Audemars Piguet unveils a groundbreaking collaboration with renowned artist KAWS, introducing the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon COMPANION. This limited-edition 43mm timepiece, crafted entirely in titanium, brings together the Swiss watchmaker’s technical innovation and KAWS’ distinct artistic aesthetic. At the heart of the watch lies a miniature 3D “COMPANION” figure—a hallmark of KAWS’ work—surrounded by an innovative peripheral time display.
Design and Artistry: A Fusion of Culture and Craft
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon COMPANION represents a bold intersection of haute horlogerie and contemporary art. The 43mm case and dial are made entirely of lightweight titanium, a material chosen for its durability and modern appeal. True to KAWS’ signature style, the miniature “COMPANION” takes center stage on the dial, crafted from titanium and adorned with alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes. This intricate design creates depth and texture, emphasizing the figure’s rounded, sculptural form.
The open dial design, inspired by KAWS’ “dissected” series, reveals the tourbillon mechanism at the figure’s chest. This seamless integration of art and function transforms the watch into a wearable work of art, while maintaining the technical sophistication expected of the Royal Oak Concept series.
Pushing the Boundaries: Peripheral Time Display
In a bold move to prioritize the dial’s visual impact, Audemars Piguet introduces a peripheral time display, a first for the Royal Oak Concept collection. Traditional hour and minute hands are replaced by a system of rotating hands along the edge of the dial. This innovation is made possible through two visible, superimposed gear wheels, driven by pinions and guided by rollers. The result is an unobstructed view of the “COMPANION” figure, enhancing the watch’s artistic narrative.
Advanced Watchmaking: The Calibre 2979
At the core of this watch is Audemars Piguet’s newly developed Calibre 2979. This hand-wound movement powers the peripheral time display while placing the tourbillon—a hallmark of precision watchmaking—at 6 o’clock on the dial. The tourbillon minimizes the effects of gravity, ensuring exceptional timekeeping accuracy, while the peripheral display showcases Audemars Piguet’s mastery of avant-garde horology.
Key specifications:
- Case Material: Titanium
- Movement: Hand-wound Calibre 2979
- Time Display: Peripheral hour and minute display
- Complication: Tourbillon at 6 o’clock
- Dial Details: Titanium “COMPANION” figure, sunburst-patterned plate
- Dimensions: 43mm case diameter
Collaboration with KAWS: Blurring the Lines Between Art and Horology
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon COMPANION continues Audemars Piguet’s tradition of collaborating with cultural icons. Known for his experimental approach to art and design, KAWS’ involvement reinforces the brand’s commitment to exploring new creative territories. As noted by Lucas Raggi, Audemars Piguet’s Research and Development Director:
“As part of this collaboration, we have pushed our limits in terms of watchmaking technology to create a spectacular setting with the character at the centre, surrounded by a brand-new hour and minute display system housed in the periphery of the movement.”
Availability and Exclusivity
This limited-edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon COMPANION is a testament to the harmony between artistic vision and technical ingenuity. Its exclusivity and distinctive design make it a must-have for collectors at the intersection of art and horology.
Visit Audemars Piguet’s website for further details on availability and pricing.
