by Selena Hill
May 19, 2026
The fourth-generation descendant of Audemars Piguet’s founding family is attracting attention as the legendary watchmaker prepares for a highly anticipated collaboration with Swatch
Luxury watches are known to be associated with wealth, exclusivity and prestige. But amid increasing discussions about Black representation in elite industries, one executive is quietly changing the perception of who holds power at one of the world’s most influential watch brands.
Olivier Audemars, deputy chief executive of Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, is gaining a lot of attention given the company’s upcoming collaboration with Swatch. According to CassiusLife, Audemars is not only a top executive at the company, but also a descendant of one of the luxury brand’s founders.
Olivier Audemars
Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious names in haute horlogerie, known for high-quality timepieces such as the Royal Oak. Today it is still privately owned by the descendants of its founders. Audemars is the great-grandson of Edward Auguste Piguet, one of the company’s founders. However, his path into the family business was not immediate. According to CassiusLife, Audemars initially pursued a career in materials science and opened his own laboratory before joining the company in 1997. He later became deputy chairman of the board in 2014.
Its increasing visibility comes as Audemars Piguet prepares to partner with Swatch on a new collaboration, reportedly tied to “Royal Pop,” which dropped to much anticipation on May 16. The partnership marks a remarkable culture shift for a brand traditionally associated with scarcity and exclusivity.
For watch lovers and collectors alike, the history of Audemars means more than just luxury. Rather, it highlights the often-overlooked presence of Black leaders in industries historically considered inaccessible to people of color.
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