Facelift time for Audemars Piguet on Montenapoleone

What a week it’s been for the luxury Swiss watchmaker, Audemars Piguet, who have been hosting events every night of this week on Montenapoleone to proudly show off their newly renovated boutique – the second of their worldwide branches, after Miami, to get the new concept facelift. And with an almost sound-proof glass lounge temporarily erected on Montenapoleone’s sidewalk, you can’t not notice the hype if you’re in the area.

I spent some time sipping an orange juice and nibbling on Parmesan cheese while chatting with Giampaolo Ziviani, who explained that because they want to complete the luxury experience from exclusive timepieces to lifestyle, they’ve partnered with other companies including French magazine, Monsieur and hospitality group, Nero Hotels.

Here I am with the Editor-in-Chief of Monsieur, Franz Botrè.

To instill the company’s 1875 heritage, the beautiful boutique boasts an interior finished with wood and stone flown in from Vallèe de Joux, the birthplace of the brand while a large screen at the end of the long space plays scenic video footage shot in the tranquil valley. An inviting atmosphere is reinforced with friendly salesmen who go the extra mile to offer personalised service.

From the precious, expensive watches that line the perimeter, I was drawn to the LadyCat, 1 of only 10 limited edition pieces from the Royal Oak Offshore Collection that graced my wrist. It boasts an 18-carat white gold case, bezel and pin buckle paved in 323 brilliant flawless diamonds totalling exactly 5.82 carats!

Love watches? Here are more must-have Audemars Piguet pieces…

To see more, visit the Audemars Piguet website