Audemars Piguet Japan has released an original manga titled The Passage of Time: 150 Years of Journey, created by manga artist Kanto Otsuki, to commemorate the brand’s 150th anniversary. The work has been available to the public via Audemars Piguet’s official LINE account since December 22, 2025.

Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
This project introduces the Maison’s rich history through the distinctly Japanese cultural medium of manga. Blending historically inspired episodes with fictional storytelling, the series unfolds across four emotionally driven chapters that reflect Audemars Piguet’s enduring spirit of independence and innovation.

The narrative begins with “The Beat Goes On,” which explores the brand’s founding years, followed by “Dare to Dream,” depicting the challenges faced by the second-generation founders during the Great Depression. “The Adventure of Genta” revisits the legendary origin story of the Royal Oak, while the final chapter, “150 Years Young,” connects the Maison’s heritage with its present-day creations.

Despite its deep roots in watchmaking history, the manga is designed to be accessible even to readers without prior knowledge of fine watches. Through expressive visuals and character-driven storytelling, the work conveys the Maison’s philosophy in a way that feels personal and emotionally resonant.

The manga is illustrated by Kanto Otsuki, an acclaimed artist known for works such as I-Turn and Unmet: A Neurosurgeon’s Diary. Unmet in particular received widespread recognition as a medical manga and was adapted into a television drama in 2024. In this project, Otsuki brings meticulous attention to detail, portraying iconic timepieces such as the Royal Oak and CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, alongside complex mechanisms and exploded movement diagrams.

More than a commemorative piece, The Passage of Time transforms Audemars Piguet’s 150-year journey into a narrative experience—one that bridges horology, visual storytelling, and cultural expression. It offers a rare opportunity to engage with the Maison’s legacy through a format that feels both intimate and contemporary.