Sometimes, pushing the envelope in creative pursuits is best achieved through collaboration. Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” 43mm stands as proof, born of an inspired creative dialogue between the Swiss watchmaker and influential artist KAWS.
Encapsulating the Manufacture’s quest to fuse high-end watchmaking with bold creative expression, this eye-catching, 250-piece limited edition in titanium brings KAWS’ iconic “COMPANION” character physically into the timepiece, transforming the Le Brassus brand’s avant-garde, high-tech interpretation of its Royal Oak into a remarkable stage.
Who is KAWS?
Born Brian Donnelly in Jersey City in 1974, KAWS has become a prolific figure in modern art, known for his iconic “COMPANION” character with its crossed-out eyes and gloved hands. From his early days as a graffiti artist in New York City’s streets, KAWS gained notoriety by altering advertising posters with his distinct “ad intervention” style.
Over time, his “COMPANION” evolved into a recognisable figure across his work, reflecting themes of isolation, curiosity and nostalgia for pop culture. Today, his art spans paintings, large-scale sculptures and collaborations with global brands.
KAWS’ fascination with symbolism and subversion makes him a fitting choice for Audemars Piguet’s ongoing mission to redefine watchmaking as a part of the cultural conversation.
KAWS to the Fore
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon puts KAWS’ “COMPANION” front and centre – quite literally. Beneath the sapphire crystal, a miniature version of the iconic figure appears to press against the glass – evoking the artist’s early “ad intervention” style – as if eager to reach beyond the watch’s surface and connect with the outside world.
Crafted from titanium and mounted on a titanium dial plate with a sunburst finish, this meticulously designed 3D sculpture mirrors every detail of KAWS’ character, from the skull-shaped head to the gloved hands and signature X-shaped eyes which have been cut into the titanium and embellished with grey lacquer. Contrasting shades of light and dark grey, along with satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes, lend texture and depth to its rounded silhouette, giving it a striking sense of dimension, even on this miniaturised scale.
And in a nod to KAWS’ “dissected” series, which exposes the internal anatomy of his characters, this “COMPANION” reveals its own inner workings: the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. With an open chest exposing the tourbillon, the heart of the movement, this piece merges the whimsical with the mechanical.
On the Edge
The presence of KAWS’ “COMPANION” isn’t the only design element defying convention: The Vallée de Joux watchmaker has reimagined the time display by shifting it to the periphery.
Rather than traditional central hands, the titanium hour and minute hands are triangular forms positioned along the dial’s edge, driven by superimposed gears rotating around the outer rim.
Filled with lume that glows blue in the dark – mirroring the five-minute markers carved into the titanium inner bezel – each hand is mounted on its own peripheral wheel, with the hollowed-out minute hand distinct from the solid hour hand.
This atypical configuration not only keeps the focus on KAWS’ “COMPANION” but also reinforces the watch’s futuristic, otherworldly aesthetic.
State-of-the-Art Movement
At the heart of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” lies Audemars Piguet’s new manually wound Calibre 2979. With a three-day power reserve, this movement powers the peripheral display as well as incorporating a tourbillon designed to counteract positional errors caused by gravity, ensuring heightened accuracy.
Beyond its technical function, the tourbillon, as mentioned, also serves as the visual centrepiece of KAWS’ “COMPANION,” rotating within the character’s chest – a symbolic pulse of vitality, supporting both the watch’s precision and the character’s spirit.
Through the transparent sapphire caseback, more of the movement’s details are on display. Black-PVD titanium bridges echo the character’s padded aesthetic, while the ratchet wheel proudly bears KAWS’ distinctive X, a subtle homage to the artist’s signature iconography.
X Marks the Spot
The Royal Oak Concept line was refreshed last year with a more ergonomic, wrist-friendly design. Its angular 43mm case, now slightly thinner, wraps comfortably around the wrist while preserving its signature spaceship-like look.
A mix of sandblasted, satin-brushed and polished finishes highlights the geometric facets of the titanium case. The black ceramic crown, meanwhile, is topped with an AP-emblazoned titanium chip.
For this special edition, Audemars Piguet has taken KAWS’ X motif even further: both the bezel and caseback are secured by screws bearing slots in the form of the iconic X. As a final touch, the caseback is engraved with “Limited Edition of 250 pieces,” alongside KAWS’ signature.
Switch It Up
Adding versatility to this co-creation, the Royal Oak Concept now features an interchangeable strap system, introduced with last year’s revamp. Each strap extends the lines of the titanium case, creating a cohesive, flowing aesthetic.
Audemars Piguet – which celebrates its 150th anniversary next year – delivers the watch with two strap options: a light grey calfskin leather strap with a textile effect, paired with a titanium triple-blade AP folding clasp, and a slate grey alternative.
Pushing New Boundaries
As Audemars Piguet’s Research and Development Director Lucas Raggi explains, the collaboration with KAWS has driven the Manufacture’s team to “push back our limits in terms of watchmaking technology”
Indeed, this timepiece is as much a technical feat as it is an artistic exploration. Raggi highlights the inventive “hour and minute display system housed in the periphery,” underscoring how technical execution plays a central role in spotlighting KAWS’ character.
KAWS himself describes his venture into watchmaking as an honour, noting: “It has been an incredible experience working with Audemars Piguet… I am honoured to have my watch included in the company’s catalogue, which spans over a hundred years of watchmaking excellence.”
And Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, views the project as an extension of the brand’s cultural engagement: “KAWS has taken collaboration to a whole new level. 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.”
A Meeting of Minds
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” 43mm brings together two powerhouses, each a defining force in their field. Audemars Piguet’s history of partnerships with cultural icons like Tamara Ralph and John Mayer aligns naturally with KAWS’ own portfolio of high-impact collaborations with brands like Uniqlo, Dior and Nike. Perhaps, then, it was inevitable that these two would eventually cross paths.
And for watch collectors attuned to KAWS' unique artistic style, this piece forms a natural bridge between the watchmaker, the artist and their passionate audiences.
