Piaget: BLACK TIE VINTAGE - an eternal icon

A style icon with stunning curved lines, and a favourite of Andy Warhol, this legendary watch continues to fascinate today, reinventing itself for a contemporary era. This is how it goes for a handful of timeless watches. From the moment they are released into the world, they captivate the keenest eyes with their distinctly mysterious allure... Even at its launch in 1972, the Black Tie, with its large dial bordered with signature gadroons, had all the makings of a watch that would change the course of history. 

A STROKE OF GENIUS: Produced in a limited series in white or yellow gold until 1977, Piaget’s Black Tie caught the eye of one of the most revolutionary artists of the era: Andy Warhol. 

In 1973, in New York, Warhol embraced a yellow gold piece with an anthracite grey galvanic dial, powered by the Beta 21 quartz movement. The Black Tie became one of Andy Warhol's six Piaget watches, with four now in Piaget's Private Collection. Among these, the Black Tie remains Warhol's enduring association.

The encounter between Yves Piaget and Andy Warhol occurred in 1979 through Gerry Grinberg's company, the exclusive distributor of Piaget's luxury watches in the United States. Developing a close friendship, Warhol became a full member of the Piaget Society, sharing moments at events in New York and Palm Beach, and spending nights at Studio 54 or Chez Régine. In 1983, Warhol invited Yves Piaget to feature in Interview Magazine, the publication he founded in 1969, with the interview conducted by artist and gallery owner Robert Lee Morris.

COUTURE ALLURE: Reintroduced as part of the 'Extremely Piaget' High Jewellery Collection in 2014, the Black Tie has maintained its dazzling presence in the watchmaking scene. Adored by collectors, the Black Tie Vintage is now offered in malachite with a white gold case and a version featuring intense black with rose gold, showcased here in its latest iteration: malachite and rose gold.

The 45 mm-diameter case immediately captivated collectors seeking rare timepieces adorned with the Maison's signature ornamental stones. A recent testament to its success was at Watches and Wonders 2023, where a private collection of ten unique watches inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic Piaget timepiece was displayed in the Society Bar at Piaget’s booth. Showcasing searing turquoise, spellbinding jasper, vibrant cornaline, or electric blue lapis lazuli, these natural treasures were meticulously sourced by the Maison’s gemmologists to embellish this exquisite timepiece.

©Piaget