150 years of Audemars Piguet: Celebrating trailblazing time and exceptional women

   

One hundred and fifty years isn’t just an anniversary; it’s a testament to enduring vision and, in the case of Audemars Piguet, style. It sits on the wrist of formidable women from all walks of life and all manner of creative fields, a mark of unwavering artistry and the pursuit of innovation.

Founded in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux, one of the cradles of Swiss watchmaking, AP counts a century and a half of setting precedents in the rarefied world of haute horlogerie. The brand is behind a series of ‘firsts’, from pioneering the world’s first minute repeater wristwatch movement in 1892 to the revolutionary Royal Oak of 1972 (a design that fundamentally changed the concept of the luxury watch). These innovations weren’t mere technical exercises; they were bold statements that challenged conventions and redefined what a timepiece could be.

This spirit of pushing boundaries and setting a new precedent finds a powerful echo in the members of the Audemars Piguet family: the extraordinary athlete Serena Williams, tastemaker Tamara Kalinic, models and pioneers in social, beauty and political spaces, Winnie Harlow and Nour Arida. They’re not just admirable women, but progressive forces shaping the cultural conversation and inspiring excellence on a global scale.

Serena Williams

audemars piguet serena williams

Serena Williams is, without understating it, a legend. Her dominance on the tennis court has secured her place as one of the greatest athletes of all time, with a collection of major titles and records that drive her impact. Her influence extends far beyond the sporting arena. She’s an entrepreneur, an influential fashion figure and a champion for change, inspiring shifts in style, gender parity and more.

In Williams’ own words, “I go beyond the ordinary by pushing myself past the limits, past what I think is enough, and I always try to give a little bit more.” That drive and commitment to excellence resonates deeply with Audemars Piguet’s own dedication to continue raising the bar. Meanwhile, her emphasis on connection also speaks to the strong sense of community that the brand cultivates with its AP family (as it is affectionately known).

 

Tamara Kalinic

tamara kalinic audemars piguet
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

Bosnian-born model and online personality Tamara Kalinic has cultivated a compelling and influential voice in the world of fashion on social media. Her discerning eye has earned her a devoted global following, connecting with her mix of classic and contemporary style—a mix of tradition and modernity that mirrors Audemars Piguet’s own design philosophy. Beyond simply showcasing clothes, Kalinic provides insights into the craftsmanship and artistry behind fashion, offering a rare perspective on the artisans’ relentless dedication, which brings fine products to life in both watchmaking and fashion.

Winnie Harlow

winnie harlow audemars piguet

Winnie Harlow has been a pioneering voice in beauty, becoming a powerful advocate for inclusivity and celebrating individuality with undeniable impact. Her striking presence on the runways of major fashion brands has challenged convention, inspiring a generation to celebrate what makes them unique. She has worked to broaden perceptions of beauty, and her confidence and fearless self-expression have a powerful synergy with Audemars Piguet’s own pioneering spirit and its willingness to disrupt the status quo.

Nour Arida

nour arida audemars piguet

“I always try to push boundaries. I push further and further,” Nour Arida says with conviction, sharing Harlow, Williams and Kalinic’s drive. “It’s like [a real] family, being part of the AP family,” she says, sharing the same set of principles and values. As a stylist and creative director, the American Lebanese model and activist champions diversity, committing to moving the cultural conversation forward.

These women, each a trailblazer in her own right, share a powerful affinity with Audemars Piguet. Serena Williams, Tamara Kalinic, Winnie Harlow, and Nour Arida represent the dynamism, creativity, and influence of women who are not just part of the cultural conversation but are actively shaping its future.

As AP celebrates 150 years, it does so by acknowledging not only its own history but also the contributions of its extraordinary family who represents the spirit of passion and innovation that defines Audemars Piguet.