WORDS
Joanne Glasbey
Swiss horology house Audemars Piguet has always located itself in the intersection of tradition and the avant-garde. You can see this reflected in the venerable brand’s engagement in the music world, where it has been busy partnering in many genres, from the likes of the Montreux Jazz Festival to offering creative challenges to young musical artists such as Gaika [Tavares].
The next chapter of its musical adventures reveals a most harmonic partnership. Audemars Piguet has recently signed the British-American DJ, record producer and songwriter Mark Ronson as its latest brand ambassador. He’s a long-time fan of the brand, part of an elite and melodious line-up of musicians, including John Legend, Drake, Jay-Z and Justin Bieber.
For Ronson, the collaboration struck more than a chord: ‘Being in Audemars Piguet’s factory, I really noticed this attention to detail and this combination of analogue instruments and soulful maestros who make watches,’ he said. ‘It is so similar to what we are doing in the studio with our heritage, in the sense of dedication and craft.’
The music behemoth’s heritage is as impressive as it is innovative: since beginning his career as a DJ in the late 90s and releasing his debut album in 2003, he has worked with a pantheon of musical talent, alongside the likes of Amy Winehouse, Adele and Lady Gaga, collecting a studio-worth of accolades on the way, which include a Golden Globe, seven Grammy Awards and an Oscar.
As well as his impactful, all-round musical prowess, it’s Ronson’s uncompromising and free-spirited vision that attracted Audemars Piguet, says CEO François-Henry Bennahmias. ‘It is such a pleasure to work with someone like Mark, who constantly pushes us to go further and seek excellence in everything we do.’