Celebrating Audemars Piguet’s 150th Anniversary at Le Brassus

Welcome to the 72nd edition of Maximalist! This ultimate guide is packed with insider insights into the dazzling realms of fashion, art, real estate, travel, jewelry, and horology—giving you all the weekly luxury news ahead of the rest.

Luxury is always evolving, and this week’s edition is no exception. Let’s dive in!

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On this week’s agenda:

1. Celebrating Audemars Piguet’s 150th Anniversary at Le Brassus

2. Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Sabado Por la Noche" to Fetch Up to $16 Million

3. Four Seasons Announces The Road to The Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic

Celebrating Audemars Piguet’s 150th Anniversary at Le Brassus

This year marks a significant milestone for Audemars Piguet as they celebrate their 150th anniversary in Le Brassus, where their journey began. The company, still family-owned, reached this venerable age with a history rich in horological innovation. The celebratory events kicked off in the Vallée de Joux, a region synonymous with Swiss watchmaking.

The event attendees stayed at the Hôtel des Horlogers, ideally located next to the Audemars Piguet offices and the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet. The museum, a relatively new addition, connects to the brand’s original workshop established by founders Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet in 1875. It houses a broad spectrum of the brand’s creations including the 1899 "Universelle" pocket watch with 19 complications and the Black Panther Concept watch, which sold for $5.2 million at a charity auction and is now on display.

The following day, the 150th Anniversary celebrations officially began at the Manufacture with a dramatic presentation of the brand’s history. The event highlighted the launch of the new perpetual calendar Caliber 7138. This innovative movement, notable for its crown-adjustable settings without external correctors, was showcased in three new models. A Royal Oak in steel is priced at 109,300 CHF, a Royal Oak in Sand Gold costs 130,000 CHF, and a Code 11.59 in 18k white gold, also priced at 109,300 CHF.

The celebration also included the unveiling of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked "150th Anniversary" model, a limited edition of 150 pieces priced at 175,000 CHF. This model blends traditional and contemporary design elements and is constructed from titanium and bulk metallic glass (BMG).

Additional releases featured the Code 11.59 chronographs and a new series of Royal Oak Offshore in ceramic. Notably, the 41mm Code 11.59 chronograph in white gold with a blue Tuscan dial is priced at 85,600 CHF, and a tri-tone ceramic offshore model is available for 58,400 CHF.

These celebrations not only highlight Audemars Piguet's enduring legacy but also underscore its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, paving the way for future generations of watchmaking excellence.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Sabado Por la Noche" to Fetch Up to $16 Million

Jean-Michel Basquiat's artwork "Sabado por la Noche (Saturday Night)" is poised to be a highlight at Christie's Hong Kong during their 20th/21st Century Evening Sale. This event coincides with Art Basel Hong Kong for the first time, enhancing the sale's prominence.

Created in 1984, the painting measures 6.5 by 7.5 feet and features vibrant hot pink and maroon hues. It is anticipated to attract bids ranging from $13 million to $16 million USD. "Sabado" originates from a pivotal time in Basquiat's career when he was collaborating extensively with Andy Warhol, producing over 150 artworks. Christie's describes this piece as an "immersive masterpiece" and one of the most iconic in Basquiat's body of work, showcasing his unique blend of text, iconography, and human figures.

1984 was a landmark year for Basquiat, marked by his first solo museum exhibition, "Jean-Michel Basquiat: Paintings 1981–1984," which was showcased in London and Rotterdam.

Ada Tsui, Christie’s Asia Pacific head of evening sale and 20th/21st century art, expressed it as a privilege to present this work, noting Christie's long-term efforts to cultivate the Asian market for Basquiat's art. This follows the 2021 sale of Basquiat's "Warrior (1982)" in Hong Kong, which set a record at $41.8 million USD.

The painting will be available for public preview from March 25 to 27 at Christie’s Hong Kong, with the auction occurring on March 28.

Four Seasons Announces The Road to The Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic

Four Seasons has unveiled "The Road to The Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic," an exclusive series of doubles tennis tournaments to be held at four of its luxurious properties, culminating in semi-finals and final matches at London's prestigious Hurlingham Club from June 26 – 28, 2025. This series marries sport, style, and hospitality, featuring renowned tennis champions as coaches at each event.

The tournaments are scheduled as follows:

• The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas (March 14-16): Led by Juan Martín del Potro, participants will play on the resort’s Har-Tru court, surrounded by 35 acres of Versailles-inspired gardens and the pristine beaches of Paradise Island.

• Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Florida (April 11-13): Venus Williams will coach participants at this Five-Diamond, Five-Star resort, offering views of Palm Beach’s iconic coastline.

• Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, France (May 2-4): Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will host sessions on the clay courts of this Riviera landmark, renowned for its panoramic sea views and luxurious setting.

• Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England (June 6-8): Goran Ivanišević will guide players through the tournament at this historic manor estate nestled in the English countryside.

The winning teams from these tournaments will advance to compete in the semi-finals and finals at the Hurlingham Club, known for its 25-year waiting list and as a venue that combines elegance with British tradition. Over its 30-year history, the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic has welcomed tennis legends like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Four Seasons, highlighted the alignment of Four Seasons and Giorgio Armani in excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation. This collaboration offers an exceptional opportunity to experience top-tier tennis coaching in stunning locations, blending luxury hospitality with the excitement of competitive tennis.

For more details on the tournament and to explore participation options, visit the Four Seasons website.

This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of Four Seasons to provide unique and luxurious experiences, combining the worlds of fashion, travel, and sports in a seamless and engaging way.

Thank you for supporting the world of luxury.