Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion”

Swiss haute horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet continues its exploration of creative horizons, unveiling the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION”, a groundbreaking collaboration with renowned artist KAWS. Limited to just 250 pieces, this 43 mm titanium timepiece blends technical mastery with the subversive artistic DNA of KAWS, placing his iconic COMPANION character at the heart of the watch. With a bold peripheral time display and meticulous design, this release redefines the boundaries of fine watchmaking.

This collaboration highlights Audemars Piguet’s ongoing dialogue with the cultural world, bringing together the avant-garde spirit of the Royal Oak Concept collection and KAWS’ provocative artistic vision. Known for his roots in 1990s New York graffiti and “ad interventions,” KAWS has evolved into a global icon, with his COMPANION character taking on forms ranging from toy figures to monumental sculptures. Through this partnership, COMPANION takes on unprecedented miniature dimensions, humanising haute horlogerie and pushing the limits of creativity.

Laurent Kleitman, Chief Executive Officer of Audemars Piguet, emphasised, “We are delighted to collaborate with KAWS to create a timepiece that challenges convention and invites us to see horology through a fresh, imaginative lens.”

The dial design showcases a three-dimensional titanium COMPANION beneath the sapphire crystal. Positioned as if touching the inner surface of the glass, COMPANION’s X-shaped eyes and gloved hands are instantly recognisable. Crafted with alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes, the character features a skull-shaped head and crossbones, creating a playful yet thought-provoking presence.

A nod to KAWS’ dissected series, the chest of the COMPANION is open to reveal the watch’s tourbillon, symbolising the fusion of art and mechanical precision. The titanium dial plate’s sunburst motif enhances the interplay of textures and light, making COMPANION the central focus of this unique timepiece.

To ensure COMPANION remains the star of the dial, Audemars Piguet employs an innovative peripheral time display. The hour and minute hands, crafted from titanium and filled with luminescent material, rotate around the edge of the dial. Superimposed gear wheels driven by pinions and guided by rollers enable this seamless movement. The openworked minute hand distinguishes itself from the hour hand, and five-minute markers carved into the titanium inner bezel also glow blue in dim light, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This design innovation offers new possibilities for rethinking traditional watch layouts.

The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” is powered by the new Calibre 2979, a hand-wound movement that showcases the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Designed to minimise the effects of gravity, the tourbillon features a balance wheel and escapement housed in a rotating cage that completes a revolution every minute. This ensures exceptional precision, a hallmark of Audemars Piguet’s craftsmanship.

The movement’s intricate details are visible through the sapphire caseback. Black-PVD titanium bridges, inspired by KAWS’ padded character designs, contrast with the laser-engraved “Swiss,” “39 jewels,” and “Audemars Piguet” signatures, filled with white lacquer. The gear train bridge, ratchet wheel, and click mechanism all bear subtle references to KAWS’ signature X motif, integrating his artistic language into the mechanics of the watch.

The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” is as practical as it is artistic. Its titanium hands and bezel markers emit a luminous blue glow, ensuring easy readability in low light. The watch is also water-resistant to 50 metres, reinforcing its everyday functionality despite its avant-garde design. The watch’s construction reflects Audemars Piguet’s dedication to craftsmanship. Titanium, chosen for its strength and lightness, enhances the futuristic aesthetic while ensuring durability. The 43 mm case and intricate dial design seamlessly blend innovation and artistry, showcasing the maison’s ability to balance functionality with visual impact. With only 250 pieces available, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” is an exclusive collector’s item.