Andy Warhol was one of the most important and influential artists of the twentieth century, a visionary who not only redefined art through his unconventional and provocative approach but also left an indelible cultural mark on an entire generation.
The icon of Pop Art was far more than just an artist. Warhol drew inspiration from every aspect of life and culture. He was famously an obsessive collector, gathering everything from objects of mass culture, often later transformed into art, to autographs, photographs, and, most notably, watches.
It is estimated that Warhol’s personal collection included as many as 313 timepieces, many of which were sold to collectors around the world during a Sotheby’s auction held one year after his death.
In recent weeks, the world of watchmaking has once again found itself intertwined with Warhol’s legacy, with the sale of one of his Rolex watches by Monaco Legend Group, and the unveiling of the new Piaget Andy Warhol Collage, a limited-edition tribute.
Let’s take a closer look.
Andy Warhol’s Rolex Viceroy
Warhol’s approach to collecting was unlike that of his contemporaries. He didn’t seek watches for their technical sophistication or horological precision, but rather for the emotions and aesthetic pleasure they evoked. The Sotheby’s auction revealed his passion for timepieces rich in character, history, and design diversity.
It is within this context that the Rolex Viceroy sold by Monaco Legend Group finds its place. The “Viceroy” name was used to designate elegant references produced from the 1930s onward, such as reference 3359, featuring the distinctive tonneau-shaped case.
This particular example, crafted in 14k yellow gold, showcases refined simplicity: a silver dial with a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, blued steel hands, and an unusual bracelet that enhances its vintage charm.
During the October 18–19 auction, the watch exceeded all expectations, soaring from an estimate of €20,000–40,000 to an impressive €156,000 (including fees). This remarkable result once again proves how provenance can dramatically elevate a watch’s value in the world of fine collecting.
Piaget Andy Warhol Collage
Fast forward nearly a century, and Piaget pays tribute to Warhol’s enduring influence with the Andy Warhol Collage, a limited edition of 50 pieces celebrating both the artist and his connection with the maison.
It’s not hard to imagine that Warhol owned several Piaget watches, their bold designs and artistic flair suited him perfectly. His relationship with the brand also extended beyond admiration: he maintained personal friendships with Piaget executives and requested catalogues and sketches to fuel his artistic inspiration.
Among his watches was indeed a Piaget with a Beta 21 movement, a yellow gold case, and a black dial, known at the time as the Black Tie. Over the years, it became affectionately known as the “Andy Warhol” model, after its most famous owner.
Today, Piaget revisits that legacy with a new Black Tie created in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation. The watch features a yellow gold case and a truly unique stone dial, inspired by one of Warhol’s iconic collage works, using various stones to recreate the texture and visual rhythm of his art.
This timepiece not only pays homage to Warhol by revisiting the watch he so greatly admired, one that collectors and Piaget themselves eventually came to call by his name, but also by capturing and blending his artistic vision.
Piaget has once again proven that a watch can be a true form of art. In pure Pop Art style, the result is nothing short of spectacular. Only 50 pieces will be produced, priced at €79,500, and it’s safe to say they will sell quickly, given the importance of the artist and the remarkable achievement this creation represents.
Conclusion
Andy Warhol’s influence extended far beyond the canvas, even into the world of fine watchmaking. His unconventional taste and artistic curiosity continue to inspire record-breaking auctions and new creations alike. Through watches like the Rolex Viceroy and the Piaget Black Tie, Warhol’s spirit lives on, timeless, bold, and eternally original.
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