The late Andy Warhol could also be finest identified for his artwork, movies, and partying methods, however he was additionally a prolific watch collector. Amongst his assortment of big-brand watches (a lot of which have been auctioned off for large bucks) had been a minimum of seven Piaget watches. probably the most well-known of which was the Black Tie timepiece with a cushion-shaped case. Within the ultimate installment of the model’s one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, the Black Tie has been revived, refreshed, and renamed the Piaget Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch (underneath license with The Andy Warhol Basis for the Visible Arts).
The Piaget Black Tie was initially created in 1972 as the corporate’s mannequin charged to accommodate the Beta 21 quartz motion — the Swiss watch market’s reply to Japan’s rising domination of the know-how. Because of Beta 21’s outstanding proportions, the instances that housed them, whether or not from Patek Philippe, Rolex, IWC, Piaget, or any of the opposite 16 watchmakers that labored collectively to provide the quartz caliber, needed to be giant.
The brand new Piaget Andy Warhol watch continues the substantial dimensions with its white gold cushion case clocking in at 45mm in diameter. Slightly than customary gadroons, adorning the perimeters of the case are two rows of Clou de Paris (or hobnail) guilloché motif, which, based on the model. took 10 months to develop and excellent. Nearly as fancy because the showy case is the blue meteorite dial, punctuated with a pair of Dauphine-style fingers and stick hour markers.
Not like the unique Black Tie quartz watches, beneath the screw-down again of the 30m-water-resistant case is the self-winding Caliber 501P1. This manufacture motion operates at 28,800 beats per hour, provides 40 hours of energy reserve, and though we will’t see it, is adorned with round Côtes de Genève, circular-graining, and beveling. Lastly, matching the blue dial is the darkish blue alligator leather-based strap fitted with a white gold pin buckle.
The mannequin proven right here includes a white gold case, blue meteorite dial, and blue leather-based strap, however these are simply certainly one of many potential combos. Piaget is embracing its made-to-order service — a practice that began with its first Geneva retailer in 1959 and was just lately reimagined because the “Infinitely Private” idea. With this feature, clients within the Andy Warhol piece can choose both rose or white gold instances, select from ten totally different stone dials with Dauphine or baton fingers, and choose from 5 strap colours.
Commenting on the brand new piece, Benjamin Comar, CEO of Piaget stated: “We’re deeply honored and delighted by the belief that the Andy Warhol Basis is displaying in Piaget, highlighting the deep and honest relationship between the Maison and Andy Warhol. A brand new daybreak for this very distinctive timepiece, beloved by all.”
Andy Warhol wasn’t only a buyer of Piaget; he was a member of the Piaget Society — a time period Yves Piaget used for the circle of celebrities and creatives who attended his lavish events, collaborated on his watches, or had been in any other case linked to the model. The Black Tie was already nicknamed the Andy Warhol on the secondary market so this transfer simply makes it official. With its dinner plate dimensions, flashy bezel, valuable steel case, and area rock dial, rather a lot is happening with this “easy” two-hander. Not everybody may pull it off (or would need to) however with the appropriate celebration perspective, it could possibly be achieved — and achieved with type. The Piaget Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch (ref. G0A49238) will retail for $60,000 USD; after all, any customizations will affect the value. For extra info, please go to the brand’s website.
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