During a solemn and joyful ceremony in the famous Art Base 501 in Chongqing, TITONI Ltd. launched its first Artist Watch on April 27 in the presence of Mr. Zhang Qikai, the famous Chongqing-based painter and art critic, Mr. Daniel Schluep, and many media representatives from Chongqing and Chengdu.

Two years ago, the internationally well-known Swiss watch-brand took up the initiative to collaborate with Mr. Zhang Qikai, and to produce an art-piece together: The first model in its Artist-Watch-collection, which also symbolizes the ever growing friendship between Switzerland and the Municipality of Chongqing. – “Time” may not mean anything for other artists, but for Zhang Qikai, the relevance of time is ubiquitous in his philosophy, and at the same time crucial in his art works.

When Daniel Schluep, CEO of TITONI Ltd, was first confronted with one of Mr. Zhang’s panda paintings, it was “love at first sight” and an inspiration for creative ideas. Since the adorable panda has become an unofficial ambassador of China in Switzerland, TITONI decided to work together with Zhang Qikai on this unique project: the designing of a watch dial by a famous Chinese artist using his subtle ideas and techniques in combination with the best of Swiss fine watch-making.

“Return to the Aerosphere”, the topic of the painting now placed on the watch-dial, evokes timeless feelings with a touch of futuristic surrealism. For Daniel Schluep, to cherish every single moment of life and at the same time to pursue cultural interests is part of his philosophy. “I have always been an art lover, and Mr. Zhang Qikai’s passion with the giant panda and the time-and-space related motifs in his paintings have deeply touched my heart”, said Mr. Schluep during the ceremony. For Mr. Zhang Qikai this cooperation with an international watch brand is a perfect chance to promote Chinese art and foster cultural exchange. “Since Titoni is a high-quality Swiss watch brand which gained trust from Chinese customers over the last five decades, I personally find it an ideal partner to work with”, said the artist in his remarks.         

Titoni’s first Artist Watch is an officially certified chronometer (COSC) and has been produced in a limited series of only 250 pieces worldwide. It is a collectible item and will only be sold at the Titoni showrooms in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and in some selected retail points.