Audemars Piguet has unveiled its latest artistic collaboration with renowned artist KAWS, introducing the limited-edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon COMPANION. This exclusive timepiece brings together the innovative spirit of Audemars Piguet and KAWS’ signature style, offering a striking blend of craftsmanship and art.
The watch features KAWS’ iconic COMPANION character, sculpted in miniature and housed within the 43mm titanium case. The grayscale figurine, detailed with alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes, sits on a sunburst titanium dial, its “beating heart” revealing the watch’s intricate tourbillon movement. Surrounding the design is a reimagined hour-and-minute display system, further emphasizing the creativity at the heart of the collaboration.
The timepiece also pays homage to KAWS’ hallmark aesthetic with subtle “X” motifs integrated into the bezel screws, echoing the eyes of COMPANION. Two interchangeable calfskin leather straps, in light and slate gray, complete the design. Powered by the hand-wound 2979 movement with a 72-hour power reserve, the watch delivers both technical brilliance and artistic elegance.
With only 250 pieces available, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon COMPANION can be exclusively requested through Audemars Piguet. To celebrate the launch, a towering inflatable COMPANION sculpture now adorns the roof of the brand’s headquarters in Le Brassus, Switzerland, making a bold statement about this extraordinary collaboration.
With this launch, Audemars Piguet and KAWS push the boundaries of both art and horology, creating a wearable masterpiece that embodies the ethos of both visionaries. Whether on a wrist or atop the Swiss headquarters, COMPANION serves as a testament to the innovative possibilities of creative collaboration.
All images courtesy of AUDEMARS PIGUET
