KAWS and Audemars Piguet have dropped their much-anticipated collaboration: the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION.” After months of cryptic hints and speculation, the partnership finally materializes, merging KAWS’s contemporary artistry with Audemars Piguet’s horological mastery.
But this isn’t your typical artist-brand mashup. Audemars Piguet didn’t just slap a logo on an existing model. Instead, they’ve reimagined their Royal Oak Concept to resonate with KAWS’s iconic style. “KAWS has taken collaboration to a whole new level,” says Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet. “By placing a miniature Companion at the heart of a Royal Oak Concept, he not only challenged us to push new boundaries, he also encouraged us to look at our craftsmanship from a more humanistic perspective.”
At the core of this 43mm masterpiece, beneath the sapphire crystal, lies a 3D miniature of the beloved KAWS Companion. With its face and hands pressed against the glass, it creates an intimate connection between the artwork and the wearer. In a clever nod to the “Dissected” series, the Companion’s chest reveals the watch’s tourbillon—a technical marvel showcasing Audemars Piguet’s latest movement innovation.
To spotlight the Companion, time itself takes a back seat—literally. The watch features a peripheral time display, allowing the art to command center stage. Even the details don’t miss a beat: the hexagonal screws on the case back and bezel are subtly engraved with KAWS’s signature “X” motif, which also appears on the sapphire case back.
Limited to just 250 pieces and available exclusively through Audemars Piguet, this timepiece isn’t just about telling time; it’s about capturing a moment where culture and craftsmanship collide. It’s a bold statement that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, bridging gaps between streetwear, art, and luxury watchmaking.
As collaborations continue to redefine the boundaries of high-end horology, this partnership sets a new bar. It’s not just about a watch—it’s about where we’re headed next in the ever-evolving dialogue between art and time.
