Andy Warhol and Piaget – two names synonymous with creativity, sophistication and a flair for the unexpected. Warhol, the godfather of Pop Art, forever changed the art world with his colourful and thought-provoking approach. Piaget, on the other hand, has been a master of horological craftsmanship since 1874.
Together, these icons forged a bond that transcended time, and now, thanks to a new collaboration under license with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, a symbol of that friendship has been reborn.
The new Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch doesn’t just celebrate this unique relationship; it revisits an iconic timepiece that Warhol himself appeared to adore. Originally made in 1972 and known as the Black Tie, this bold design, with its statement-making cushion-shaped case and crown inset into the caseband at 3 o’clock, quickly became a favourite among collectors.
Today, Piaget and the Foundation have formally renamed it the “Andy Warhol watch,” and are marking the occasion by presenting a fresh interpretation that feels as original and distinctive as the man who inspired it.
Tradition Meets Avant-Garde
The new Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch is defined by its spectacular 45mm white-gold cushion-shaped case, which flaunts a Clou de Paris guilloche pattern, a signature of Piaget’s 1970s aesthetic.
This intricate motif, sometimes referred to as hobnail, is achieved through a series of minuscule, pyramid-like squares. Creating this effect wasn’t straightforward, though. The artisans at Piaget’s Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire spent no fewer than ten months refining and perfecting this eye-catching finish on the curved case.
Each facet catches and reflects light in different ways, building depth and dimension much like the layered screens in Warhol’s portraits, where each layer adds its own nuance to the whole.
A Dial Like Few Others
While the Clou de Paris is one highlight, the dial can’t be ignored either. Here, Piaget has selected a rare blue meteorite, a material known for its unique crystalline patterns and otherworldly sheen. This isn’t just a nod to Piaget’s expertise with ornamental stones, but a fitting tribute to Warhol’s love for all things bold and out-of-the-ordinary.
The azure hue of the meteorite dial – complemented by silvered dauphine-style hands and sleek indexes – brings a touch of cosmic mystery, with reflections that subtly shift in varying light, echoing the unpredictable allure of Warhol’s Pop Art.
An Artist and Maison United
The shared history between Andy Warhol and Piaget is woven with moments of style and friendship. In 1973, Warhol acquired his first Piaget Black Tie watch, joining an exclusive personal collection that featured seven Piaget pieces in total. Four of these are today part of Piaget’s Private Collection.
Known for his avant-garde style and keen eye, Warhol didn’t just wear Piaget; he embraced it. His friendship with Yves Piaget, whom he met in 1979 in New York, evolved beyond mutual admiration. Warhol was a fixture of the Piaget Society, often joining Yves Piaget at elegant gatherings in the Big Apple and Palm Beach. Outside these occasions, the two could also be found mingling with the era's cultural elite at iconic venues like Studio 54, where art, fashion and luxury effortlessly intersected.
And in 1983, Piaget’s Yves Piaget appeared in Interview magazine, a publication founded by Warhol, underscoring the strong bond between artist and brand. This relationship now lives on through the Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch, an emblem of a friendship as enduring as it is legendary.
Make It Yours
In keeping with Piaget’s commitment to personalisation, the Andy Warhol watch isn’t just a tribute to the past, but also an invitation to create something uniquely yours. Through Piaget’s Made-to-Order service, collectors can design a version that reflects their individual taste.
This starting model, Ref. G0A49238, features the white-gold case and blue meteorite dial, priced at CHF 56,000. However, Piaget offers up to ten ornamental stone options, including eye-catching falcon’s eye, turquoise and malachite – each material carrying its own distinct allure.
Collectors can also select from five leather strap colours, choose either the dauphine-style hands or the classic baton hands reminiscent of Warhol’s original, and also opt for a case in rose gold.
For watch lovers, it’s an opportunity to channel a bit of Warhol’s artistic freedom and self-expression. Indeed, as Benjamin Comar, CEO of Piaget, puts it: “This new dawn for the Andy Warhol watch gives everyone a chance to create their own work of art.”
A Tribute in Words
Michael Dayton Hermann, Director of Licensing, Marketing and Sales at The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, reflects on the significance of this rechristened, freshly interpreted timepiece: “The Andy Warhol Foundation is delighted to celebrate the bond between Warhol and Piaget with an eponymous watch, embodying an ethos as timeless, iconic and refreshingly unique as its namesake.”
Meanwhile, Benjamin Comar adds: “We are deeply honoured and delighted by the trust that the Andy Warhol Foundation is showing in Piaget, highlighting the deep and sincere relationship between the maison and Andy Warhol.”
To find out more, please visit the Piaget website.
