New release: Piaget Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch

The late Andy Warhol may be best known for his art, films and partying, but he was also a prolific watch collector. His collection of big-name watches (many of which sold at auction for big money) included at least seven Piaget watches. The most famous of these was the Black Tie watch with a cushion-shaped case. In the final part of the brand’s 150th anniversary, the Black Tie was revived, refreshed and renamed the Piaget Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch (under license from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts).

The Piaget Black Tie was originally developed in 1972 as the company’s model designed to house the Beta 21 quartz movement – the Swiss watch market’s response to Japan’s growing dominance of the technology. Due to the Beta 21’s outstanding proportions, the cases that housed it had to be large, be it from Patek Philippe, Rolex, IWC, Piaget or one of the other 16 watchmakers that collaborated to produce the quartz caliber.

The new Piaget Andy Warhol watch continues the substantial dimensions with its white gold cushion case measuring 45mm in diameter. Instead of the usual gadroons, the sides of the case are decorated with two rows of guilloche Clou de Paris (or hobnail) motifs, according to the brand. The development and perfection took 10 months. Almost as chic as the eye-catching case is the blue meteorite dial, which is interrupted by two dauphine-style hands and line indices.

In contrast to the original Black Tie quartz watches, the self-winding caliber 501P1 is located under the screwed back of the 30 m waterproof case. This in-house movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, offers a power reserve of 40 hours and, although we cannot see it, is decorated with round Geneva stripes, a circular grain and a bevel. Finally, to match the blue dial, there is a dark blue alligator leather strap with a white gold pin buckle.

The model shown here features a white gold case, a blue meteorite dial and a blue leather strap, but that’s just one of many possible combinations. Piaget relies on its “made-to-order” service – a tradition that began with its first Geneva store in 1959 and has recently been reinterpreted as the “Infinitely Personal” concept. This option allows customers interested in Andy Warhol’s piece to choose between rose or white gold cases, ten different stone dials with dauphine or baton hands, and five strap colors.

Benjamin Comar, CEO of Piaget, commented on the new article: “We are deeply honored and pleased by the trust placed in Piaget by the Andy Warhol Foundation, underlining the deep and sincere relationship between the Maison and Andy Warhol.” A new beginning for this unique and beloved timepiece.”

Andy Warhol wasn’t just a customer of Piaget; He was a member of the Piaget Society – a term Yves Piaget used for the circle of celebrities and creatives who attended his lavish parties, worked on his watches, or were otherwise associated with the brand. The Black Tie has already been called “Andy Warhol” on the secondary market, so this move makes it official. With its plate dimensions, eye-catching bezel, precious metal case and space rock dial, there’s a lot going on with this “simple” two-hander. Not everyone could pull it off (or would want to), but with the right party attitude it could be done – and in style. The Piaget Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch (Ref. G0A49238) will be available at retail $60,000; Of course, any adjustments will affect the price. For more information, visit the brand’s website.