Audemars Piguet - Quincy Jones visits the Manufacture

On the eve of the traditional Swiss watch industry vacation, a very special guest and above all a longtime friend came to salute the remarkable work of the watchmakers in the Manufacture.

During his visit, the legendary multi-talented artist, trumpeter, composer and producer Quincy Jones, discovered the manufacturing secrets of Audemars Piguet timepieces and in particular those of the watch bearing his name, the Millenary Quincy Jones, which was presented at the SIHH 2010.

Quincy Jones. © Audemars Piguet

Before the workshop tour, Audemars Piguet Art Director Octavio Garcia recalled the fruitful work undertaken with the famous musician in creating the Millenary Quincy Jones, a watch featuring resolutely contemporary lines and a sophisticated design playing on nuances and subtle contrasts between brilliant and satin-polished surfaces echoing the notes on the keyboard of a piano, an instrument dear to the artist’s heart.

Throughout this radiantly sunny day, Quincy Jones admired the work of these skilled watchmaking artisans, commenting that “these men and women really impress me by their precision and the expertise they display in shaping these timeless gems. They are great creative talents and passionately dedicated artists, just like those for whom I serve as producer.”

The artiste and Philippe Merk, Audemars Piguet CEO. © Audemars Piguet

For several years, Audemars Piguet and this exceptional individual have been associated in developing “Project Q”, aimed at raising political and public awareness of young people’s need for self-expression and the means that must be provided to ensure they fulfil their true potential. The cornerstone of “Project Q” is the “Q Prize”, an international award presented by Audemars Piguet and honouring a public figure or social organisation having played a central role on behalf of children. Through his Quincy Jones Foundation, the artist is also committed to helping children by improving their well-being, their health and their dignity. The new Millenary Quincy Jones watch will contribute to raising funds for this foundation.

Know-how, artistic passion and empathy… Such shared values were bound to further strengthen the ties between this music legend and the famous Swiss watch manufacturer.

Through his Quincy Jones Foundation, the artist is also committed to helping children by improving their well-being, their health and their dignity. © Audemars Piguet

In speaking of the man behind the foundation, Audemars Piguet CEO Philippe Merk said: “Quincy Jones is not only an amazing artist and a daring entrepreneur, but above all a man with a big heart. One cannot help admiring his career, especially considering the difficulties he encountered during his childhood. He gives us an important life lesson and naturally inspires profound respect.”

Before returning to Montreux where he will present his new “Quincy Jones & the Global Gumbo All Stars” ensemble, this informal yet highly emotional visit paid to the Manufacture will remain engraved in the memory of the company and its personnel. Much like the master-watchmakers who have been steadily forging the reputation of Audemars Piguet for the past 135 years, Quincy Jones has been shaping the history of music for several decades already.