Prestigious Watch Company Becomes Orchestra's First "Official Timepiece" and Sole Sponsor of Philharmonic's 2007/08 Season Opening Night Gala

(Los Angeles and L'Abbaye, Switzerland, May 17, 2007) - The Los Angeles Philharmonic, known for its cutting-edge innovation and forward-thinking alliances, partners with prestigious timepiece manufacturer Breguet in an exclusive relationship. With this pairing, Breguet becomes the official timepiece of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, marking the first time a luxury timepiece company has sponsored an orchestra in the United States.

"This partnership reflects the perfect intersection of a top consumer brand's marketing goals with a renowned performing arts organization's fundraising needs. Breguet will speak directly to the active, culturally minded arts patrons who are a key part of their core constituency. And the Los Angeles Philharmonic will use this generous corporate sponsorship support to continue to play an integral part in the cultural life of this city. This fully-integrated partnership is a win-win for Breguet, the LA Phil and for the community," said Jon Holman of The Holman Group, the agency which facilitated the relationship on behalf of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

This partnership marks the first time an orchestra has tapped an official timepiece and the first time a prestigious watch company has participated at such a level with a symphony orchestra. Even so, Breguet, part of the Swatch Group Ltd., has always been attuned to the synergy between the beauty and artistry in developing fine timepieces and the inherent and timeless beauty of classical music. The brand sponsors the Summer Classical Music Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland and the "Concours de Musique," contest in Geneva, among others; this will be the first partnership of its kind in the U.S.

"At Montres Bruguet, we are honored to partner with the world-renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic, as it confirms our support for the world's cultural heritage and marks the close and enduring links between music and the art of watch-making at its finest. Respect for tradition, innovation, beauty and excellence are only a few of the values we share. Since 1775, A-L Breguet, father of just about everything inside the modern mechanical watch, was inspired by beauty, art and music. We could not be more pleased to join with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in celebrating the beauty and art of music and performances held here," said Mr. Nicolas G. Hayek Sr., CEO of Montres Breguet SA and chairman of the board of The Swatch Group.

As part of the alliance, Breguet becomes the exclusive sponsor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's opening night gala for the 2007/08 season on Thursday, October 4, at Walt Disney Concert Hall. More than 1,000 guests are expected to attend the annual benefit event.

"Though all of our sponsors are extremely important to us, we are especially pleased to be joined by such an illustrious and high-caliber supporter as Breguet," said Deborah Borda, president of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. "This connection between two fine arts - luxury timepiece design and classical music - is enhanced in this partnership."

Breguet is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd of Biel, Switzerland, the largest watch company in the world.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music - Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

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