Audemars Piguet and Kaws boldly fuse high watchmaking with art

AUDEMARS Piguet has once again redefined the boundaries of haute horlogerie with its latest collaboration with renowned New York graffiti artist Brian Donnelly, better known as Kaws.

The new Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is a limited edition masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit of both brands, merging fine watchmaking with contemporary art.

This striking timepiece, limited to just 250 pieces, features a 43-mm case crafted entirely from titanium, showcasing a futuristic aesthetic that is distinctly Kaws.

At the heart of the watch lies a miniature version of Kaws’ iconic character, Companion, playfully peering out from beneath the sapphire crystal.

To highlight the character and make it the watch’s centrepiece, Audemars Piguet has pushed time aside literally and ingeniously employed a peripheral time display, where the hour and minute hands rotate around the edge of the watch.

This collaboration is not Kaws’ first venture into the world of luxury brands. 

Known for his playful reinterpretations of pop culture icons and his distinctive aesthetic, Kaws has also collaborated with luxury names such as Dior and Comme des Garcons.

His work often blurs the lines between art and consumerism, making him an ideal partner for Audemars Piguet, which has a history of engaging with cultural figures across various domains.

The watchmaker itself has a rich legacy of collaborations that celebrate creativity and innovation. Recent partners include designer Matthew M Williams of fashion label 1017 Alyx 9SM and jewellery designer Carolina Bucci, as well as musicians Travis Scott and Mark Ronson.

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Craft and precision

Both Audemar Piguet and Kaws’ willingness to embrace contemporary art forms make this collaboration a natural progression in their ongoing artistic dialogue with each other.

Technical mastery

The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is powered by the new Calibre 2979, a hand-wound movement that features a tourbillon at six o’clock.

The watch is adorned with alternating finishes – sandblasted, satin-brushed, and polished – creating a dynamic interplay of textures that not only complements Companion’s playful design, but also brings it to life in a three-dimensional way.

“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.”

The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is a celebration of creativity that invites one to view haute horlogerie through a different lens.

By placing Kaws’ whimsical character at its core, the timepiece blends pop art with luxury in the same manner Audemars Piguet mixes innovation and artistry, sparking a new standard for what can be achieved when art meets fine watchmaking.

“Audemars Piguet has always been part of the culture of the moment, engaging in enriching conversations and collaborations with fields as diverse as art, pop culture, sport and the entertainment industry; Kaws has taken collaboration to a whole new level,” says Ilaria Resta, CEO of the luxury watchmaker.

She adds: “By placing a miniature Companion at the heart of a Royal Oak Concept, (Kaws) 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 imaginary and haute horlogerie, to inspire curiosity and evoke strong emotions.”