Ampurist details the launch of the JEANRICHARD limited edition “208 Seconds” Aeroscope, a watch created in partnership with Captain Chesley Sullenberger. The post highlights the watch's inspiration from Captain Sully's heroic Hudson River landing and its connection to his philanthropic efforts, particularly raising awareness for sepsis.
Five years ago, Captain Chesley Sullenberger performed a
miracle that saved 155 lives. Destined for North Carolina, US Airways Flight 1549
began its journey by taking off from LaGuardia Airport. Within minutes of what
seemed like a normal take off, the aircraft was intercepted by a flock of birds
causing both engines to fail. It was at this time that Captain Sullenberger,
also known as Captain Sully, made his mark in history.
Within 208 seconds, the Texas native was able to land the
aircraft safely on the Hudson River and save the lives of every passenger and crewmember.
Honored by both President Obama and former President Bush, Captain Sully is the
recipient of the Master’s Medal from the Guild of Air Pilots and Air
Navigators, is honored with The Key to the City of New York, and was named one
of Times magazine’s “100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons” in 2009.
On January 14, 2013, JEANRICHARD and brand
ambassador, Captain Sully, revealed the brand-new limited edition “208 seconds”
Aeroscope at Tourneau TimeMachine on 57th Street and Madison Ave.
Held in the downstairs exhibit hall, guests were offered champagne and little
treats as they waited for the grand opening of the hall doors and revealing of
the new watch. Captain Sullenberger and his wife, Lorraine Sullenberger, welcomed
guests and smiled for pictures. Mrs. Sullenberger donned a beautiful red floor
length dress as the couple floated about the room.
Captain Chesley Sullenberger and wife Lorraine Sullenberger with Gayle King, and Bruno Grande.
- Photo credit: JEANRICHARD and TOURNEAU
The setting at Tourneau TimeMachine before the grand release.
With the launch of the new “208 seconds”, JEANRICHARD and
Captain Sullenberger partnered the release with the Captain’s philanthropic endeavors. In
his speech, he explained the idea behind the
watch and the choice behind the two organizations, The American Red Cross and The Rory
Staunton Foundation. Captain Sully's speech was followed by touching words from the mother of Rory Staunton, the twelve-year-old boy who passed away in
April of 2012 due to a septic crisis. A flying fanatic, Staunton aspired to be just like the heroic
pilot after reading Captain Sullenberger’s memoir. Captain Sullenberger is determined to raise awareness of sepsis, a
leading cause of death in hospitals.
Captain Sullenberger sharing his experience in the landing of Flight 1549.
Bruno Grande presented Captain Sullenberger with his customized "208 Seconds" Aeroscope watch.
After presenting the Captain of the “208 Second”
Aeroscope, three velvet covered display cases with the new
watches were uncovered for the guests viewing. The 208 seconds are represented
by a white and red timeline subtlety marked on the timepiece’s black dial.
Available on a black Barenia calfskin strap, the “208 Seconds” Aeroscope, with
its titanium cushion-shaped case, is a re-interpretation of the old aviators’
watches. The watch is listed at $5,400.
The suspense was rising as the countdown to the launch dwindled down.
Close up of the new "208 Seconds" Aeroscope.
Along with fellow “Philosophers of Life”, Nik Wallenda and
Frank Camas, Captain Sullenberger’s passion for life’s philosophies drives
him to do extraordinary things. “We are privileged to have worked with Captain
Sullenberger on our new “208 Seconds” Aeroscope”, said Bruno Grande, COO of
JEANRICHARD. “The watch showcases the importance of time, Sully’s inspirational
achievement in seconds of great urgency, and his efforts since then to continue
to help change and improve people’s lives and support organizations such as the
American Red Cross and the Rory Staunton Foundation. This is very much in line
with JEANRICHARD’s values and philosophy of life.”
Orlaith Staunton, Bruno Grande, Captain Sullenberger, Ira Melnitsky, and Josh Lockwood after presenting the Captain with the "208 Seconds" Aeroscope.
- Photo credit: JEANRICHARD and TOURNEAU
Staying on top of the new importance of social media, JEANRICHARD held a competition on the popular photo editing application, Instagram. A “208 Seconds” Aeroscope was carefully passed around the room, as guests were encouraged to take wrists shots on the social media app. To enter the competition, one had to add on the tags @JRwatches and #208seconds to their posted photos. See if you can find my submission by searching #PuristsPro on the App!
The "208 seconds" Aeroscope presented for the guests to photograph in the Instagram contest.
This message has been edited by ampurist on 2014-01-16 16:48:36 This message has been edited by ampurist on 2014-01-16 16:53:59 
