Piaget Black Tie 'Andy Warhol', 2015

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

For most of its existence, Piaget operated quietly behind the proverbial horology curtain, producing some of the most mechanical movements in Switzerland. But when the name Piaget graced the dials of their watches, the brand embodied a distinguishable lavish style that became synonymous with a period of opulence, representative of the American dream in the 1960s and 70s, as well as those who wore it –– Roger Moore, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elvis Presley, and most notably, Andy Warhol. Warhol owned several Piaget timepieces, but it was his Piaget ‘Black Tie’, dressed in yellow gold with an anthracite dial powered by a Quartz Calibre Beta 21, that would come be associated with the renowned pop artist to this day. In 2015, Piaget introduced a recreation of the Beta 21 wristwatch drawing 'Vintage Inspiration' from the Black Tie's stepped case silhouette but with an enlarged case and mechanical movement. This example, a special limited edition and one of only 28 pieces produced, features a stunning 45mm 18k white gold case with a radially brushed bezel, sapphire crystal, individually numbered caseback and a signed recessed crown that doesn't disrupt its elegant case lines. The dial is true to black tie form, solely featuring the stylized Piaget wordmark at 12 o'clock with a minimalist stick handset set against a jet-black onyx stone dial. Powered by the Piaget Calibre 534P automatic movement, this piece comes fitted to a black alligator leather strap with a signed white gold pin buckle. Numbered 28/28 out of the original series produced in 2015, it remains in stunning condition throughout. An object of refinement and exclusivity, this special timepiece redefines the dress watch standard. Don’t let the ‘Black Tie’ moniker fool you either, this piece pairs great with a t-shirt and jeans, too!