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Audemars Piguet has done it again, this time partnering with none other than KAWS — a name synonymous with contemporary art and cultural cool. Their collaborative masterpiece, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION,” rewrites the rules of what a luxury watch can be.
While both KAWS and Audemars Piguet have long influenced their respective worlds of art and horology, this marks their first official collaboration, and they’ve gone all-in. Forget slapping a logo on an existing model; this is a complete reimagination. At the heart of this 43mm Royal Oak Concept, encased in sleek titanium, is KAWS’ iconic Companion figure. Peering out from under a sapphire crystal, the 3D miniature feels almost alive, with its skull-shaped head and X-shaped eyes seemingly pressed up against the glass.
To give KAWS’ art the spotlight it deserves, AP went so far as to push time aside — literally. The watch features a peripheral time display, a groundbreaking move that allows the Companion to dominate the dial while hour and minute hands revolve around the edges, guided by superimposed gear wheels. It’s an entirely fresh take on haute horlogerie, blending the technical with the whimsical.
The details, of course, are as meticulous as you’d expect from Audemars Piguet. The titanium case showcases a mix of satin-brushed, sandblasted, and polished finishes, echoing the textures of KAWS’ Companion. Hexagonal screws on the bezel and caseback bear his signature X motif, which also graces the sapphire caseback, alongside the watch’s unique limited-edition number.
“KAWS has taken collaboration to a whole new level,” says Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet. “He not only challenged us to push new boundaries but also encouraged us to look at our craftsmanship from a more humanistic perspective.”
The result is a timepiece that’s more than just a watch but rather, a piece of wearable art, a conversation starter, and, let’s be honest, a flex for those lucky enough to snag one of the 250 pieces.
Whether you’re a die-hard KAWS fan, a horology aficionado, or both, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” is an irresistible blend of culture and craftsmanship. And with Audemars Piguet continuing to blur the lines between high-end watchmaking and contemporary art, one has to wonder — what’s next? If this collaboration is any indication, the future of luxury horology is looking pretty exciting.
