In the ever-evolving landscape of haute horology,
Audemars Piguet has consistently distinguished itself through its unwavering commitment to innovation and its knack for pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The Royal Oak Concept collection, in particular, has served as a fertile ground for experimentation, showcasing the brand's ability to seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with avant-garde design. The latest addition to this esteemed lineage is the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion, a limited-edition timepiece crafted in collaboration with the renowned artist KAWS. This remarkable watch represents a bold fusion of artistry and mechanics, capturing the essence of both Audemars Piguet's heritage and KAWS' distinctive aesthetic.
Before delving into the intricacies of this exceptional timepiece, it's essential to understand the rich history of Audemars Piguet, a brand that has been synonymous with horological excellence for over a century. Founded in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, the company quickly established itself as a purveyor of high-quality complicated watches. The brand's unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and its relentless pursuit of innovation have cemented its position as one of the most respected names in the watchmaking industry.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
One of Audemars Piguet's most iconic creations is the Royal Oak, a groundbreaking watch that revolutionized the world of luxury sports watches when it was introduced in 1972. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak's distinctive octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and exposed screws challenged conventional notions of what a luxury watch should look like. Its bold design, coupled with its exceptional craftsmanship, propelled the Royal Oak to legendary status, making it one of the most recognizable and sought-after watches in the world.
Building upon the success of the Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak Concept collection in 2002. This avant-garde line served as a platform for the brand to explore new materials, technologies, and design concepts, pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The Royal Oak Concept watches are characterized by their futuristic aesthetics, innovative complications, and uncompromising performance, embodying the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is not just a testament to Audemars Piguet's watchmaking prowess; it's also a celebration of the artistic vision of Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS. This New York-based artist has carved a unique niche for himself in the contemporary art world, blurring the lines between fine art and popular culture. His signature style, characterized by bold graphics, playful characters, and a vibrant color palette, has captivated audiences worldwide, making him one of the most influential artists of his generation.
KAWS' artistic journey began in the streets of Jersey City, where he honed his skills as a graffiti artist. His early works involved subverting advertisements and billboards, transforming them into thought-provoking pieces of art. This rebellious spirit and his ability to reimagine familiar imagery laid the foundation for his later success. In the late 1990s, KAWS began designing and producing limited-edition vinyl toys, which quickly gained a cult following among collectors. His toys, often featuring his signature characters like COMPANION and CHUM, became highly sought-after items, solidifying his position in the art toy scene.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
Over the years, KAWS' artistic endeavors have expanded to encompass a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and fashion. His work has been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries around the world, and he has collaborated with numerous brands, including Nike, Dior, and Uniqlo. His ability to seamlessly navigate between the worlds of fine art and popular culture has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following, making him one of the most recognizable names in contemporary art.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is a testament to the synergy between Audemars Piguet's watchmaking expertise and KAWS' artistic vision. This limited-edition timepiece, restricted to just 250 pieces, embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines both the brand and the artist. The watch's design seamlessly integrates KAWS' signature motifs into the Royal Oak Concept's futuristic aesthetic, resulting in a timepiece that is both visually striking and mechanically impressive.
The watch's 43mm case is crafted entirely from titanium, a lightweight and durable material that complements the watch's contemporary design. The case's angular lines and sharp edges are reminiscent of the Royal Oak Concept's distinctive aesthetic, while the sandblasted finish adds a touch of understated elegance. The black ceramic screw-locked crown provides a subtle contrast to the titanium case, adding a touch of visual interest.
The dial of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is a masterpiece of intricate design and meticulous craftsmanship. The openworked dial provides a captivating view of the watch's inner workings, showcasing the intricate mechanics that drive this exceptional timepiece. At the heart of the dial sits a miniature COMPANION figure, crafted from titanium and finished with alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted surfaces. The figure's presence adds a playful touch to the watch's otherwise technical aesthetic, creating a harmonious balance between art and mechanics.
To ensure an unobstructed view of the COMPANION figure, Audemars Piguet's engineers developed an innovative peripheral time display. The hour and minute hands rotate around the periphery of the movement and dial, thanks to two visible, superimposed gear wheels driven by pinions and guided by rollers. This unique display system not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also highlights the brand's technical ingenuity.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is powered by the new hand-wound Calibre 2979, a testament to Audemars Piguet's unwavering commitment to horological excellence. This latest-generation movement features a tourbillon at 6 o'clock, a delicate complication that reduces the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy. The tourbillon's presence on the dial side further enhances the watch's visual appeal, allowing the wearer to appreciate the intricate dance of the escapement.
The watch is fitted with a light grey textured calfskin strap, which complements the titanium case perfectly. The strap is equipped with a titanium AP folding clasp and an interchangeable strap system, allowing the wearer to personalize the watch to their liking. An additional dark grey calfskin strap is also included, providing further versatility.
At the heart of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion beats the hand-wound Calibre 2979, a testament to Audemars Piguet's relentless pursuit of horological innovation. This latest-generation movement is a marvel of micro-engineering, boasting a unique peripheral time display and a mesmerizing tourbillon complication.
The peripheral time display is a technical feat that sets this watch apart from its contemporaries. Instead of traditional centrally mounted hands, the hour and minute hands rotate around the periphery of the movement, driven by two superimposed gear wheels. This ingenious system not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also allows for an unobstructed view of the COMPANION figure at the center of the dial.
The tourbillon, a hallmark of high-end watchmaking, is prominently displayed at 6 o'clock. This intricate mechanism, consisting of a rotating cage that houses the escapement and balance wheel, counteracts the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy. The tourbillon's mesmerizing rotation adds a dynamic element to the dial, captivating the wearer with its intricate dance.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
The Calibre 2979 is composed of 326 parts, each meticulously finished to the highest standards of haute horlogerie. The movement's bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève stripes, a traditional decoration that adds a touch of refinement. The mainplate is circular-grained, providing a subtle contrast to the polished bevels of the bridges. The attention to detail lavished on every component of the movement is a testament to Audemars Piguet's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion's 43mm case is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Crafted from titanium, a lightweight and durable material, the case perfectly complements the watch's contemporary aesthetic. The case's angular lines and sharp edges echo the Royal Oak Concept's distinctive design language, while the sandblasted finish adds a touch of understated elegance.
The case's construction is a testament to Audemars Piguet's mastery of watchmaking. The caseback is secured with eight hexagonal screws, a hallmark of the Royal Oak collection. The black ceramic screw-locked crown provides a subtle contrast to the titanium case, adding a touch of visual interest. The watch's water resistance of 100 meters ensures its suitability for everyday wear.
The dial of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is a captivating blend of artistry and mechanics. The openworked design provides a glimpse into the watch's intricate inner workings, showcasing the technical prowess of Audemars Piguet's watchmakers.
At the center of the dial sits the miniature COMPANION figure, a signature creation of KAWS. Crafted from titanium and finished with alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted surfaces, the figure adds a playful touch to the watch's otherwise technical aesthetic. The COMPANION's chest is open, revealing the tourbillon cage within, creating a visual connection between the artistic and mechanical elements of the watch.
The peripheral hour and minute hands, crafted from titanium and coated with luminescent material, glide effortlessly around the dial, their motion a testament to the ingenuity of Audemars Piguet's engineers. The dial's overall design is a harmonious balance of art and mechanics, a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines this exceptional timepiece.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is fitted with a light grey textured calfskin strap that perfectly complements the titanium case. The strap's supple texture ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist, while its understated color adds a touch of refinement.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
The strap is equipped with a titanium AP folding clasp, a secure and elegant fastening system. The watch also features an interchangeable strap system, allowing the wearer to personalize the watch to their liking. An additional dark grey calfskin strap is included, providing further versatility.
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion is a limited-edition timepiece, restricted to just 250 pieces worldwide. Its exclusivity, coupled with its exceptional design and craftsmanship, makes it a highly sought-after collector's item. While the retail price is available upon request, it's safe to say that this watch is a significant investment, reserved for discerning collectors.