Cover Yves Piaget (pictured left) and Andy Warhol
Yves Piaget (pictured left) and Andy Warhol
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The Piaget Society and the new Piaget Andy Warhol watch represent a harmonious blend of art, culture and horological excellence. This relationship is deeply rooted in the friendship between Yves Piaget and Andy Warhol, two iconic figures whose legacies and impact continue to be felt today
Yves Piaget was a fourth‑generation descendant of the family that founded the luxury watch and jewellery brand Piaget. In the early 1960s, he joined the family business, and brought with him a new spirit and sense of community to the company. An avid traveller as well as an enthusiast of roses and horseback riding, he deeply valued the concept of extended family.
More than just forming good relationships with his clients, the charismatic Yves was able to truly cultivate authentic friendships with them—as well as with famous actresses, artists and business leaders. The lines were blurred between clients and friends, and this organically laid the groundwork for a society that brought together diverse individuals who might never have crossed paths otherwise.
In case you missed it: Discover the storied history of Piaget’s relationship with gold
Above Yves Piaget (pictured left) and Andy Warhol
Yves Piaget (pictured left) and Andy Warhol
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Emerging in a time marked by artistic effervescence and cultural exploration, the Piaget Society became a nexus for creativity, drawing together luminaries from various fields, including art, music and fashion. Its influence spread from Europe to the US, and throughout the 1970s and ’80s, notable figures such as Swiss actress Ursula Andress and English actor Roger Moore were drawn to this exclusive circle. Yves’s vision was to create a community that transcended traditional boundaries, allowing artists and the brand’s clients to mingle freely. This spirit of inclusivity fostered a unique environment where friendships flourished, leading to unforgettable events in glamorous locales such as Capri and Saint‑Tropez.
The Piaget Society was not merely a social club; it was an extension of Piaget’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry. The brand’s early creations attracted the attention of Hollywood stars and cultural icons, establishing Piaget as a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Yves’s dedication to personal relationships with clients transformed them into friends, creating a familial atmosphere at the brand that remains at its heart today.
Above The new Piaget Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch
The new Piaget Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch
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One particularly notable personal relationship was between Yves and American artist Andy Warhol, which began in 1979. Warhol, known for his vibrant pop art and connections with high society, found a kindred spirit in Yves, as they both were discreet yet flamboyant, spirited and cultured. Their friendship was characterised by art, culture, and shared travels and experiences at exclusive events held in iconic venues such as the New York nightclub Studio 54 and the Paris nightclub Chez Régine.
It comes as no surprise, then, that Warhol had an affinity for Piaget watches. In the mid‑1970s, he purchased an innovative yellow gold watch featuring a galvanised anthracite dial from the brand. This avant‑garde timepiece was designed for artists, thinkers and creators, embodying the spirit of the jet‑set—a vision that resonated with Piaget’s daring approach to design. Over the years, Warhol came to own several pieces from the brand, including the iconic Black Tie powered by the Beta 21 quartz movement. Now, thanks to Piaget’s official new collaboration under licence with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the timepiece has been formally renamed the Andy Warhol.
Above Warhol’s Piaget Ref 15102 with a Beta 21 movement
Warhol’s Piaget Ref 15102 with a Beta 21 movement
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Last month, Piaget unveiled the first watch in this new namesake collection, which pays homage to not only Warhol’s artistic legacy, but also the creative synergy that defined his friendship with Yves. Named the Andy Warhol Clou de Paris, the watch embodies the spirit of both men—bold, innovative and timeless—and marks an exciting chapter in the storied history between the two.
Capturing the essence of Warhol’s artistic vision while showcasing Piaget’s unparalleled craftsmanship, the Andy Warhol Clou de Paris watch features one of the latter’s most refined decorative techniques on the 45mm white gold case: guilloché, as showcased in the Clou de Paris motif, a jewellery‑like pattern of small, pyramid‑like squares that adds texture and depth to the watch’s surface. Achieving this intricate detail on a curved case required ten months of meticulous development by Piaget’s artisans, reflecting the brand’s dedication to excellence. Within this case is a captivating blue meteorite dial that serves as a nod to Piaget’s historical use of ornamental stones, infusing the piece with rarity and distinction.
Above Lee Jun-ho wears a Piaget Andy Warhol watch in rose gold with a malachite dial
Lee Jun-ho wears a Piaget Andy Warhol watch in rose gold with a malachite dial
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Equipped with the self‑winding 501P1 manufacture movement, the watch comes with a dark blue alligator leather strap with a white gold ardillon buckle.
Reflecting on the enduring impact of Yves and Warhol, it becomes clear that this special friendship between the two forged a unique path for both art and luxury. The modern‑day Piaget Society, which comprises a community of friends and family led by Ella Richards, the British model and granddaughter of the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, continues this legacy by embracing new generations of artists while remaining anchored in its rich history.
The Andy Warhol watch also stands as a testament to this ongoing journey. It is a piece that not only tells time, but also symbolises creativity, friendship and shared vision, celebrating these connections through exquisite craftsmanship.
Credits
Images: Piaget
Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
