The Art Of Piaget: Introducing The Andy Warhol Clou de Paris Watch

As the final chapter in Piaget’s 150th Anniversary celebration, the Maison proudly introduces the Andy Warhol Clou de Paris. This exceptional timepiece, the first under the newly renamed Andy Warhol watch collection, represents a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern watchmaking innovation. Developed over ten meticulous months by Piaget’s Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire, this watch pays homage to the legendary partnership between Piaget and Andy Warhol, an icon of art and culture who famously owned multiple Piaget timepieces.

The Andy Warhol Clou de Paris stands out for its Clou de Paris finish on the white gold case and a blue meteorite dial. This design choice reflects Piaget’s heritage of working with ornamental stones and unique materials. Initially launched in 1972 as the “Black Tie,” the watch made waves with its daring Beta21 movement and era-defining design. Though production ceased in the early 1980s, the timepiece was reborn in 2014 and has since become synonymous with Warhol, who acquired his first Piaget Black Tie watch in 1973.

The decision to rename the collection in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts is a fitting tribute. Michael Dayton Hermann, Director of Licensing, Marketing, and Sales at the Foundation, remarked, “The Andy Warhol Foundation is delighted to celebrate the bond between Warhol and Piaget through an eponymous watch with an ethos as timeless, iconic, and singular as its namesake.” Echoing this sentiment, Piaget CEO Benjamin Comar emphasized the depth of this historical relationship, declaring it “a new dawn for this very unique timepiece.”

The 45mm white gold case is adorned with the intricate Clou de Paris guilloché motif, a hallmark of Piaget’s refined craftsmanship. This hobnail pattern, reminiscent of jewelry-like pyramid textures, required a thorough hand-finishing process adapted to the watch’s distinctive cushion shape. The artisans at Piaget worked to ensure that the pattern maintained the same layered brilliance and interplay of light as the watch’s original gadroon detailing.

Complementing the case is a blue meteorite dial, chosen for its captivating reflections and deep hue reminiscent of the twilight sky over the Gulf. The dial is crafted through a laborious process involving multiple layers of enamel and guilloché, resulting in a mesmerizing and rare design. Finishing touches include dauphine-style hands and sleek indexes, lending a vintage flair that honors the timepiece’s storied past.

The 501P1 Manufacmanufacturer’sinding movement powers the watch, known fwhich is or its precision and reliability. The movement is housed within a striking grey titanium case, which pairs perfectly with a dark blue alligator leather strap featuring a white gold ardillon buckle.

The enhanced Made to-Order service is one of the most exciting elements of the Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch launch. Continuing a tradition that dates back to Piaget’s first Geneva boutique in 1959, this bespoke service allows collectors to customize nearly every aspect of their timepiece. From choosing among ten different ornamental stone dials—such as turquoise, malachite, and the striking falcon eye—to selecting leather strap colors and the style of hands, clients can create a truly unique work of art. Additionally, they can choose between white or rose gold cases, echoing the spirit of Andy Warhol, who once said, “Art is what you can get away with.”

Andy Warhol’s love for Piaget watches was more than a passing fancy; it was a deep-seated appreciation that made him a lifelong friend of the Maison. Warhol owned at least seven Piaget timepieces and became an integral member of the Piaget Society, frequenting glamorous events alongside Yves Piaget. Their friendship flourished amid the vibrant social scenes of Studio 54 and New York’s art world, a bond immortalized when Yves Piaget appeared in Warhol’s Interview magazine.

This rich history between Warhol and Piaget is beautifully encapsulated in the newly minted Andy Warhol Clou de Paris, This timepieceontinues to intrigue watch enthusiasts and art lovers alike. As this collection embarks on its next chapter, Piaget invites collectors to become part of this extraordinary legacy, crafting a personalized piece that embodies the timeless allure of one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.