Audemars Piguet has introduced a new piece in the Royal Oak Concept collection, designed in collaboration with artist KAWS. This watch features a miniature KAWS Companion character and an innovative peripheral time display, showcasing the brand’s commitment to creativity and haute horlogerie.
The case of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is made of titanium and measures 43 mm in diameter. It features an alternating sandblasted and satin-brushed finish, giving it a modern and industrial look. The bezel and caseback are secured with hexagonal screws that bear KAWS’ trademark X. The double glareproofed sapphire crystal on the front and the sapphire caseback provide a clear view of the dial and the movement, while also ensuring water resistance of up to 100 m. The caseback also has an engraved X and KAWS’ signature, along with the inscription “Limited Edition of 250 pieces.” The black ceramic crown, topped with a titanium chip, adds an additional touch. With a case thickness of 17.4 mm, the watch has a robust presence on the wrist.
The dial of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” features a miniature KAWS Companion character made of titanium. The character, with its skull-shaped head and X-shaped eyes, is positioned under the sapphire crystal, giving the impression that it is peering out from the inside of the watch. The eyes are cut into the titanium and filled with grey lacquer, adding to the overall aesthetic. The sunburst titanium dial plate adds depth and texture to the watch, while the peripheral hour and minute hands rotate around the dial, thanks to an innovative mechanism. The hour markers are also part of this mechanism and are filled with luminescent material that glows blue in the dark. The minute hand is openworked to distinguish it from the hour hand, making it easier to read the time. The tourbillon, located at 6 o’clock, is visible through the chest of the Companion character, blurring the lines between art and watchmaking.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is powered by the new hand-wound Calibre 2979. This movement features a tourbillon at 6 o’clock, which helps to regulate the timekeeping of the watch. The tourbillon cage rotates once a minute, compensating for the effects of gravity on the movement. The movement also includes the innovative peripheral hour and minute display, which gives space to the Companion character on the dial side. The movement is composed of 332 parts and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). The power reserve is 72 hours, and the movement is finished to high standards, with black-PVD titanium bridges that have a padded aesthetic inspired by KAWS’ characters. The gear train bridge opens onto the ratchet wheel, which has been crossed out to reproduce KAWS’ emblematic X. The sapphire caseback showcases the movement and the engraved inscriptions in white lacquer.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” comes with two interchangeable straps. The first strap is made of light grey calfskin leather with a textile effect and features a titanium triple-blade folding clasp. The second strap is slate grey calfskin leather, also with a textile effect. Both straps enhance the watch’s contrasting grey tones and provide comfort and durability. The quick-release system allows for easy changing of the straps without the need for tools.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is a limited edition of 250 pieces. The watch is available exclusively through Audemars Piguet’s network of boutiques. The price of the watch is not publicly disclosed, but interested buyers should expect a significant investment for this unique timepiece.
