Piaget has officially renamed the creation the Andy Warhol watch (All photos: Piaget)
A core member of the Piaget Society, American visual artist Andy Warhol was as much a fan of haute horlogerie as he was a leader of the pop art movement. A close friend of Yves Piaget himself, Warhol is known to have owned no less than seven of the house’s timepieces. He was most connected to the Beta21 movement, originally known as the Black Tie watch, which he first acquired in 1973.
Recognised by its cushion-shaped case framed by rings of gadroons, the piece was first introduced in 1972 and produced for less than a decade. In 2014, it was revamped and revived, re-entering the market as a cultural icon and quickly became a collector’s item.
In collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Piaget has officially renamed the creation the Andy Warhol watch. This union between watchmaker and foundation is marked by the launch of the Andy Warhol Clou de Paris.
Powered by the in-house 501P1 Manufacture self-winding movement, the new release features the eponymous guilloché motif (aka the hobnail) — a pattern of raised squares mildly resembling pyramids that has become synonymous with some of Piaget’s most iconic watches from the 1970s.
Meticulously developed over 10 months by the house’s Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire, the design adorns a white gold case, replacing the original gadroons. Fitting the jewellery-like emblem on the case was no easy feat as its curved and thin nature demanded only the deftest of hands to achieve the correct layered, light-catching look.
A cobalt meteorite dial graces the face. With its striking hue and unique reflective quality, this design choice pays homage to the watchmaker’s portfolio of ornamental stones. Dauphine-style hands and indices enchance this extraordinary material, making for a clean and sophisticated finish.
In addition to the Clou de Paris watch, Piaget has elevated its made-to-order personalisation service. Collectors are encouraged to customise their own Andy Warhol watch, crafting a unique art piece for themselves. After selecting a white or rose gold case, clients may choose from 10 different stone dials, which can then be paired with one of five leather strap colours and either dauphine or baton hands.
This article first appeared on Nov 4, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
