News
Audemars Piguet is no stranger to partnerships that bridge the worlds of high-end watchmaking and culture, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. In its latest endeavor, the Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer teams up with American artist Brian Donnelly – better known by his pseudonym KAWS – to reimagine the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon.
This 43 mm limited edition of 250 pieces offers a futuristic, provocative twist on fine watchmaking. The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” is crafted entirely in titanium, with the playful yet enigmatic character taking center stage beneath a sapphire crystal. KAWS’ signature Companion character, with its skull-shaped head and X-shaped eyes, is meticulously rendered in miniature, appearing to peer curiously out from within the watch. This 3D character is not just a visual element but a conceptual one, blurring the line between the artistic and the technical, reflecting both the playful and the profound. Its position on the dial challenges traditional watchmaking, placing the character as the focal point while time itself is subtly relegated to the periphery.
To give this new design its due prominence, Audemars Piguet has created a brand-new peripheral time display, a first for the brand. The hour and minute hands revolve around the edge of the dial, guided by visible superimposed gear wheels and rollers, ensuring that the watch’s movement remains unobstructed. This innovative approach serves a practical function but also provides an entirely new aesthetic, allowing the Companion character to dominate the dial without interruption.
The titanium case features a combination of satin-brushed, sandblasted, and polished finishes, echoing the textures of the COMPANION character. The bezel and caseback are secured with hexagonal screws, each marked with KAWS’ iconic X symbol. This motif is also etched onto the sapphire caseback alongside the engraving of the limited edition number, making each piece unique.
“It has been an incredible experience working with Audemars Piguet over the past two years to bring this project to fruition,” says KAWS. “I find the world of watchmaking fascinating, and the artisans at Audemars Piguet are truly exceptional in their craft. I am honoured to have my watch included in the company’s catalogue, which spans over a hundred years of watchmaking excellence.”
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is a conversation starter, inviting the wearer to appreciate fine watchmaking and engage with the story behind the timepiece. As Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, puts it, “KAWS has taken collaboration to a whole new level. By placing a miniature Companion at the heart of a Royal Oak Concept, he not only challenged us to push new boundaries, he also encouraged us to look at our craftsmanship from a more humanistic perspective and reflect on the power of both the imaginary and Haute Horlogerie to inspire curiosity and evoke strong emotions.”
In a world where these worlds are increasingly intertwined, the KAWS x Audemars Piguet collaboration captures a unique feeling. It’s not just about owning something rare; it’s about owning something with a feeling. The watch invites us to look closer, to engage, much like KAWS’ Companion figure peeking out from the dial—curious, playful, and full of potential.
