The fusion of high art and haute horlogerie doesn't happen every day, but when it does, it certainly grabs our attention. The latest buzz in the watch community is all about the new collaboration between Audemars Piguet and the artist KAWS. This partnership brings to life a timepiece that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.
The AP x KAWS Collaboration Story
When the AP x KAWS collaboration was announced, it instantly sparked curiosity in all of us—and for good reason.
Audemars Piguet, renowned for its innovative approach to watchmaking, has joined forces with KAWS, a New York-based artist celebrated worldwide for his unique and thought-provoking creations.
KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, began his career as a graffiti artist, transforming urban landscapes with his iconic "ad interventions" that reimagined commercial advertisements. Over the years, his art evolved to include sculptures, paintings, and collectible figures, with COMPANION becoming one of his most recognizable characters.
COMPANION, a figure with crossed-out eyes and a playful-yet-melancholic demeanor, has transcended its origins to become a cultural icon. Often seen as a commentary on human emotions and societal norms, the character has appeared in various forms, from giant inflatable installations to small collectibles treasured by fans worldwide. KAWS' ability to blend street art with fine art has made him a favorite among museums, galleries, and now luxury brands like Audemars Piguet.
The collaboration between Audemars Piguet and KAWS began with a shared vision to merge the worlds of fine watchmaking and contemporary art. Both innovators in their fields, they sought to push creative and technical boundaries. The goal was not only to celebrate KAWS' iconic COMPANION but also to highlight Audemars Piguet’s commitment to exploring bold artistic territories, resulting in a watch that’s as much a masterpiece as it is a statement of craftsmanship.
The AP x KAWS Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon ‘Companion’
This collaboration captures the essence of two creative powerhouses. By uniting KAWS' iconic artistic flair with Audemars Piguet's pioneering craftsmanship, the result is the COMPANION watch, a timepiece that redefines boundaries in both art and horology.
Design Elements That Stand Out
Technical Marvels Under the Hood
Breaking Boundaries in Time Display
A Tourbillon Worth Celebrating
Limited Edition: A True Collector's Treasure
How It Wears
KAWS' work has always challenged norms, and with this watch, Audemars Piguet does the same. The Audemars Piguet x Kaws timepiece is a testament to what's possible when creativity meets precision engineering.
This limited edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon is a 43 mm titanium masterpiece that places a miniature COMPANION at its heart, quite literally. The dial showcases the COMPANION character in a way that feels both playful and sophisticated. It's a three-dimensional figure crafted entirely from titanium, sitting atop a sunburst-decorated dial plate. The alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes give depth and texture, accentuating the rounded silhouette of the character. It's a watch that doesn't just tell time—it tells a story.
One of the most striking features is how time is displayed. To give the COMPANION center stage, Audemars Piguet has innovatively pushed the time indicators to the periphery of the dial. The hour and minute hands rotate around the outer edge, thanks to two visible, superimposed gear wheels driven by pinions and guided by rollers. This peripheral time display isn't just a novelty; it's a technical achievement that opens new aesthetic possibilities for both movement and dial designs.
But let's not overlook what's happening beneath that artistic dial. The watch is powered by the new hand-wound peripheral hour and minute movement, Caliber 2979. This latest-generation tourbillon movement not only showcases the tourbillon on the dial side at 6 o'clock but also reduces the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy—a hallmark of high-end complications. It's a feature that any watch enthusiast would appreciate.
The fusion of art and engineering in the Audemars Piguet x KAWS Royal Oak Concept is something we find genuinely exciting. The fact that the COMPANION character's chest reveals the tourbillon adds a layer of intrigue and showcases the meticulous craftsmanship involved.
The peripheral time display is another conversation starter. By pushing the hour and minute hands to the edge of the dial, the design team at Audemars Piguet has done something genuinely groundbreaking. Not only does this allow the COMPANION figure to shine as the centerpiece, but it also challenges our traditional notions of how time should be presented on a watch.
Underneath all that visual splendor lies the Caliber 2979, a hand-wound movement that is as much a work of art as the exterior. The tourbillon, located at 6 o’clock, takes pride of place on the dial. This high-end complication is not just a showcase of watchmaking mastery but also a functional element that improves timekeeping accuracy by countering the effects of gravity.
What’s fascinating is how the tourbillon is seamlessly integrated into the COMPANION design. The character’s chest cavity reveals the spinning tourbillon, creating a visual and mechanical connection that ties the entire piece together. It’s as if the watch itself has a heartbeat, bringing a sense of vitality to the design.
Of course, no discussion of the Audemars Piguet x KAWS would be complete without mentioning its exclusivity. This Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon is a limited-edition release, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors. With only 100 pieces available, owning one is akin to owning a piece of modern art. It’s a reminder that watches like these are not just tools for telling time—they’re cultural artifacts that capture the spirit of their era.
Adding to the exclusivity is the 18-inch walnut sculpture of COMPANION created by KAWS, which sits atop Audemars Piguet’s headquarters in Le Brassus. This sculpture, along with the watch, symbolizes the shared commitment to craftsmanship and creativity between the artist and the watchmaker.
We’d be remiss not to talk about how this beauty feels on the wrist. Despite its bold design and 43 mm size, the use of titanium keeps it surprisingly lightweight. The ergonomic design ensures comfort, even for those of us who don’t usually wear larger watches. And let’s not forget that peripheral time display—it’s functional, yes, but it also adds a playful element. Glancing at the time becomes an experience, not a reflex.
And then there’s the reaction you’ll get. Trust us, wearing the Audemars Piguet x KAWS is like wearing a piece of wearable art.
Celebrating the AP x KAWS Vision
The Audemars Piguet x KAWS Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon is a work of art, a technical achievement, and a cultural icon. For us, this collaboration represents the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and creativity. It’s a piece that will not only stand the test of time but also make history in the process. And honestly, isn’t that what great watches are all about?
If you’re as captivated by the Audemars Piguet x KAWS timepiece as we are, it’s time to take action. At Timepiece Trading, we specialize in connecting enthusiasts with extraordinary watches like this one. Visit our website to browse our curated selection, or contact us for personalized assistance.
