The latest entry into this arena is the groundbreaking partnership between celebrated artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly) and prestigious Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet. Together, they have unveiled what is being hailed as the “Hypest Watch of the Year”: the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion”. This innovative timepiece is not just a watch; it’s a miniature masterpiece that bridges the realms of art, design, and horology.
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The Genesis of the Collaboration: Art Meets Horology
Brian Donnelly, universally known by his artistic moniker KAWS, has long been a figurehead in the contemporary art scene. Known for his striking reimaginations of pop culture characters, KAWS has consistently blended high art with the accessible imagery of cartoons. For Audemars Piguet, a brand synonymous with technical innovation and luxury, a partnership with KAWS was both a bold and natural progression.
Conceiving the Royal Oak “Companion”
The origins of this collaboration can be traced back to KAWS’ fascination with watches as functional works of art. Over the past two years, the artist has worked in secrecy to bring his vision to life. His initial foray into watch design was revealed inadvertently when eagle-eyed fans spotted a custom Royal Oak on his wrist. Featuring KAWS’ signature X-motif, the teaser hinted at a larger project in the works.
The result is the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion”, a watch that embodies KAWS’ creative ethos while showcasing Audemars Piguet’s renowned craftsmanship. The centerpiece of the design is a meticulously crafted miniature of KAWS’ iconic Companion figure, encased within the watch face. This “trapped” figure transforms the timepiece into a wearable sculpture, elevating it beyond mere utility.
Crafting the Extraordinary: Design and Technical Feats
The Royal Oak “Companion” is more than just a nod to KAWS’ artistic style; it is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s technical ingenuity. With a titanium case housing a brand-new movement featuring a tourbillon, the watch offers both visual and mechanical innovation.
A Masterpiece in Miniature
At the heart of the watch lies the shrunken version of KAWS’ Companion, a character that has appeared in large-scale sculptures around the world. Miniaturizing this figure to fit within a 43mm watch face was no small feat. KAWS noted the challenge of translating his typically monumental works into a format that would live on the wrist. Despite its size, the Companion inside the watch retains the intricate details and emotive presence that define KAWS’ art.
The Lightweight Marvel of Titanium
Despite its elaborate design, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is remarkably light, thanks to its titanium construction. This choice of material underscores the watch’s modernity and ensures it remains practical for everyday wear. Titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio allowed Audemars Piguet to experiment with bold aesthetics without compromising durability or comfort.
Cutting-Edge Mechanics
True to its heritage, Audemars Piguet equipped the watch with a tourbillon, a mechanism designed to improve timekeeping accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity. This inclusion serves as a nod to the brand’s technical prowess and reinforces the idea that this timepiece is as much about functionality as it is about artistry.
Expanding the Cultural Dialogue
This collaboration is emblematic of a broader trend in which the boundaries between traditional watchmaking and contemporary culture are becoming increasingly blurred. For KAWS and Audemars Piguet, the partnership is not just about creating a luxury item; it’s about expanding the accessibility and appeal of their respective crafts.
The Democratization of Watch Culture
Both KAWS and Audemars Piguet recognize that the worlds of art and watchmaking have historically been niche fields, accessible to only a select few. In recent years, however, both industries have undergone significant democratization. High-end watches, once the exclusive domain of connoisseurs, are now embraced by a younger, more diverse audience. Similarly, KAWS’ work has brought high art into the realm of pop culture, making it more relatable and engaging for the masses.
Building on Past Collaborations
This partnership builds on Audemars Piguet’s history of working with cultural icons, including Marvel and rapper Travis Scott. The Marvel-themed watches, featuring Black Panther and Spider-Man, demonstrated the brand’s willingness to innovate and engage with popular culture. For KAWS, seeing these collaborations was a turning point that convinced him of the feasibility of bringing his vision to life in the watch space.
The Ultimate Companion: Art You Can Wear
For collectors and enthusiasts, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” represents the ultimate blend of luxury and art. Unlike traditional artworks or high-end assets, such as supercars or real estate, a watch offers a unique portability and personal connection.
Why Watches Matter
As KAWS himself pointed out, a watch is a uniquely versatile luxury item. While a painting or sculpture may be confined to a single location, a watch accompanies its owner everywhere, becoming a constant companion. The Royal Oak “Companion” takes this concept to the next level, serving as both a timekeeping device and a wearable piece of art.
Broader Implications for Art and Luxury
This collaboration also raises interesting questions about the evolving nature of luxury. In a world where exclusivity and cultural relevance often go hand in hand, partnerships like this one highlight the growing importance of storytelling in high-end products. For KAWS, the watch serves as a continuation of his artistic narrative, while for Audemars Piguet, it represents a step forward in redefining what a luxury watch can be.
