Chinese buyers showed their economic clout in Paris Thursday at an auction of watches owned by French film idol Alain Delon, with prices going through the roof.

Auction house Cornette de Saint-Cyr told AFP that the sale brought in a total of 443,875 euros ($590,300) as collectors and fans thronged the room while many buyers, especially in China, took part by phone.

Audemars Piguet redesigned the Royal Oak Jumbo in celebration of its 40th Anniversary.

The “AP” logo has been moved from the 12 o’clock position back down to 6 o’clock, and the tapisserie is also smaller, just like it was on the original.

As well, this watch will retain the reference 15202 despite the cosmetic changes, and it will only be available with a historically inspired blueish grey dial.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 40th Anniversary watch will be officially unveiled January 2012 at SIHH in Geneva.

AP will be producing 40 of these special edition pieces featuring a platinum case and an extra-thin movement (the 3.05mm) that has been meticulously skeletonized.

Audemars Piguet, the industry-leading manufacturer of high-end timepieces, will now be the official timekeeper at all Four Seasons hotels and resorts in the Americas.

Beginning immediately at locations in Buenos Aires, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Mexico City, and New York City, Audemars Piguet’s iconic Royal Oak clocks will be displayed prominently through the properties.

Each hotel will feature multiple clocks in a variety of high-profile locations including the main entrance, concierge desk, spa or business center.

2011, a new milestone for Governator ? Arnold Schwarzenegger has just finished his term as Governor of California, and should work again with James Cameron …

BusinessMontres reports that he might also become an administrator of Audemars Piguet with whom he has a long-established friendship!

2011 marks a new step in the historic partnership between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Audemars Piguet with the Royal Oak Offshore ‘Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy’ Chronograph, a vibrant tribute to the actor/politician/businessman/athlete!