Piaget unveils a watch inspired by Andy Warhol, combining stone marquetry and artistic heritage, in a limited edition of 50 pieces, reflecting the crusade between luxury, art, and history.
Piaget has reinterpreted Andy Warhol's work, this time for the wrist, transforming a collage self-portrait into a collector's watch. The piece seeks to continue a historic conversation between the watchmaker and the artist, while showcasing its own expertise in jewelry.
a historical link that emerges from the past
According to Piaget, the "Collage" watch draws its inspiration from Warhol's 1986 Polaroid self-portrait, as well as from the shared history between the artist and the brand. The company recalls that it purchased several of Warhol's watches, which were among his many timepieces, at a Sotheby's auction in 1988. This shared memory serves, so to speak, as the starting point for this capsule collection.
a case and movement that tell the story of the brand
The watch has a 45 mm 18-karat yellow gold case, a design chosen to recall a Piaget worn by Warhol in the 1970s, according to the brand's press kit. The Piaget 501P1 automatic caliber powers this watch. The movement offers a 40-hour power reserve, Piaget says, and reflects the brand's tradition of fine, elegant watches.
a stone marquetry, a visual translation
The dial is not a direct reproduction of Warhol's works, far from it, but rather a translation of their palette and fragmentation. According to Piaget and several specialist media outlets, the watch's marquetry combines black onyx, green chrysoprase, pink opal, and yellow Namibian serpentine. These materials are assembled into fine geometric pieces to evoke the fragmented texture of the original collage.
aesthetics and finishes
The case back is engraved with Warhol's portrait and signature, according to the official announcement. The dark green leather strap completes the look without stealing the spotlight from the dial. The interior finishes feature Côtes de Genève, as Piaget points out.
limited edition and market
Piaget has announced an ultra-limited series of 50 pieces, sold exclusively in stores, according to its official press release. Several magazines and specialist stores confirm this limited edition. Regarding the price, information varies: The Watch Pages and LuxuryBazaar mention $78,000, while Time+Tide puts the price at $128,000 Australian dollars. It is best to check all this at a Piaget store before making a decision.
a critical reading
This model stands at the crossroads of watchmaking and art. It showcases expertise in mineral marquetry, a rare and delicate technique in watchmaking, it should be noted. But transforming an iconic work of art into a watch face also raises questions, particularly aesthetic and ethical ones. According to the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the project was carried out in collaboration with Piaget, which, in their view, legitimizes the use of the archives and motifs. Nevertheless, this watch is primarily aimed at collectors with the means to afford it.
a cultural context
Andy Warhol completely redefined the boundaries between art and consumerism; it was, in a way, his trademark. His well-documented passion for watches adds a layer of historical irony to this approach. By transforming a self-portrait into a wearable object, Piaget is echoing Warhol's idea: making art portable and desirable.
in conclusion
The Piaget "Collage" is both conservative and somewhat daring. It celebrates this shared history while showcasing highly sophisticated jewelry craftsmanship. For enthusiasts, it represents a tangible piece of dialogue between fine watchmaking and contemporary art. For the market, this watch also illustrates the tensions between art as value and market value.
Source: Noah Wire Services