Hands-On: The New Piaget Andy Warhol Collage Limited Edition

October 01, 2014

Andy Warhol once said, Art is what you can get away with. Does Piaget get away with the art watch you see here? In collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation, the Piaget Andy Warhol Collage Limited Edition bursts onto the scene. The watch is a limited edition of 50 pieces, each featuring a dial crafted from a marquetry of colorful ornamental gemstones arranged in an abstract composition inspired by one of Warhols famed 1986 Polaroid collage self-portraits, Collage. This edition follows the partnership announced in November, which revives the legendary Andy Warhol watch name. We had the opportunity to try on the latest LE at the brand s boutique in Geneva.But first, let me provide a little background. In 2024, Piaget partnered with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, officially naming the modern reinterpretation of Warhols iconic timepiece the Andy Warhol Watch. The American artist was known for his compulsive watch collecting. By his death in 1987, his collection numbered more than 300 pieces, including seven Piagets. The following year, these were auctioned by Sothebys in New York, and Piaget reacquired four of them for its private collection in Switzerland. Among these was a black-and-gold version of the reference 15102, a 45mm creation designed by Jean-Claude Gueit and produced in limited numbers between 1972 and 1977. The design, later known as the Black Tie, was reinterpreted for Piagets 140th anniversary in 2014. Now, though, its the Andy Warhol Watch, the best and most appropriate name.Introducing the Piaget Andy Warhol Collage Limited EditionAs mentioned, on the dial of the Andy Warhol Watch Collage Limited Edition (ref. G0A50243), we find a marquetry of colorful ornamental gemstones in an abstract composition inspired by one of Warhols famed 1986 Polaroid collage self-portraits. The stepped 45mm case rendered in 18K yellow gold - a nod to Warhols 1973 watch and a precious alloy otherwise absent from the current Andy Warhol Watch collection - gives the piece a heritage vibe and exclusivity. Each watch in this 50-piece run will retail for $78,000. Is that costly? Yes. But is it as costly as an original Warhol? No. Also, due to the nature of the dial, each of the 50 pieces is unique.Let me tell you straight: I find this the best-looking Piaget Andy Warhol so far. I had a thing for the white gold version with the stepped Clou de Paris bezel and blue meteorite dial, but this piece of watch art blows that one out of the water. The following term is not proper in the world of fine arts or Haute Horlogerie, but the watch with its collage-like stone dial is just fire.Taking it up a notchThe Andy Warhol Collage Limited Edition feels and looks like Piaget is taking the concept to an even higher level. This watch is not the result of being inspired by the artist as a person. Instead, the watch incorporates a reimagination of the artist s work. I have no idea what art lovers will say about this piece, but as a watch lover, I think Piaget created something special. I applaud the brand for not taking a piece of Warhol art and using it as a dial. This type of watch with a can of Campbells tomato soup wouldnt look good. However, an impression of a piece of art created in the marquetry of colorful ornamental gemstones is much more interesting and original. And if you want to look at the artwork that served as inspiration, theres an engraving of the self-portrait accompanied by the Piaget logo and Andy Warhols signature on the back.The goals with this watch, Piaget explains, are to consolidate the iconic status of the Andy Warhol watch, to activate the partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation creatively, and to strengthen Piaget s connection to art, style, and creativity. Seeing as how the Andy Warhol models so far have caught eyes and provoked enthusiasm, I would say that the first objective is within reach.Hands-on with a WarholAllow me to use a cliche now because I want to get it off my chest: this watch is a work of art for the wrist. Watches often get the moniker wrist art, and all too often, it doesn t make sense. In the case of this Warhol, it does because the dial is not a reproduction of an artwork. Instead, it s an artful and creative interpretation executed in a way only an artisanal master could achieve.The Andy Warhol Collage Limited Edition is something special. When you put it on, it looks and makes you feel special. When you buy this watch, youre going to flaunt it. Youll be fully aware youre wearing something opulent, eccentric, and extravagant, and you will dress in a way that does justice to this timepiece. I think you will even move, behave, and speak more flamboyantly. Unfortunately, I only had the chance to wear the watch in the confines of the boutique. I couldnt take it out for a night on the town, wine and dine with it, visit a vernissage, or anything.Mirroring the 1973 originalMaybe that was for the best. Since the watch is so striking, I wouldnt have been good dinner company, and the artwork in a gallery would have gone entirely unnoticed because I would have been staring at my wrist anyway. The dial showcases a motif created by applying four ornamental stones, each shaped, cut, and assembled using the age-old marquetry technique. The base, crafted from black onyx, mirrors the color of Andy Warhols original 1973 timepiece. This foundation contains delicate slices of yellow Namibian serpentine, pink opal, and green chrysoprase, forming a vibrant, textural composition.Wearing the Warhol watchFor those wondering how this watch wears, its not a small or ergonomic one built for comfort. This is not your daily beater. The cushion-shaped and stepped 18K yellow gold case has a 45mm diameter, a 43mm length, and an 8.08mm profile.Now, we can certainly call the thickness elegant. The other measurements are less reserved, though, resulting in a very visually present watch. The choice of a green leather strap is nice because it pairs perfectly with the yellow gold case. On top of that, its dark shade complements the dials palette without drawing attention away from its artistry.Inside the case, the in-house caliber 501P1 ticks away at 28,800vph. Its a slim, automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, and although it lies hidden beneath the case back, it is meticulously finished with circular C?tes de Geneve and perlage decoration. You know this watch is not about the movement, though. Rather, it is about artful expression. The Piaget Andy Warhol Collage Limited Edition certainly moves me. What do you think? Is it the best Warhol watch yet? Let me know in the comments section.Watch specifications Brand Piaget Model Andy Warhol "Collage" Limited EditionReference G0A50243Dial Black onyx, yellow serpentine, pink opal, and green chrysoprase in an arrangement inspired by Andy Warhol's Collage self-portrait from 1986Case Material 18K yellow goldCase Dimensions 45mm (diameter) 43mm (length) 8.08mm (thickness)Crystal SapphireCase Back 18K yellow gold with commemorative engravings and Collage portrait, affixed with eight screws Movement Piaget 501P1: automatic winding, 28,800vph (4Hz) frequency, 40-hour power reserve, 23 jewels, circular C?tes de Geneve, perlage, tungsten rotorWater Resistance 3 barStrap Dark green alligator leather with 18K gold pin buckleFunctions Time only (hours and minutes)Price $78,000 Special Note(s) Limited to 50 pieces