We were scared, but AP pulled it off again

Audemars Piguet just dropped a collaboration with artist Kaws that’s making serious waves in the watch world. The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon ‘Companion’ is a bold, futuristic piece that is a mix of high-end watchmaking with street art in a way we didn’t know we needed.  

 

Photo source: Monochrome Watches

 

Kaws, who became a pop art legend with his signature “Companion” character (something like a Mickey Mouse skull), is now bringing his iconic designs to the world of luxury timepieces. The result is something that feels more like a piece of art than just a watch. Kaws’ Companion is trapped behind the sapphire crystal, its cartoon skull face and hands pressed against the glass, adding a playful edge to the complex mechanical movements inside.

 

Photo source: Monochrome Watches

 

The dial is just as unique, showing the time via titanium indicators around the rim of the dial, with no traditional hands in sight. Beneath it all is a tourbillon, which sure makes things more interesting (also who doesn’t like a tourbillon). The titanium case is a beefy 43mm, giving it a more solid, modern feel compared to previous Royal Oak Concepts like Spider-Man and Black Panther.  

 

Photo source: Monochrome Watches

 

This watch is limited to 250 pieces, priced at CHF 200,000. And if you’re in Geneva, you can check out Kaws’ huge 11-meter-tall Companion sculpture at Audemars Piguet’s headquarters until December 20.