The Swiss maison Piaget unveils “Collage,” a limited-edition piece that revisits Andy Warhol’s favorite watch and reinforces the dialogue between high watchmaking and contemporary art. Inspired by the original 1970s design, the creation recovers its graphic character through exceptional artisanal execution.
The new “Collage” edition emerges as a reinterpretation of the emblematic watch Andy Warhol frequently wore during the 1970s, a model whose geometric aesthetic echoed the artist’s visual language. The Swiss house preserves the essence of the original design but introduces a more sculptural interpretation with ornamental materials chosen for their chromatic expressiveness. The dial is crafted from polished black onyx, a material historically linked to the brand’s style, upon which a composition of yellow serpentine, pink opal, and green chrysoprase is arranged, forming a mineral montage reminiscent of the collages Warhol created at various moments in his career.
The case is crafted in 18-k yellow gold, measuring approximately 45 × 43 millimeters with a thickness slightly above eight millimeters. Despite the use of natural and ornamental materials, the piece maintains a water resistance of 30 meters and an ergonomic profile designed for everyday wear, consistent with the character of the original model. The manufacture also includes an engraving on the caseback featuring Warhol’s self-portrait and signature, reinforcing the cultural and archival connection that underpins this edition. Each of these elements seeks to preserve the dialogue between the aesthetics of Pop Art and the Swiss maison’s watchmaking tradition.
From a mechanical perspective, the piece is equipped with the 501P1 caliber, an evolution of the historic 500P. It offers a power reserve of approximately forty hours and maintains a slim profile aligned with the brand’s design codes. The movement retains an automatic system of notable precision and a streamlined architecture, furthering Piaget’s commitment to combining decorative craftsmanship with discreet, reliably tested technical solutions.
The edition is limited to just 50 pieces, a number that underscores the exclusivity of the project and places the watch firmly within the realm of collectible haute horlogerie. Its production involves a meticulous process of selecting semi-precious stones, cutting, polishing, and assembling them, tasks carried out individually to ensure continuity of the pattern and chromatic harmony. This artisanal complexity not only contributes to its rarity but also to its positioning within the international luxury market, where small series are associated with a supreme level of singularity.
Moreover, the piece positions the maison within a growing global trend: integrating artistic elements into high-end watchmaking without relying on superficial collaborations. The use of materials such as chrysoprase, opal, and serpentine aims to project an aesthetic that resonates with the artist’s plastic experimentation while also reaffirming Piaget’s mineral heritage, a hallmark of the brand since the mid-20th century. This historical continuity brings coherence to the launch and defines a distinctive identity within the global offering of luxury timepieces.
The commercial positioning of the watch, valued within the upper tiers of artistic watchmaking, reflects the exclusivity of its production, the use of precious materials, and the prestige of its technical manufacture. Although fully functional, it is a piece that naturally belongs to the world of international collecting, where the combination of rarity, cultural narrative, and artisanal execution becomes a decisive factor in its appreciation.
The Luxury Trends Magazine (Luxury Magazine – Revista de Lujo) ©Piaget images
