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In a stunning collaboration that bridges the gap between high-end watchmaking and contemporary art, renowned Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has partnered with iconic artist KAWS.
This extraordinary collaboration has created a timepiece that reimagines traditional watchmaking, blending it with KAWS’s signature aesthetic. The result is the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion,” a striking creation from Audemars Piguet, released as a limited edition of just 250 pieces.
Inspired By KAWS’ Aesthetics
The new 43 mm Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon, crafted in titanium, is a limited-edition masterpiece that embodies the artistic essence of KAWS. At its core, a miniature COMPANION figure brings his iconic aesthetic to life, complemented by an innovative peripheral time display that redefines the watch’s design language.
In a nod to KAWS’ dissected series, the chest of the COMPANION reveals its beating heart, the watch’s tourbillon. The miniature 3D character is entirely made of titanium and is mounted on the titanium dial plate decorated with a sunburst motif. Its alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes add texture and depth while accentuating its rounded silhouette.
Pushing Time To The Side
The watch features a groundbreaking peripheral time display to showcase the miniature COMPANION on the dial without obstruction. This innovative design opens up new aesthetic possibilities for both the movement and dial. The hour and minute hands glide around the outer edge of the movement and dial, powered by two visible, superimposed gear wheels. These are driven by pinions and guided by rollers, creating a seamless and dynamic timekeeping experience.
A Latest-Generation Tourbillon Movement
This limited edition is powered by the new hand-wound peripheral hour and minute movement, Calibre 2979, which gives pride of place to the tourbillon on the dial side at 6 o’clock. This delicate, high-end complication reduces the effects of gravity on the watch’s accuracy.
KAWS x AP: Bringing Together Culture and Creativity
Lucas Raggi, Research and Development Director of Audemars Piguet, said, “As part of this collaboration, we have pushed our limits in terms of watchmaking technology to create a spectacular setting with the character at the centre, surrounded by a brand-new hour and minute display system housed in the periphery of the movement.”
Esquire commented that the collaboration between luxury and contemporary art is a natural fit, especially since high fashion and street style merged a decade ago. This cultural shift brought iconic characters from underground culture into the mainstream fashion world. High-end watchmaking soon followed suit, embracing this new era of creative collaboration.
KAWS: From Graffiti to Global Icon
Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, is a renowned contemporary artist and designer. His journey began as a graffiti artist in New Jersey, where he initially signed his work with the letters K, A, W, and S, a simple choice based on personal preference.
KAWS’s unique style seamlessly blends pop art and culture, often blurring the lines between art and product design. He has garnered significant acclaim through collaborations with various brands, from high-end fashion houses like Dior to more affordable retailers like Uniqlo and partnerships with iconic brands like Air Jordan and BAPE.
Audemars Piguet: Masterpiece of Time
Audemars Piguet (AP) watches have long been recognised as a symbol of prestige and luxury. The brand’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and exclusive limited editions has solidified its position as one of the most coveted watchmakers in the world.
Founded in 1875, the brand has been at the forefront of watchmaking for over a century. This long-standing legacy, combined with a reputation for pushing the boundaries of horological innovation, has instilled a sense of exclusivity and desirability in AP timepieces.
AP’s limited-edition models further enhance its prestige. These rare and highly sought-after timepieces, often featuring unique designs and complications, cater to a select group of collectors and connoisseurs. The exclusivity and limited availability of these models drive demand and increase their value on the secondary market.
