(BANGKOK, Thailand, 1 May 2019) – Avantist Watches today announced that on May 1st 2019 it has signed Thai professional golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat as a global brand ambassador. As part of the collaboration between Kiradech and Avantist, the brand is launching the Arm Edition Sapphire Tourbillon. Limited to just 9 pieces, the Arm Edition is both a technical marvel that features a Tourbillon escapement and a masterpiece in craftsmanship with a case made from solid transparent sapphire crystal.
Avantist Watches was founded in 2015, all of its watches are designed, manufactured and assembled in Switzerland with its business headquarters based in Singapore. Although a young brand, the Avantist team possess decades of experience working for Switzerland’s most prestigious watch brands and have been behind multiple award-winning watches. Avantist watches are all limited edition and are regularly seen on the wrists of royalty, world leaders, sports stars, business leaders & celebrities.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat – also known by his nickname Arm – is the leading Thai professional golfer and the first and only Thai golfer to play on the PGA Tour. He is currently ranked 42nd in the world. Kiradech is also an avid collector of fine watches and supercars.
The signing between Avantist and Kiradech took place at the Kiathada Driving Range, Bangkok. Signing on behalf of Avantist was the brand’s Bruneian founder Keeran Janin.
“The collaboration between Avantist and Kiradech represents our mission to celebrate the achievements of the leading pioneers of our generation. The name Avantist is short for ‘Avantgardist’ meaning pioneer or leader. Kiradech is a pioneer in Thai golf and an inspiration not just Thai and Asian golfers but to fans the world over. He inspires people to pursue their dreams and leads by example. He is a true Avantist and we are very excited to work with him.”, said Keeran.
The Avantist Arm Edition Sapphire Tourbillon is limited to just 9 pieces. These watches feature a skeletonized tourbillon movement set on a transparent sapphire crystal plate that gives the illusion of floating mid-air inside the watch. This movement is further housed in a case-body that itself is made from a single block of solid transparent sapphire crystal, allowing the wearer to see the movement from all angles – the sapphire case alone takes hundreds of hours to produce. Combined with components in 18k Gold and Titanium, each individual watch is painstakingly hand-assembled in Switzerland and takes up to 6 months to complete.
One of the key selling points of the product sets it apart from other watch brands is that for the 9 lucky owners they will be treated with opportunity to meet Kiradech in-person to hear his inspiring journey, make friends and talk about all things golf in private events hosted exclusively for owners.
Kiradech Key Statistics
Born: 23 July 1989 (Age 29)
Turned Pro: 2008
World Ranking: 42nd (best ranking 29th)
Curent Tours: PGA Tour, Asian Tour, European Tour
Professional Wins: 11 (European Tour: 4, Asian Tour: 3, PGA Tour of Australasia: 1, Other 6)
Best results in majors: Masters (T15, 2016), US Open (15th, 2018), The Open Championship (T75, 2018), PGA Championship (T25, 2013)
Watch Technical Specifications
Ref: ARM1-XX/09
Movement: Exclusive Avantist Skeleton Manual Winding Calibre; Tourbillon; Dimensions: 32.60mm; Height: 6.20mm; Components: 167; Power Reserve: 72-Hours; Frequency: 21’600 vib/h (3 Hz); Jewels: 19; Finishing: Hand Angled, Sand-Blasted, Sapphire Plate. Tourbillon Finished in Arm Signature Green
Functions: Hours and Minutes.
Case: Diameter: 42mm; Materials: Sapphire, 18k Gold, Grade 5 Titanium; Gems: 44 Green Baguette-Cut Tourmalines; Total Carat Weight 1.4ct; Case Back: Sapphire Glass; Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-reflective Treatment; Case Body: Transparent Sapphire Crystal.
Strap: 1x Ballistic Nylon in Arm Signature Green, 1 x Genuine Epsom Calf Leather in Arm Signature GreenWarranty: 2 Years.
Limited Edition: 9 Pieces Worldwide
Availability: Summer 2019
Price: CHF262,000