“With great power comes great responsibility.” Few people understood that better than François-Henry Bennahmias when he took over the role of CEO at Audemars Piguet a decade ago.
Bennahmias had already worked for the brand for 19 years at this point, so knew his charge inside and out.
In 2012, when he took over as interim CEO (being sworn in officially the following year), AP’s revenue was CHF600m. Last year, it was nearly CHF1.6bn. It’s staggering growth – such that 2022 saw AP top Patek Philippe’s sales for the first time in history.
Bennahmias has never done anything by halves. And as the flamboyant CEO bids adieu to the company he has helped build over the past 30 years, he’s certainly going out with a bang.
Last week, with his usual panache, he unveiled the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” – the second part of the brand’s collaboration with Marvel.
The collaboration started in 2021 with the launch of the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Black Panther”.
Limited to 250 pieces, the new 42mm timepiece in titanium and black ceramic boasts an incredible openworked movement topped out with Spider-Man in one of his trademark poses.
As part of the drop, Bennahmias also auctioned the one-of-one Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Black Suit Spider-Man” for a mighty $6.2m, raising money for First Book and Ashoka (two non-profit organisations that both work to encourage young people to become agents of change).
All in a day’s work for your friendly neighbourhood watch executive.
See more at audemarspiguet.com
