties between the worlds of watchmaking and automobiles based on a shared passion for design and the same tireless quest for mechanical performance. This model is a powerful new demonstration of the know-how and the boldness cultivated by the brand since 1875.
As the perfect finishing touch to the festivities, the famous Yves Larock, one of the best-known producers and DJs on the international scene, set the turntables humming by opening his musical session with the hit song “Rise up”. The audience naturally succumbed to the temptation to dance the night away to the sound of hip-hop, electro, house, R&B and Reggae mixes, while sipping the exotic and colourful cocktails specially prepared right in front of them.
