This complete set of all four limited edition watches of the original KAWS × Ikepod Horizon Collection is, to the best of our knowledge, the first such complete set to be offered at auction. These striking timepieces were designed by one of the most famous and influential designers of the past 50 years - Marc Newson, in collaboration with world-famous New York-based graffiti artist, painter and sculptor KAWS. Produced in 2012, it was one of the last projects that Newson created for Ikepod before his departure from the company. Each watch was made in an edition of 100 pieces, available individually and as a set, they were sold out immediately. Today, a complete set of all four watches is exceedingly rare and almost impossible to find at all on the open market. Christie’s is therefore delighted to offer this elusive and highly exclusive complete set of four to international collectors of both watches and contemporary art.

These remarkable automatic wristwatches are of course portable works of art in their own right, created by two of the greats of the contemporary design and art world. The 44 mm. pebble-shape titanium cases are instantly recognizable Ikepod timepieces, the design of which is equally, if not more recognizable as the work of KAWS. The artist’s signature aesthetic of ‘Chomper’ teeth used as hour markers and his famous ‘X’ motif forms the highly unconventional hour and minute hands.

The present watches are unusual and very exciting examples of KAWS’ work, never to be repeated, they can only become ever more desirable as time passes.

KAWS – real name Brian Donnelly (b. 1974) studied illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Before he achieved success as an artist he worked as a background painter on animated series such as Disney’s 101 Dalmations, and cult shows Daria and Doug. His work includes repeated use of a cast of figurative characters and motifs, some dating back to the beginning of his career in the 1990s, initially painted in 2D and later realized in 3D. Some of his characters are his own creations while others are reworked versions of existing icons.

Kaws' sculptures range in size from a few inches to ten meters tall, and are made from various materials including fiberglass, aluminum, wood, bronze, and a steel pontoon inflatable raft. Although KAWS was already successful in the 2000s, the 2019 Artnet Intelligence Report stated that in 2017 his average sale price almost doubled, from $42,272 to $82,063. In November 2018, five KAWS pieces sold for more than $1 million, and across the year his work realised over $33.8 million at auction. KAWS is seen as the enfant terrible of the New York art world. Many have compared him to Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, whose own inimitable styles started out on the street, as well as Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons, who both had an instinctive understanding of the possibilities of art in the age of mechanical reproduction.

IKEPOD
Co-founded in 1994 by Oliver Ike and Marc Newson, considered one of the most influential designers of his generation, the design-focused IKEPOD independent brand has achieved a cult status over the years with followers appreciating the brand’s avant-garde almost ‘other worldly’ aesthetic. IKEPOD set several trends in watchmaking by boldly increasing watch size and promoting craftsmanship and launching limited editions with well-known artists including Jeff Koons. From 1997, with the introduction of the ‘Hemipode’ model, IKEPOD watches have generally been defined by their spaceship case shape, circular with smooth edges and instead of the usual lugs, the strap is inserted into the Pod. Mark Newson’s stellar design career which includes the iconic ‘Lockheed Lounge Chair’ and his close involvement in the design of the Apple Watch after his departure from IKEPOD in 2008 have ensured that his watch designs for IKEPOD are now becoming ever more appreciated as classics by art and design collectors who recognize Newson’s importance and pervading influence upon many aspects of contemporary style.

The IKEPOD name was held in abeyance from 2012 until it’s relaunch at Baselworld in 2018 by Christian-Louis Col. The company prides itself on its Mark Newson heritage and continues to hold a unique position in the worlds of watchmaking and contemporary art.