Audemars Piguet, renowned Swiss watch manufacturer, has once again joined forces with a creative powerhouse from the world of music and fashion. This time, they have partnered with Cactus Jack, the brand and record label founded by American hip-hop artist Travis Scott, to create a stunning limited edition timepiece — the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “Cactus Jack” edition, which is the final project of Audemars Piguet Global CEO, François-Henry Bennahmais before his retirement in end of 2023. Combining Audemars Piguet’s mastery of watchmaking with Cactus Jack’s unique aesthetic, this collaboration represents the perfect synergy of luxury and contemporary culture.
Audemars Piguet has a long history of collaborating with iconic figures from various fields, including sport, art, and entertainment. Previous partnerships with Jay-Z and LeBron James have solidified the brand’s connection with the free-spirited and culturally diverse audience. As Audemars Piguet continues to push boundaries and embrace the spirit of the moment, their collaboration with Cactus Jack symbolizes a continued dialogue with the larger cultural world, capturing the attention of a new generation.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “Cactus Jack” Limited Edition showcases a distinctive brown aesthetic, paying homage to one of Cactus Jack’s signature colours, which is limited at 200 pieces only. Crafted entirely in brown ceramic, a groundbreaking material for Audemars Piguet, the watch exudes a contemporary allure. Its case and bracelet studs are meticulously finished with a combination of satin-brushing and polished chamfers, embodying the brand’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
This unique timepiece incorporates several design elements that celebrate the creative vision of Cactus Jack. The typography of the calendar and week indications, inspired by Travis Scott’s own hand-drawn model, adds a personal touch. The day subdial at 9 o’clock takes on the shape of the Cactus Jack logo, creating a subtle yet striking detail. The most prominent reference is found in the moon phase display at 6 o’clock, featuring Cactus Jack’s iconic smiley face with a stitched mouth. The luminescent coating on the smiley face glows blue in the dark, while other calendar indications emit a captivating green hue, creating a distinct luminous effect.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “Cactus Jack” Limited Edition showcases Audemars Piguet’s commitment to impeccable watchmaking. The intricate details of the self-winding Calibre 5135, visible through the brown ceramic and sapphire caseback, reveal the exceptional craftsmanship within. The oscillating weight, made of 22-carat pink gold, is openworked and engraved with the double signature of “Audemars Piguet” and “Cactus Jack.” At the center, the Cactus Jack logo adds the final touch to this extraordinary collaboration.
In addition to the timepiece, Audemars Piguet and Cactus Jack have also created a capsule collection of clothing and accessories. With a portion of the profits from the collection’s sales being donated to a charity project chosen by Travis Scott, this collaboration extends beyond the realm of watchmaking, making a positive impact on social causes.
The Audemars Piguet x Cactus Jack collaboration represents a meeting of minds between two creative forces from different universes. This limited edition Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s audacity to innovate and push boundaries, while Travis Scott’s artistic vision and influence add a fresh and contemporary flavour to the world of luxury watchmaking. With its unique design elements and impeccable craftsmanship, this collaboration is a true celebration of the fusion between high-end horology and the vibrant culture of hip-hop.
AUDEMARS PIGUET – ROYAL OAK PERPETUAL CALENDAR OPENWORKED “CACTUS JACK”
Ref. 26585CM.OO.D301VE.01
LIMITED EDITION OF 200
CASE
MATERIAL: Brown ceramic
WATER RESISTANCE: 20 m
SIZE: 41 mm
DIAL
Sapphire dial, smoked external zones of the counters, brown applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, brown inner bezel.
BRACELET
Brown calfskin strap with special pink gold folding clasp.
CALIBRE 5135
FUNCTIONS: Perpetual calendar with week indication, day, date, astronomical moon, month, leap year, hours and minutes
NUMBER OF JEWELS: 38
MECHANISM: Selfwinding
POWER RESERVE: 40 h
TOTAL DIAMETER: 29 mm
NUMBER OF PARTS: 374
FREQUENCY: 2.75 hz 19,800 vph
THICKNESS: 4.5 mm
PRICE: CHF178,000 (excluding taxes)
.
Source: Audemars Piguet