KAWS AP Royal Oak Review: Honest Review From A Collector

The KAWS AP watch’s unique appeal comes from its distinctive features. A meticulously crafted miniature Companion figure seems trapped inside the watch face and presses against the sapphire crystal with its signature gloves and face. The watch measures 43mm in diameter and 17.4mm in height, yet its titanium construction makes it “shockingly light” on the wrist. This artistic timepiece blends titanium and black ceramic materials with superior craftsmanship while maintaining 100m water resistance. The KAWS AP watch commands $200,000 (excluding taxes), which reflects its horological complexity and artistic value as a statement piece that travels with you everywhere.

The KAWS AP Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon ‘Companion’ stands out as the most talked-about luxury timepiece this year. Only 250 pieces exist worldwide. This masterful creation between Audemars Piguet and renowned artist KAWS represents maybe the best pop culture collaboration that AP has created.

KAWS x AP Royal Oak Concept: Design and Artistic Vision

A creative revolution in watchmaking stands at the core of this partnership. The KAWS AP Royal Oak Concept blends Audemars Piguet’s watchmaking mastery with KAWS’s distinct pop art style. This collaboration continues AP’s connection with the cultural sphere by bringing modern art to your wrist.

Sculpting the Companion: Titanium Miniature Details

This remarkable timepiece features a precisely crafted 3D miniature of KAWS’s iconic Companion character. The titanium figure seems to push against the sapphire crystal, creating an illusion of movement. Alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes add texture and depth that highlight its curved silhouette. The design pays tribute to KAWS’s dissected series by revealing the watch’s beating heart—the tourbillon mechanism at 6 o’clock—through the Companion’s chest.

Dial Layout: No Hands, Just Peripheral Time

The KAWS AP design breaks tradition by eliminating conventional watch hands. Time display moves to the outer edges. The innovative peripheral system uses hour and minute hands that circle the movement and dial’s exterior. Two visible, overlapping gear wheels driven by pinions and guided by rollers power this system. This technical innovation gives the miniature Companion an unobstructed showcase.

X-Motif Screws and Case Finishing

KAWS’s signature style shapes every detail. The bezel’s hexagonal “screws” feature the artist’s characteristic “X” motif instead of standard screw slots. The 43mm case (17.4mm thick) combines frosted surfaces with polished borders and bevels. These contrasting finishes demonstrate AP’s machining excellence while staying true to KAWS’s artistic vision.

How the Design Reflects KAWS’s Signature Style

The timepiece embodies KAWS’s artistic identity throughout. His early “ad intervention” work laid the foundation for his character-based approach. The skull-shaped head with gray lacquer-filled X-shaped eyes immediately identifies this as KAWS’s creation. Even the caliber’s ratchet wheel features an X-motif skeleton design. Such attention to detail transforms this piece beyond a decorated watch into a functioning three-dimensional KAWS sculpture that tells time with precision.

Caliber 2979 Movement: Peripheral Time Display Innovation

A completely new movement powers the KAWS AP Royal Oak Concept, created exclusively through collaboration with KAWS. The hand-wound Caliber 2979 showcases remarkable technical achievement that combines traditional watchmaking with state-of-the-art design.

Tourbillon at the Heart of the Companion

The flying tourbillon takes center stage at the 6 o’clock position and blends perfectly as the Companion figure’s “heart”. This placement serves beyond esthetics—the delicate complication reduces gravity’s effects on the watch’s accuracy. The tourbillon cage rotates fully every 60 seconds and creates a mesmerizing visual effect that draws attention to the Companion’s chest. This placement cleverly references KAWS’ ‘Dissected’ series and adds artistic meaning to the mechanical component.

Peripheral Hour and Minute Indication Explained

The caliber’s most state-of-the-art feature is its peripheral time display system. Audemars Piguet moved “time to the side” to keep the Companion figure clearly visible. Two visible, superimposed gear wheels rotate the hour and minute hands around the movement’s periphery and dial through pinions and rollers. The titanium hands move along a titanium rehaut with five-minute markings, while both hands and markers glow blue in darkness. This technical approach opens new possibilities for movement and dial designs.

Comparison to Previous AP Movements

The Caliber 2979 distinguishes itself from previous Audemars Piguet movements in several ways. AP’s first peripheral hour and minute indication makes this movement unique. The movement packs 326 parts and 39 jewels with a 72-hour power reserve and operates at 3Hz (21,600 VpH). The caliber features black PVD titanium bridges with padded construction that reflects KAWS’ artistic style. The gear train bridge reveals a specially designed ratchet wheel with KAWS’ signature X symbol.

Build Quality and Wearability of the KAWS AP Watch

The KAWS AP Royal Oak Concept feels impressive when you hold it. This timepiece combines artistic design with exceptional physical features. Smart engineering makes it surprisingly comfortable despite its substantial presence.

Case Dimensions: 43mm x 17.4mm

The KAWS AP Royal Oak Concept stands out with its bold 43mm diameter case and 17.4mm thickness. The watch feels more comfortable on the wrist than these measurements suggest. Angular inserts create contrasting finishes on the multifaceted titanium exterior. The modern, industrial look comes from alternating sandblasted and satin-brushed surfaces.

Material Choices: Titanium and Ceramic

KAWS himself described this AP watch as “shockingly light” thanks to its titanium construction. The watch’s size won’t tire your wrist because of this smart material choice. A black ceramic screw-locked crown with an AP-emblazoned titanium chip adds sophistication and durability against the titanium case.

Strap Options and Comfort on Wrist

Your watch comes with two swappable straps – a light gray calfskin with textile effect and a slate gray calfskin option. The 2023 click-and-release system lets you change straps without tools in seconds. Both straps flow seamlessly from the titanium case and feature a secure triple titanium folding buckle.

Water Resistance and Durability

This artistic timepiece can handle depths up to 100 meters. The sapphire crystal on both sides shows off the Companion figure and movement while protecting them. Premium materials throughout mean your watch will stay in excellent condition with proper care.

KAWS AP Watch Price and Collector Value

The KAWS AP Royal Oak Concept watch opens doors to one of the world’s most exclusive collector’s clubs. This remarkable timepiece stands out not just as a piece of art but also because of its hefty price tag and rare availability.

kaws ap watch price: CHF 200,000

You’ll need CHF 200,000 (around USD 226,500) before taxes to own this KAWS AP watch. This makes it one of the most expensive collaborative timepieces that ever spread across the watch industry. Regular Royal Oak Concept models cost between USD 123,000 to USD 209,000. The collaboration’s unique design elements and limited numbers justify its premium price point.

Limited Edition of 250 Pieces

Audemars Piguet created just 250 pieces worldwide. This lack of availability matches KAWS’ signature style of releasing limited art pieces that vanish from the market instantly. Each watch comes complete with authentication papers and the original box – must-have items for serious collectors.

Availability at AP Boutiques

The watch hit AP boutiques on November 20, 2023. Unlike regular luxury watches, AP kept distribution tightly controlled. This made the watch even more desirable among collectors who love both fine watches and modern art.

Secondary Market Expectations

The secondary market tells an impressive story. Prices have jumped to between USD 444,000 and USD 505,669. Yes, it is a 100% premium that shows the incredible appeal of this piece. Like other limited-edition AP collaborations, these watches quickly found new homes, especially with KAWS collectors who wanted wearable art.

Conclusion

The KAWS AP Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon ‘Companion’ shows what magic happens when watchmaking excellence meets modern art. This 43mm titanium timepiece creates something special – a three-dimensional KAWS Companion figure that looks trapped inside your watch and pushes against the sapphire crystal. On top of that, it features an innovative peripheral time display system without traditional hands, which lets the Companion become the main attraction.

The watch’s titanium build makes it light and comfortable to wear daily, despite its large size. Its striking design includes alternating finishes, X-motif screws, and straps you can switch out – all showing the careful attention given to every detail.

The CHF 200,000 price tag puts this watch in the ultra-luxury segment. Notwithstanding that, only 250 pieces exist worldwide, and their market value has already doubled. This rapid value increase makes it a solid investment for lucky buyers who got one at retail price.

This KAWS collaboration marks AP’s biggest artistic success yet. Both serious watch collectors and modern art lovers who want wearable art find it appealing. While it’s nowhere near affordable for most people, this innovative timepiece captures the perfect mix of fine watchmaking and pop culture that defines today’s luxury collector market.

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