The Monaco based charity AMADE-Monaco celebrated much more than its 40th birthday recently. Over 400 international guests joined the charity’s honorary President, Prince Albert II of Monaco, to pay tribute to the organisation’s work to benefit thousands of children around the world via its huge spectrum of projects, ranging from educational programs in schools, to celebrity fund-raising. Monte Carlo’s “Salle des Étoiles” is used to accommodating stars, but on this occasion the true VIPs were 23 youngsters from all over the world who transformed the gala into a celebration of youth. And Hamilton added an extra candle to the AMADE birthday cake through the auction of a special watch.



Hamilton came to collaborate with AMADE thanks to its Monaco-born ambassador, quadruple world champion free diver Pierre Frolla. During the 2006 Monaco Formula One Grand Prix he completed a spectacular free dive to a depth of over 50 m to ‘rescue’ the famous damier chequered flag to raise money for AMADE. At the gala there were many bidders for the Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT Monte Carlo watch worn by Pierre during the dive, number four of an edition limited to 2006 pieces. The watch raised EUR 45 000 for the charity. This was the highest price paid for any of the items auctioned, reaching 90 times its opening bid. Pierre Frolla and Matthias Breschan, Hamilton CEO, presented the watch to the lucky bidder. Hamilton added the money from the auction to proceeds from the worldwide sales of this watch model to make a significant donation to AMADE.



Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, PA, USA. Known for innovative design and watch technology, Hamilton is a member of the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch producer and distributor, with 157 production sites in Switzerland. The Swatch Group is the official timekeeper and data-handling operator for the Olympic Games and other major international sporting events. Hamilton is also a Hollywood star with product appearances in over 300 movies.

The Monaco-based charity AMADE was founded in 1966 by Princess Grace of Monaco. AMADE is committed to the protection of children's rights, regardless of their gender, race, religion, language, culture, social background or political opinion. AMADE has a network of 20 affiliates around the world.

Source: Hamilton International


www.hamiltonwatch.com


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