Has Audemars Piguet, in collaboration with Travis Scott, just unleashed the standout partnership of the year with the new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar? This intricately cocoa-flavored timepiece marks a groundbreaking moment as Audemars Piguet ventures into crafting a chocolate-colored ceramic case for the first time. Paired with streetwear merch from Travis Scott’s label Cactus Jack, the watch features bold motifs on a brown leather-lined jeans effect strap, showcasing meticulous hand-finished detailing. Priced at CHF 178,000, this release exemplifies Audemars Piguet’s avant-garde approach.
During the summer, Travis Scott hinted at the ‘Chocolate AP’ in his hit single Meltdown. The perpetual calendar, possibly kept under wraps by outgoing CEO Francois-Henry Benhammias, now emerges as a testament to his disruptive legacy.
With collaborations ranging from the Marvel Universe to minimalist chic, Audemars Piguet has solidified its position in the realm of hype beasts. The fusion of a complex, casually styled dial with Travis Scott’s essence captures the spirit of 2023’s musical zeitgeist.
While perpetual calendars are typically associated with gold-cased classics from Patek or Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet’s collaboration with Travis Scott elevates the concept to a new level. The bombastic dial layout, adorned with autumn tones of gold and brown, along with a hint of red, complements the Halloween-like Cactus Jack smiley representing the moon at six o’clock. This tech-packed ‘Chocolate AP’ stands as the brand’s defining release in 2023, marking the conclusion of Francois-Henry Benhammias’ disruptive reign.
Despite the watch’s intricate functions, the dial’s frivolous font adds a touch of casual elegance. This juxtaposition aligns seamlessly with Travis Scott’s collaborations with Nike and Dior, highlighting the brand’s adaptability and Benhammias’ impactful legacy. Audemars Piguet’s ability to effortlessly sell out this 200-piece edition within a week further underscores the brand’s influence.