DAEM Pays Homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat With Luxury Watch Collection

Brooklyn-based luxury watch brand DAEM has partnered with The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat for three collaborative timepieces. Paying tribute to an artist who shaped the landscape of the modern art world, DAEM incorporates Basquiat’s acclaimed works into its custom designs.

DAEM highlights Basquiat’s ‘85 ‘Now’s The Time’ artwork in its first watch. The imprecise vinyl references Jazz musician Charlie Parker’s song of the same name; its round shape allows it to be reworked into a traditional watch face. The patterned green, red and brown strap was inspired by a portrait of Basquiat, where he wears a similarly colored shirt. DAEM’s second watch features Basquiat’s recognizable ‘Skull,’ showcasing the dichotomy of inner and outer experience; life versus death. The band is made up of phrases from the artist’s ‘Undiscovered Genius’ work, which represents “elements of his cultural heritage as a social commentary on racial segregation and alienation.”

The final timepiece displays Basquiat’s masterful ‘Warrior’ work. Created in 1982, Basquiat depicts a raw, isolated human form in a heroic presentation, capturing the strength that comes from overcoming great struggles. A leather band complements the watch’s metallic gold-plated casing. All three of the Basquiat x DAEM watches will release December 5 on DAEM’s website.

For more watches, MAD Paris released a pink sapphire-encrusted Rolex Daytona for $82,000 USD.