With Art Basel Miami Beach around the corner, Audemars Piguet has joined forces with contemporary artist KAWS to present a groundbreaking interpretation of haute horlogerie. The result is the limited edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion”, a 43 mm timepiece that combines the Maison’s horological expertise with KAWS’ provocative artistry. This avant-garde creation, limited to just 250 pieces, seamlessly bridges the worlds of high watchmaking and contemporary art, pushing boundaries in both design and craftsmanship.
With Art Basel Miami Beach around the corner, Audemars Piguet has joined forces with contemporary artist KAWS.
Audemars Piguet’s collaboration with KAWS reflects its long-standing tradition of engaging with the cultural world to redefine horological norms. Known for his subversive artistry, KAWS has infused the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon with his unmistakable aesthetic. At the heart of the timepiece lies a miniature version of his iconic character, COMPANION, cleverly integrated into the watch’s design. Encased beneath a sapphire crystal, COMPANION’s cartoonish form and signature X-shaped eyes bring a playful yet profound element to the timepiece, challenging conventional notions of fine watchmaking.
To highlight KAWS’ COMPANION, Audemars Piguet introduced a peripheral time display, relocating traditional time indicators to the outer edge of the dial. This groundbreaking approach emphasizes the central artwork and showcases the manufacturer’s technical prowess. The titanium-crafted COMPANION, complete with its dissected chest revealing the watch’s tourbillon, is a testament to both KAWS’ creativity and Audemars Piguet’s craftsmanship. Alternating finishes of satin-brushing and sandblasting add depth to the figure, while luminescent details ensure a captivating experience in low light.
The titanium case of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon embodies futuristic sophistication. Its multifaceted design is enhanced by contrasting textures and the inclusion of KAWS’ trademark X motif, which appears on both the bezel screws and the satin-brushed sapphire caseback. Paired with a dark grey calfskin leather strap featuring a textile-inspired pattern, the watch achieves a harmonious interplay of textures and light.
Underpinning the artistry is Audemars Piguet’s new Calibre 2979, a hand-wound movement with a peripheral hour and minute display. The innovative tourbillon at 6 o’clock reduces gravitational impact on accuracy, while its black-PVD titanium bridges echo KAWS’ padded designs. This fusion of artistic and technical elements elevates the watch into a new realm of haute horlogerie.
KAWS, who began his career as a graffiti artist in 1990s New York, has long pushed boundaries across media. From large-scale sculptures to augmented reality, his work consistently challenges norms and invites audiences to see the world differently. This ethos is perfectly aligned with Audemars Piguet’s commitment to shaking up the status quo in watchmaking.
“Working with Audemars Piguet has been an incredible experience,” KAWS shared. “The artisans’ craft is exceptional, and I’m honored to have my watch included in a catalog that spans over a century of excellence.”
