853
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 26656TI.GG.D019VE.01
Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION”
A rare and audacious limited edition titanium semi-skeletonized flying tourbillon wristwatch with titanium “KAWS Companion” 3D figure, warranty and presentation box, one of a limited edition of 250 pieces, made in collaboration with KAWS
Full-Cataloguing
- Limited to 250 pieces, auction debut
- Titanium 3D KAWS COMPANION figure in the dial
- Peripheral time display and tourbillon, with PVD treated movement
In 2024, Audemars Piguet collaborated with American designer and artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly) and released the present Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION”. KAWS’ “ad intervention” style of work involves the casting of his characters onto fashion and advertising medium, exploring possibilities in different forms, materials and sizes, which shares the innovative nature of the Royal Oak Concept.
One of the foremost attractions of the timepiece surely is the miniature 3D COMPANION figure in the dial. This Concept Tourbillon encases the titanium COMPANION just like in the display cases in a whimsical way as if it is trapped within the watch. Instead of centre hours and minutes hands like in previous Marvel Royal Oaks, the watch uses a peripheral time display, pushing the time indications to the side.
The watch case is a robust full titanium construct, with sandblasted caseband and glossy-finished edges, paired with a black ceramic crown. The screws on the bezel, in this watch, are replaced by screwheads with “X” marks just like the eyes of KAWS’ characters. The watch operates on a new manual-winding movement, the cal. 2979, featuring a 60-second tourbillon. The movement is also finely decorated: coated in black PVD treatment and fixed with a ratchet wheel with the KAWS “X” motif.
Limited to 250 pieces, this playful timepiece makes its auction market debut.
Audemars Piguet
Swiss | 1881A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.