Categories: Celebrities

Profiles in Time: Andy Warhol’s Watches

Andy Warhol is a somewhat polarizing figure in the art world. His philosophies and experimentation concerning art, celebrity, and consumerism flew in the face of established artistic tradition at the time. He galvanized an underground artistic movement in New York during the 1960s and 70s, and his name has become synonymous with the pop art movement.

Warhol was an early adopter of many modern art techniques and even created some of his own. Warhol was known for the blotted-ink style he used on many of his commercial pieces, which was his interpretation of the silk screen printmaking technique. Warhol’s work is full of smudges and smears, which illustrates his casual approach to art— embracing the mistakes and turning them into something else. But arguably, Warhol is most well-known for his painting of everyday objects, such as his famous Campbell’s Soup can or Coca-Cola cans, as well as his depictions of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, all in bright, almost neon, color.

Andy Warhol’s Watches

Warhol had an appreciation for art which translated into his penchant for luxury watches. Over the span of his career in the public eye, he often sported a specific Rolex or Cartier watch.

Warhol and his Cartier Tank

Andy Warhol’s rose gold Rolex was a rare ref. 4021 from the 1940s. It has an 18kt gold case, silver dial with blue hands, and Arabic hour markers. According to auction records, Warhol originally bought the watch off a man named Russell Brown and added a new rose gold and steel bracelet. He kept it until his death in 1987. In 1988, Sotheby’s auctioned off much of Warhol’s estate, including his Rolex, which wouldn’t reappear until 2013 for public sale.

Warhol’s Rolex ref. 4021

Warhol was once quoted saying “I don’t wear a [Cartier] Tank watch to tell the time. In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear.”

In 1988, David Stickelber (a prominent Kansas City arts patron) bought Warhol’s Cartier Tank from the 1988 Sotheby’s auction. When Stickelber himself passed away, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers auctioned off many of his possessions, including Warhol’s Tank.

Warhol’s Cartier Tank

 

For a man (and artist) that was keenly obsessed with artistic expression, the cult of celebrity, and appearances (both superficial and not), it’s interesting to see that perspective reflected in his choice of watches.

 

Editor’s Note: This article was first published August 6th, 2013 and has since been updated for accuracy and interest. 


Image Credits: Header; Getty Images. 1; Cartier. 2; 1st Dibs. 3; Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. 

Crown & Caliber

Crown & Caliber is the smartest way to buy or sell a luxury watch. As an exclusively online marketplace for pre-owned timepieces, Crown & Caliber exists to ensure that when it comes down to the final transaction, buyers and sellers can both win. For sellers, we do all the legwork of valuating, marketing, and selling—for buyers, we put trust back into the act of purchasing sight-unseen with our servicing and authentication process. By emphasizing transparency and placing value on quality, Crown & Caliber has become the preferred marketplace for watch collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.

Recent Posts

Protect What You Love With Hodinkee Insurance

Protect What You Love With Hodinkee Insurance We're here to help avoid a potential heartache.…

2 weeks ago

Watching Movies: Adam Driver Takes Over The Gucci Family Empire Wearing A JLC Reverso in ‘House of Gucci’

Watching Movies: Adam Driver Takes Over The Gucci Family Empire Wearing A JLC Reverso in…

2 weeks ago

Second Opinions: The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Is Not A Submariner Alternative

Second Opinions: The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Is Not A Submariner Alternative It's its own…

3 weeks ago

Your Watch Just Tripled In Value – Now What?

Your Watch Just Tripled In Value – Now What? Auction season is around the corner.…

3 weeks ago

A Week On The Wrist: The 40mm TAG Heuer Aquaracer Could Be Your Only Watch

A Week On The Wrist: The 40mm TAG Heuer Aquaracer Could Be Your Only Watch…

3 weeks ago

Five Critical Things To Do Before Buying A Watch Online

Five Critical Things To Do Before Buying A Watch Online Originally published by Hodinkee, March…

4 weeks ago