Audemars Piguet has collaborated with Tokyo-based fashion duo Yoon Ahn and Verbal to create the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon watch [1].
This partnership represents a strategic bridge between traditional Swiss haute horlogerie and contemporary street fashion. By partnering with the founders of Ambush, Audemars Piguet aims to reimagine its most experimental line for a broader, design-focused audience [3, 4].
The new timepiece features a monochromatic titanium case and a black aventurine dial [1, 2]. A striking red tourbillon serves as the visual centerpiece of the watch, contrasting against the dark tones of the dial and case [1, 2]. The watch measures 38.5 mm in diameter [5].
Production of the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon is strictly limited to 150 pieces [2]. This scarcity is typical for the "Concept" series, which allows the brand to explore avant-garde materials and movements that may eventually influence their standard production models [4].
The collaboration follows a trend of luxury watchmakers engaging with fashion entities to maintain relevance with younger collectors. Audemars Piguet has previously engaged in similar cross-industry efforts, including collaborations with Swatch [3, 4].
Based in Switzerland, Audemars Piguet worked closely with the Tokyo-based designers to blend high-end watchmaking with the distinct aesthetic of Ambush [3]. The result is a piece that maintains the architectural integrity of the Royal Oak, while introducing the bold, industrial influence associated with Ahn and Verbal's work [1, 3].
“The new timepiece features a monochromatic titanium case and a black aventurine dial.”
This collaboration signals a shift in how legacy luxury brands approach the 'Concept' category, moving from purely technical experimentation to aesthetic partnerships. By aligning with Ambush, Audemars Piguet is positioning the Royal Oak not just as a tool of precision, but as a fashion accessory within the high-end streetwear ecosystem, potentially expanding its appeal to a demographic that values brand collaborations over traditional horological history.
