Audemars Piguet x KAWS Unveil the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION”
With the titular character trapped inside the dial.
Over the weekend, Audemars Piguet teased its collaboration with KAWS. Now, the Maison has unmasked the much-anticipated project, revealing a special Royal Oak timepiece: the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” limited edition.
Boasting a 43mm case size, the collaborative timepiece arrives in a sandblasted titanium watch case and black ceramic crown. It runs on a hand-wound 2979 movement, which provides 72 hours of power reserve while beating at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
The dial features a sunburst titanium dial plate, where KAWS’ hallmarked COMPANION figure is trapped within the timepiece. The character is doused in various gray tones that highlight its three-dimensional built. The tourbillon movement peeks through COMPANION’s chest like a beating heart.
AP’s signature eight hexagonal screws that hold the bezel, case middle and caseback in place is now subtly reimagined with “X” motifs — a nod to another signature of KAWS as well as mirroring the eyes of COMPANION. In line with its grayscale color scheme, the timepiece is paired with an two interchangeable calfskin leather straps with a textile-like finish, coming in light gray and slate gray.
Limited to 250 examples, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” retailes for 200,000 CHF (approx. $226,504 USD) and is available for inquiry through Audemars Piguet.
