TdotBean embarks on a deeply personal exploration of Piaget, challenging his initial perceptions after a visit to the manufacture. His "re-education" process, detailed in this second part of his journey, focuses on discovering the intricate artistry and emotional connection within Piaget's diverse collections, particularly the Limelight and Emperador Coussin.
After visiting Piaget Manufacturer. I started having doubts about myself. I begin to question my own judgement on evaluvating and perceiving what makes a good watch. My reason is while I admire and appreciate all the craftsmanship that goes into a Piaget timepiece. However I just could not connect to the watch on an emotional level. Crazy as the previous sentence may sound I have came to conclusion that every watches that a purist, collector or just plain purchase for fun has to invoke a certain emotion on the particular person. I believe wholeheartedly that has to be the case. Whether is for love of the appearance, the delicate work of the micro engineering work or the status symbol that it presents to the public.
I am stuck. Here with Piaget. I did not get that emotion with all the piece I come contact with but I must clarify. The emotion I am talking about is far from the simple "I just don't like how it looks on me", "I'm not into big/small/jewelery watches", "This watches just don't speak to me" type of reaction. I can firmly state that because is not just one watch or one model I'm talking about the whole range! Now that can't be right. Even a traditional classic enthusiast will appreciate a panerai or two but none?!
I know I must get to the bottom of this. To do that I search within myself and found out that the problems lie not in Piaget but myself. Borrowing a term from the culinary world I experience isthe classic example of an uneducated palate. Is like asking a child to differentiate when a classic Armani suit to a $200 Sears Brand. He/she will say "Not much" or "They look the same". Once I notice my rather "novice palate" I immediately know what I must do.
A Re-education. If what's holding me back is my limited perspective on what encompass a great watch. I will get my self a lesson and purposely choose some of the not so conventional or underrated model.
Lesson 1: Limelight
The following watch belongs to a family member. I kidnap it for a few days to get myself familiar what makes a Piaget so special.
Piaget has stuck to this kind of circular finishing on their movement. Beautiful! A shaped movement is rare enough these days among modern watch manufacturer. I notice the bracelet is almost solid gold and firmly holding together.
My eyes are opened when see this picture on my computer. The dial work is uncanny. More so are the placement of the diamonds. My initial reaction is "another lady watch with diamond" but look at it! Notice the the diamonds are getting larger as they approach to the center then reducing in size again. This is a very thoughtful design. I doubt many watch company put it this much thought on just a regular jewelery watch. The lesson I learn this Limelight are one there are no gender bias here, a lady watch is treat with as much respect as a man watch. Plainly just slap a bunch of stone onto a watch and call it day is not a Piaget. Two the admiration of a Piaget will only grow in time as the watch packs so much intricacies waiting to be discover through your ownership.
Lesson 2: Emperador Coussin
After the Limelight I went to a local Piaget Boutique to seek new experience. Here are the line up.
I narrow down to 3
1st The Dual Time Zone: A surprisingly well layout watch. Most dual time watch are just for show because there is no way to read off the 2nd timezone with just a glance. This does it. This watch is easy to love. The lesson here is however the shape of the Emperardor. It is a odd shape. It is a cross between a tonneau and a round watch. Really unconventional.
It sort of remind me of this. Ask MTF or Kong to treat you some if you don't know what they are.
Images courtesy of
whipnwhisk.com m
This watch on the wrist show great present and is a pleasure to wear. Lesson learned: A Piaget is mean to be worn. If it look weird probably because it not on a wrist.
Next is the Enamel dial. I'm speechless. This watch is to me is the raw essence of the Emperador Coussin case. No excuse, no dressing up work and a watchmaker has to have strong confidence in order to do this kind work. One misstep will end up a disastrous design flop.
I have a strong urge to walk out with this on my hand but my duty is not done yet.
3rd piece: The Perpetual Calendar
Very legitimate dial and again well thought out and easy to read.
I just wish my wrist is bigger. It would be perfect if this was sport watch.
Finally I gave the Moon phase a second chance.
I somehow thought there are something missing here.
I put it on the wrist. Still I can't quite point out what's bothering me.
Then it struck me. This! The blue and RG combination that trace it origin back to the introduction of Piaget first use Lapis Lazuli as dial in the 70s. It's bold as it is elegant. Thank god they didn't have this in stock or else I'll be in trouble that night. The picture is the model ONLY WATCH auction. I only intended as a reference for the normal model.
To conclude this part.
Today I am a different person. I have learn to appreciate that a watch not just by first glance but also to be open to a watch that require my effort slowly develop a stronger connection. In a way we wait for a mature red wine to "open" up and reveal it wonders to us. One thing I learned for sure is a Piaget demand attention.
For those of you that miss Part 1 here is the link
piaget.watchprosite.com /
Best
Tyler
This message has been edited by T.Bean on 2010-12-01 09:44:41 This message has been edited by MTF on 2010-12-07 12:36:02 
