Pursuing its limited editions that cross over into pop culture, Audemars Piguet has now turned to artist Brian Donnelly, popularly known as KAWS for its latest collaboration, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion”. Since KAWS is quite popular for his stylish art, the AP x KAWS timepiece is a symbol of contemporary art. This limited edition of 250 pieces pushes the boundaries of fine watchmaking by blending high artistry with innovative craftsmanship, positioning Audemars Piguet as a bold trailblazer in the cultural landscape of Haute Horlogerie.
The overall aesthetic of the Kaws tourbillon is coherent and appealing. Encircled by an industrial-technical-looking chapter ring, the figure looks at home. The visible large gears for the peripheral hands add to the visual effect. Granted, the Kaws tourbillon is a figurative depiction of the artist’s best known work, so it isn’t exactly imaginative, but it is done well.
The case of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is made of titanium and measures 43 mm in diameter. Hexagonal screws bearing KAWS’ trademark X secure the bezel and caseback, The double glareproofed sapphire crystal on the front and the sapphire caseback provide a clear view of the dial and the movement, while also ensuring water resistance of up to 100 m. The caseback also has an engraved X and KAWS’ signature, along with the inscription “Limited Edition of 250 pieces.”
The 3D character is made of titanium and mounted on a titanium dial plate that has a sunburst motif that add texture and depth. The character’s skull-like head, gloved hands, and chest reveal intricate details that blend seamlessly with the mechanical artistry of the tourbillon. The interplay of satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes enhances the visual depth, while the luminescent hour and minute hands, along with blue-glowing five-minute graduations, add a futuristic touch. The tourbillon, located at 6 o’clock, is visible through the chest of the Companion character, blurring the lines between art and watchmaking.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is powered by the new hand-wound Calibre 2979. The mechanism not only elevates the tourbillon complication but also underscores the watch’s narrative connection to KAWS’ creative universe. The tourbillon, positioned at 6 o’clock, showcases Audemars Piguet’s mastery in reducing gravitational effects to enhance accuracy. The movement also includes the innovative peripheral hour and minute display, which gives space to the Companion character on the dial side.
The movement is composed of 332 parts and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). The power reserve is 72 hours, the movement’s black-PVD titanium bridges evoke KAWS’ signature padded aesthetic, while laser-engraved details such as the “Swiss” hallmark and “Audemars Piguet” signature lend a refined finish. The gear train bridge opens onto the ratchet wheel, which has been crossed out to reproduce KAWS’ emblematic X.
It comes on an interchangeable light grey calfskin leather strap with textile effect and titanium triple-blade AP folding clasp. A second interchangeable slate grey calfskin leather strap with textile effect is included. MSRP is 200,000 Swiss Francs.