In the realm of haute horology, where precision dances with prestige, few names carry the gravitas of Audemars Piguet. Known for crafting timepieces that defy convention while honoring tradition, the Swiss watchmaker has once again set the world ticking with anticipation. This time—quite literally—it’s partnering with contemporary art luminary Brian Donnelly, globally celebrated as KAWS.
A Tease Worth a Thousand Hours
Like a clockwork romance, the collaboration was unveiled through a cryptic yet evocative Instagram video. The narrative begins with a shadowy figure draping an Audemars Piguet craftsman’s apron over their shoulders—a symbol of time-honored craftsmanship. The figure peers through a fogged glass divider, only to encounter the forlorn visage of KAWS’ Companion character, pressing its gloved hands against the glass as if yearning for connection.
The video’s fogged lens creates a dreamlike opacity, inviting viewers to peer through the haze of ambiguity. It ends with the seamless interweaving of two titanic logos—AP and KAWS—underscored by the tantalizingly simple phrase: “Stay tuned.” The air of mystery is deliberate, leaving us to wonder what kind of alchemy might result when the meticulous precision of Audemars Piguet meets the playful, melancholic artistry of KAWS.
Timepiece or Timeless Expression?
What lies on the other side of the fogged glass? Speculation abounds. It seems likely that the crown jewel of this collaboration will be a reimagined Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet’s storied masterpiece. But this is no ordinary watch—the Royal Oak is the Mona Lisa of timekeeping, an icon of design and ingenuity. Now, imagine it rendered through the lens of KAWS, with his unmistakable “XX” eyes and curvilinear forms lending an air of playful rebellion to the architectural precision of AP.
And yet, could it stop there? In a world where art and fashion frequently walk hand in hand, whispers of an apparel capsule are impossible to ignore. After all, KAWS’ work transcends mediums—why shouldn’t it transcend wrists? Picture it: meticulously tailored garments imbued with a blend of AP’s heritage and KAWS’ modern edge.
Where Horology Meets Melancholy
Audemars Piguet and KAWS share a common trait—an ability to create pieces that resonate emotionally while standing apart from the ordinary. AP’s mastery lies in shaping metal and movement into poetry, while KAWS’ genius turns vinyl and canvas into visual sonnets of joy and sorrow. Together, they promise to create not merely objects but experiences.
KAWS’ Companion, with its slouched posture and melancholic demeanor, is a fitting emblem for this collaboration. It mirrors the tension between permanence and impermanence, between the fleeting nature of time and the enduring legacy of art. What better motif for a timepiece, a device tasked with measuring the ephemeral, yet destined to outlast generations?
An Intersection of Legacy and Innovation
This partnership isn’t just about merging two disciplines—it’s about challenging boundaries. Audemars Piguet, ranked 13th among the titans of global watchmaking, has always been an innovator. From skeletonized movements to high-tech ceramic bezels, AP isn’t afraid to experiment with the avant-garde.
KAWS, meanwhile, is a master of subversion. His work, a symphony of pop culture and fine art, draws audiences ranging from sneakerheads to gallery-goers. Together, AP and KAWS represent a meeting of minds where the past converses with the present, and the old world shakes hands with the new.
Tick-Tock, the World Waits
What we do know is this: when AP and KAWS collide, it won’t just be about telling the time—it will be about redefining it. A moment in which the boundaries of luxury, art, and craftsmanship blur into something utterly new, utterly unforgettable.
As the countdown begins, keep your eyes sharp and your feeds refreshed. For when the curtain lifts on APxKAWS, it won’t just mark a collaboration—it will mark a moment in time, etched in bold, indelible strokes. A masterpiece in motion.
---
Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of Audemars Piguet.