First Look

Piaget’s Collections

By Sarah Jayne Potter | 4 minute read

This year is most certainly an unusual year for us all. Due to the necessary measures and precautions needed in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Watches & Wonders show (formally SIHH) was cancelled and in place they launched a unique digital version in which the exhibiting brands could still showcase their new collections.

Piaget’s impressive history dates back to 1874, when Georges-Édouard Piaget set up his first workshop on the family farm. The brands’ humble beginnings in horology started with them manufacturing components and high precision movements to some of the most prestigious watch brands in Switzerland. When Piaget’s son Timothée took over from his father in the twenties, he pushed the brand further and began creating their own luxury pocket watches and wristwatches. This was well received and when the third generation of Piagets, Gerald and Valentin took the helm, the brand accelerated further. They experimented with different mechanisms and in 1963 they launched watch dials made of ornamental stone.

"Do what has never been done before" PIAGET

Their designs were loved by many, including celebrities and they often threw grand events throughout the 60s and 70s, becoming the place to be, and the brand to wear. It was said to be the time of relaxed elegance, and Piaget’s designs would be the epitome of this ethos. The new Piaget Limelight Gala was inspired by an iconic model created within that lavish time. The original watch was inspired by the times of its creation and Piaget took inspiration from all around to create a timepiece that was elegantly curved, had a cambered case and asymmetrical lugs.

The modern interpretation for 2020 of the Limelight Gala is that of the same design combined with the addition of intricate and delicate gemstones, ornate dials and gold bracelets. Almost 60 years on, the Piaget Limelight Gala is more than a wristwatch, it is a feminine icon that has become a symbol of elegance and harmony. Each piece follows Piaget’s four pillars of excellence: The Art of Movement which encompasses all, The Art of Gold, The Art of Colour and The Art of Light.

The Art of Gold

Shimmering in the light, this new Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Sapphire Gradient celebrates the signature design of the Limelight Gala collection with a hand engraved gold bracelet and dial that are highlighted by 1.46cts of large diamonds and 22 blue sapphires set in a subtle gradient of blue.

The white gold bracelet featured on this new timepiece has been created in this fashion, then hand-engraved in the Palace Décor style, one of Piaget’s most iconic motifs, which requires eight hours of work. Only a few artisans, who work in Piaget’s “Workshop of Extraordinary Creations”, have the expertise to hand-engrave this pattern. The dial is also made of white gold and is engraved using the same Palace Décor technique. It takes two hours to complete the engraving on the dial and it is always carried out by the same engraver who decorates the bracelet to ensure a uniform design. To let the Décor shine through, the dial is covered in translucent blue enamel. It is oven-fired multiple times at a temperature over 800°C, giving this technique the name of “Grand Feu” Enamel.

The Art of Colour

Three new limited edition aventurine glass models join the Limelight Gala collection, showcasing the brand’s love for the celestial sky above our heads. Each dial is crafted from aventurine glass, a magical material that takes its name from the Italian word avventura, meaning “adventure”. There are two Limelight Gala Aventurine Glass Dial: a 32mm case adorned with 62 diamonds and a smaller 26mm case version with 60 diamonds. Another model, the Limelight Gala Precious Aventurine Glass Dial is set with 42 diamonds using the Serti Descendu technique.

The Art of Light

A new rose gold version, using the Serti Descendu technique to set the 42 diamonds is available with a burgundy-coloured strap and a delicate mother-of-pearl dial of exceptional quality. It is extremely white in colour, with beautiful reflections, which attests of its high quality.

The Art Of Movement

There are four new pieces that embody this pillar all with an automatic movement. Cases set in 18ct rose gold and white gold with brilliant-cut diamonds would be the perfect addition to any woman’s watch collection. These new movements are available on both bracelets and black alligator straps for everyday elegance.

The Piaget Altiplano

Another notable release by Piaget is that of their Altiplano collection. At the SIHH 2018 show, Piaget released something remarkable in the form of The Altiplano Ultimate Concept- the thinnest mechanical watch in the world which served as a stage for numerous other innovations including cases that formed part of the movement, uniquely integrated winding crowns and ultra-thin crystal. It also paved the way for new constructions for the barrel and energy regulation with the power reserve of the Altiplano Ultimate Concept extended to more than 40 hours.

What makes the Altiplano Ultimate Concept even more exceptional though, is that it can be completely customised. Over five decades ago, Piaget introduced their customising service in New York. This has been revisited in the form of the new Altiplano Ultimate Concept, and buyers may specify the colour of the bridge and dial, the finish of the hands and the main plate and select straps that match or contrast – a range of options that will allow the Altiplano Ultimate Concept to be created in more than 10,000 permutations, thus ensuring that few will be alike and most will be truly unique. This watch is certainly going to appeal to watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

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