Audemars Piguet Unveils Kaws Edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon

Audemars Piguet’s latest high-profile collaboration has been revealed, this time working with cult artist Brian Donnelly, a.k.a Kaws on a Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon that ticks all the boxes you’d expect from a partnership involving the two entities.

Ever since the Marvel co-signed Royal Oak “Black Panther” dropped in 2021, Audemars Piguet’s eagerness to work with pop culture forces has only become more apparent with each headline-worthy release, giving way for projects with Alyx, Travis Scott and now Kaws.

After already leaking in early September, the hype for Kaws x AP is undeniably apparent, despite alienating some of the Audemars Piguet hardcore.

The 43mm Kaws x AP Royal Oak is constructed entirely from titanium and houses AP’s calibre 2979 movement that powers the newly-introduced peripheral hours and minutes hands designed to travel around the outer edge of the dial. A tourbillon mechanism also features in the watch and can be found at the 6 o’clock position, representing what AP calls the Companion’s “beating heart”.

The standout feature (as if it wasn’t obvious) is the inclusion of Kaws’ most recognised Companion mascot that looks as if it’s pushing against the sapphire crystal. More Kaws-isms appear on the bezel screws that have been specially inscribed with the artist’s “X” motif.

The opposite side of the watch shows more commemorative details, also allowing space to mark the given edition of the 250 available pieces.

The watch is priced at approximately $225,000 USD and will be available exclusively via Audemars Piguet boutiques.