Audemars Piguet, renowned for its pioneering spirit in haute horlogerie, is continuing its legacy of pushing creative boundaries through its exciting collaboration with New York-based artist KAWS. This partnership merges the worlds of fine watchmaking and contemporary art, offering a fresh perspective on timepieces while making a bold statement in the world of luxury.
Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION”
The first product of this collaboration is the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION,” a limited-edition timepiece that incorporates KAWS’ signature character, COMPANION. The 43mm watch is an exploration of art and time, where KAWS’ COMPANION is embedded beneath the watch’s sapphire crystal, with the character’s face and hands seemingly touching the inner surface of the glass. This playful depiction of COMPANION, peering out to the world, subverts the traditional notion of what a watch dial should be.
The design is driven by innovation, with a unique peripheral time display that allows the COMPANION figure to take center stage, highlighting KAWS’ aesthetic while leaving time itself to the periphery. This striking piece is limited to only 250 editions, reinforcing its exclusivity and the avant-garde nature of the Royal Oak Concept collection.
KAWS:HOLIDAY Le Brassus in Switzerland
Expanding on the collaboration, KAWS has also created a monumental 11-meter-high COMPANION sculpture for his KAWS:HOLIDAY world tour. Located on the roof of Audemars Piguet’s headquarters in Le Brassus, Switzerland, the installation invites viewers to reflect on the intersection of haute horlogerie and the world beyond. This larger-than-life artwork embodies KAWS’ playful yet thought-provoking approach, bridging the world of art with that of fine watchmaking in a unique and meaningful way.
The sculpture will remain in place until December 20, 2024, allowing visitors ample time to engage with this iconic piece in the heart of the Vallée de Joux. The juxtaposition of the miniature watch and the monumental sculpture invites reflection on the brand’s heritage, environment, and its place in the modern world.
A Bold Statement of Innovation and Art
With this collaboration, Audemars Piguet continues to embrace new creative horizons, blending the worlds of luxury horology and contemporary art in an innovative way. Through the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION” and the monumental sculpture, Audemars Piguet reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of timekeeping and artistic expression.
