A New Chapter in Fashion and Horology: The Audemars Piguet x KAWS Limited Edition Royal Oak Concept Series

Exploring the Intersection of Art and Precision Timekeeping

In 2012, Audemars Piguet (AP) embarked on a journey to bridge the worlds of contemporary art and haute horology by launching a contemporary art sponsorship program. This initiative has seen collaboration with over 20 contemporary artists, resulting in more than 50 works displayed across international venues. By 2024, AP took its commitment a step further by partnering with KAWS, the renowned American artist known for his vibrant urban art and thought-provoking installations. This collaboration gave birth to the Royal Oak Concept "Companion" Limited Edition Tourbillon Watch, a perfect blend of artistry and mechanical sophistication.

From Graffiti to Haute Horology

Starting his career in the 1990s, KAWS, born Brian Donnelly, initially made his mark by creatively altering advertisements on New York's cityscape. His Companion character, a whimsical reinterpretation of Mickey Mouse, quickly captured the hearts of the global art community. Expanding his footprint into fashion and luxury collaborations, KAWS’ influence soared with the international tour of his KAWS: HOLIDAY exhibition. His partnership with AP, initiated two years prior, culminates in this daringly creative timepiece.

A Fusion of Urban Style and Complex Craftsmanship

The Royal Oak Concept "Companion" features a titanium body reflecting urban resilience, adorned with micro-blasted, satin-brushed, and polished finishes to enhance its visual depth. The design includes a skeletonized middle frame that showcases AP’s advanced machining capabilities. The distinctive hexagonal screws, now bearing an “X” shape, echo the Companion character’s eyes, merging thematic elements with the watch’s architectural design.

Artistic Integration Within a Three-Dimensional Dial

The dial of the watch remains faithful to the Royal Oak Concept's hallmark of three-dimensional design, incorporating a titanium-crafted miniature Companion figurine. This figurine integrates seamlessly with the watch’s tourbillon, symbolically positioned at the heart, representing the fusion of artistic narrative and mechanical innovation. The time is displayed via an external system with triangular hands that enhance readability while maintaining a focus on the artistic theme.

Breaking Boundaries with Innovative Movements

The heart of this timepiece is the Caliber 2974, a new manual-winding tourbillon movement developed by AP. It features an oval-shaped main plate with a black PVD coating and an X-shaped ratchet wheel, continuing the artistic dialogue with KAWS' signature elements. The movement’s minimalist yet striking design underlines AP’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

A Limited Edition Masterpiece

Each piece in this limited series boasts a transparent case back framed with the edition number, the iconic X symbol, and KAWS' autograph, underscoring its exclusive and artistic significance.

This remarkable collaboration exemplifies how Audemars Piguet and KAWS transcend traditional boundaries, crafting a narrative where contemporary art and advanced horology converge to create something truly groundbreaking.