If anybody thought Audemars Piguet would lose its ability to shock and delight with the departure of François-Henry Bennahmias and arrival of Ilaria Resta as CEO this year, they can think again.
Audemars Piguet has unveiled a collaboration Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon with the New York artist KAWS that displays a flair for combining iconic art with timekeeping in a way that is every bit as bold as the Marvel character-based creations at the end of the Bennahmias era.
KAWS, aka Brian Donnelly, is best known for his Companion characters, with their gloved hands and X-shaped eyes.
KAWS has millions of followers on Instagram and has previously collaborated with brands such as Dior, Uniqlo and BAPE.
The Companion character is portrayed in the new Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon ‘Companion’, which also picks up several other signature KAWS details, including using the artist’s X as grooves in the iconic AP screw heads that hold the bezel in place.
The watch was revealed at an event at Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus, Switzerland, hosted by AP CEO Ilaria Resta.
Guests included music producer and friend-of-the-brand Mark Ronson, along with J Balvin, Romeo Beckham, Rampa and Gstaad Guy.
The 43 mm Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon has KAWS’ aesthetic on both sides of the watch.
The Companion appears beneath the watch’s sapphire crystal, its face and hands seemingly touching the inner surface of the glass.
It is a limited edition of 250 pieces.
KAWS has also created a huge 11-meter Companion sculpture for his next KAWS: HOLIDAY world tour.
The sculpture will sit on the roof of Audemars Piguet’s headquarters in Le Brassus until December 20, 2024.
