The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon 'Companion' - contemporary art meets Haute Horology
Image: Audemars Piguet
Perhaps you’ve heard of the New York-based artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly). His work includes paintings and sculptures of characters one can describe as a cross between Mickey Mouse and a smurf. Audemars Piguet (AP) collaborated with KAWS on their most recent iteration of the Royal Oak for what is a cross between contemporary art and haute horology.
The result is a 43mm titanium timepiece that celebrates craftsmanship and creativity while challenging traditional norms. The limited edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is described as futuristic by AP, but a better way to describe it is 'artistic' and 'norm-defying.'
The Dial
The watch is centered around one of the most iconic characters from KAWS’ work “Companion.” The miniaturized character dominates the dial of the watch. The titanium figure, with its signature X-shaped eyes and dissected torso revealing the tourbillon, bridges the realms of art and engineering. If you’re unfamiliar with the character, two things will strike you a few seconds after seeing the dial: 1. What can this possibly symbolize? 2. How do you tell the time?
Image: Audemars Piguet
Taking a closer look will solve the second mystery. The understated minute and hour hands have only what can be described as floating arrows close to the hour markers with no visible connection to the center of the dial. It’s a very subtle yet creative touch which aims to emphasize “Companion” without obstruction while ensuring that the watch remains practical.
The hour and minute hands are crafted from titanium and coated with luminescent material that glows blue in low light. These unique hands are powered by gear wheels driven by pinions guided by rollers. The five-minute graduations, etched into the titanium inner bezel, further enhance readability while emphasizing the contemporary art the watch seeks to promote.
Image: Audemars Piguet
The Movement
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is powered by AP’s Calibre 2979 movement, which prioritizes the tourbillon’s position at 6’oclck. Visible from the sapphire caseback is the movement’s black PVD coating treated bridges, which echo KAWS’ artistic style through their padded design and subtle cross motifs.
The watch has a power reserve of 72 hours and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Every detail, from the laser-engraved 'Swiss' markings to the visible ratchet wheel crossed out with KAWS’ signature X, reflects a fusion of technical prowess and artistic expression.
Image: Audemars Piguet
The Case
The watch’s 43mm titanium case features a blend of sandblasted, satin-brushed, and polished finishes, mirroring the contrasting textures of the miniature Companion. Hexagonal screws engraved with KAWS’ X motif secure the bezel and caseback, while a black ceramic crown with a titanium chip completes the aesthetic. It’s hard not to marvel at the attention to detail visible in the effort to emphasize the theme of the watch.
The timepiece comes with two interchangeable calfskin leather straps in light and slate grey, each with a textile effect. The straps, coupled with a titanium triple-blade folding clasp, offer flexibility in styling while complementing the watch’s remarkable design.
Image: Audemars Piguet
Given its artistic theme, the limited edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is a collectible timepiece. Each watch bears KAWS’ signature and the inscription 'Limited Edition of 250 pieces' on the satin-brushed frame of the sapphire caseback, underscoring its exclusivity. It is certainly a timepiece that any collector would be happy to add to their prestigious watch winders.
