Audemars Piguet x KAWS: Best Collab of 2024
Every year, we see insane collabs between brands and artists but this one is the best by far. Just the idea of including the KAWS figure inside the dial of a watch is amusing. Something like this can only be expected from Audemars Piguet. After all, they have done some crazy collaborations with Marvel as well bringing us the Royal Oak Concept Spiderman and Black Panther AP watches. But since we are here to discuss about the KAWS collab, let’s focus on the newly released Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” reference 26656TI.GG.D019VE.01.
Before we go ahead and check out the watch itself, I am sure you all have the question in mind. AP could have gone with any other artist but they chose to go with Brian Donnelly, the artist behind KAWS. Donnelly started his career by designing graffiti and signing them with his tags K, A, W, and S. Today, the figurative characters and motifs created by him have gained tremendous success. People are paying thousands of dollars just to get hold of one of his paintings or figures featuring these popular characters.
KAWS has already done successful collaborations with Dior, Air Jordan, BAPE, and even Uniqlo. So, obviously, Audemars Piguet had to jump on the train as well while the trend was still hot.
Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Companion Limited Edition
Limited to just 250 pieces, this is still an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept that features a 43mm case. A relatively larger case allows the brand to showcase the artist’s work and help the watch stand out. While the design in itself is extraordinary, it is the engineering that went behind it that makes it even more special than it is. The face and hands are pressed against the sapphire crystal that allows the art to come forward. AP has even added a one-minute tourbillon that sits right below its skull head.
The case of the timepiece is constructed out of Titanium not only making it durable but also making it feel lighter on the wrist. Even though the case and case back are Titanium, the Swiss watchmaker has used a black ceramic screw-locked crown. Not just that, even the minute and hour hands are made out of titanium. With a design like this, the watch manufacturer could not use a traditional set of hands hence the hands swipe around a circle that sits right outside the companion figure.
Powering this masterpeiece is the new in-house AP2979 Tourbillon calibre that offers a power reserve of up to 72 hours. The movement is even visible through the sapphire case back. However, it has been padded with an original black-PVD that is inspired by KAWS’ universe.
The Titanium case sits on a light grey calfskin strap, which comes embossed with a textile effect. It comes with the same click-and-release interchangeable strap system that was introduced to the Royal Oak Concept lineup back in 2023, which means you can change the strap without needing any tools. On the other end of the strap is a titanium folding buckle.
Should You Put Yourself on the Waitlist for One?
Yes, definitely! That is if you can to begin with. With the watch being limited to just 250 pieces in the whole world, the chances of you being invited to the list is also pretty slim. However, if you can get yourself on the list, do it without even blinking twice. A watch like this deserves the attention of both watchmakers and art lovers as it is a collaboration of the two worlds. And if you are here thinking about flipping a watch, this one will have enough hype at least for the initial few months to get you a rather good premium.
And if you cannot put yourself on the list, you can always wait and get one from WatchMaestro!