Piaget

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Piaget for the holidays

The 2009 holiday season is right around the corner for many of us, so what better time than now to present timepieces and jewelry of remarkable elegance and craftsmanship -- the hallmarks of good taste for which Piaget is known.  So, to all you good little boys and girls, ready your pens and paper, just in case any of the glittering offerings to follow should be noted on Santa's list.

Ladies...

Now, as many of you know, I generally prefer a watch on which I can easily tell time.  However, during the holidays exceptions must be made in service to the little black cocktail dress, and the need to have an appropriately chic, preferably bejeweled, accessory on the wrist.  Piaget offers the following, which suit holiday dress and gaiety quite well, in my opinion.

First up, the Limelight Twice -- because one is nice, but two is better.  The Limelight Twice gives today's modern woman the gift of variety.  The first side of the watch features a guilloché white gold case decorated in a dynamic sunburst pattern with a black dial set into the lower half of the case.  To me, this is the side I'd wear to the office holiday party, where I want to project my sleek stylishness, but don't want to bring out the bling because I'm still trying to get the boss to give me that well-deserved raise.    I'll save the second side of the watch for that cocktail party in the Hollywood Hills, where the 52 brilliant cut diamonds set into the case add a luminescence to the night's affairs that is tasteful, yet brimming with confidence.  The stylized Romans on the silver dial add to the bravura of this lovely timepiece.  For me personally, I would've preferred a slightly more traditional strap, as opposed to the integrated reversible satin seen in the photo below, but from a design perspective I think the integrated strap is more jewelry-like, and therefore appropriate in this case.

Limelight Twice ( Ref. G0A34136)
One watch , 2 dials
2 Piaget 56P quartz movements
Total of 106 brilliant-cut diamonds ( approx. 1.4 ct)

First side
18K polished white gold sunburst guilloché case
Black dial
18K polished white gold integrated clasp fitted on a black satin strap, both
reversible

Second side
18K white gold case set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 1.2 ct)
Silver-coloured dial with black Roman numerals
18K white gold integrated clasp set with 54 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.2 ct) on a black satin strap, both reversible

Next, step into the spotlight with the Limelight (Large Model).   The case of the large model tonneau-shaped Limelight is set with approximately 2 carats of brilliant cut diamonds (with an additional 293 diamonds on the dial).  Here's a model which showcases the benefits of being a watch manufacturer, as well as a world renowned designer and purveyor of haute joaillerie.  One thing I have always appreciated about Piaget, long before I ever knew they made watches, is the way in which they choose to set their jewels.  There is a lot of care in the crafting of the settings and attention paid to the finish and polish on visible portions of any prongs or "beads" in the case of pavé stones.  This particular watch is a good example of Piaget's facility with gem setting.

Limelight (Large Model) ( Ref. G0A33091)
18K white gold tonneau shaped watch
Case set with 86 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 2 ct)
Dial with white gold gold arabic numeral appliques set with 293 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 0.9 ct)
Crown set with one brilliant-cut diamond (approx 0.1ct)
690P Piaget quartz movement
18K white gold folding clasp set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx.0.3 ct)

You don't need to exclaim "Abracadabra!" to unlock the magic in Piaget's Limelight Magic Hour .  This watch can be worn three different ways, depending upon the mood of its owner.  An invisible mechanism developed by Piaget allows any woman wearing a Limelight Magic Hour to match the watch to her mood.  Feeling more conservative?  Position the diamond-set bezel in the horizontal position for a classical look.  Fun and flirty?  Turn the bezel onto the diagonal for an eccentric and playful display.  And for an even bolder look, rotate the bezel another 45° onto the vertical axis to reveal gem-set numerals that shine forth from the gleaming expanse of the guilloché dial.  Again, Piaget offers women the opportunity to shape time to their whims with another multi-look watch.

Limelight Magic Hour ( Ref.G0A32096)
18K pink gold ladies’ watch set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 1.1 ct)
Piaget 56P quartz movement
18-carat pink gold pin buckle on white satin strap

Piaget also offers fine jewelry from its Limelight collection to further accessorize every outfit.  Like their Limelight watches, the Limelight jewelry pieces are all very elegant and showcase gem-setting expertise in a plethora of organically inspired shapes.  One thing I enjoy very much about the Limelight jewelry pieces is that they have a lot of movement to them -- the flowing shapes, and delicately hanging teardrops of diamond or sapphire capture the light exquisitely.  My personal favorite of the jewels pictured below is the amethyst cocktail ring.  Doesn't it look like the 13.5 carat amethyst is blossoming up from its setting?  Lovely.

Limelight Jewelery ( Ref.G33L4300)
18-carat white gold necklace set with 192 brilliant-cut diamonds
(approx. 2.33 ct) and 3 pear-cut pink sapphires ( approx. 0.73 ct)

Limelight Jewelery ( Ref.G34L8400)
18-carat white gold ring set with 18 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.72 ct) and 1 pear-cut diamond ( approx. 0.34 ct)

Limelight Jewelery ( Ref.G34LF900)
18-carat white gold ring set with 185 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.82 ct), 4 blue pear-cut sapphires (approx. 1.65 ct) and 1 amethyst (approx. 13.5 ct)

The next three pieces being presented for your perusal are from Piaget's Possession collection, which is my favorite line from the company's current offerings.  To me, the jewelry and watches from Possession exude a sensuality and joie de vivre that have few rivals.  More than any other collection from Piaget, Possession pieces are tactile -- they beg to be touched and beckon for interaction with their wearer.  Also, as unique as the pieces are, they also offer a certain amount of classical, timeless beauty.  For those who follow celebrity media, you are probably aware that actress Eva Longoria ("Desperate Housewives") and her husband, basketball star Tony Parker, chose Piaget Possession rings for their wedding.  I actually think the choice of Possession rings as wedding bands is a nice one, as the theme of the collection is the infinite intertwining of circles within circles, the joining of the many into one.  It's quite romantic.

Watches in the Possession collection, like the one below, exemplify the above philosophy via a diamond bezel that rotates freely within the circular confines of the watch's case.  The bezel's rotation is an added enticement and secret pleasure for the wearer, as it brings another level of sparkle and brilliance to the watch when it catches the light.  The signature flowing Arabic numerals on the dial add further whimsy to an already stylish watch.

Possession ( Ref. G0A30107)
18k white gold watch set with 37 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 0.9 ct)
Piaget quartz movement 157P

The Possession necklace below is an offering that is more than meets the eye.  The circular charm when seen from several paces away appears to be nothing more than beautiful pavé beading, but upon closer inspection the seemingly simple, round object reveals several mechanisms of Piaget's design.  First, is the "Possession" mechanism itself, which allows the middle band of the spherical motif to spin freely along its axis, creating the illusion that the pavé band is levitating.  The second mechanism is slightly less apparent, but will be greatly appreciated by the stylish woman who deals with necklines of varying shape and depth.  The spherical decoration actually serves as an intricately decorated locking mechanism that allows you to adjust its placement along the length of the necklace.  For example, you can move the sphere up higher along the necklace to create more of a choker effect, letting a longer portion of necklace hang below the sphere; or alternately you can move the sphere a bit lower to enhance your decolletage (And what woman doesn't want to best leverage her assets, as it were.).  Adding to the possible looks provided by this necklace, the sphere can be used to adjust the chain in an asymmetrical fashion, so that one side of the chain hangs lower underneath the sphere than the other (as pictured below).  This Transformer-like ability allows the Piaget woman to put forth several looks from just one single piece of jewelry.  Who doesn't like that?  It's like having multiple accessories in one.

Possession ( Ref. G36P0068 )
18k white gold pendant set with 104 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 0.63 ct)

Lastly, we have a truly smashing piece that lends added brilliance to any holiday gathering the stylish wearer might attend.  This is my favorite item from the Possession collection!  Like the previous pendant and watch, this ring features Piaget's invisible mechanism which allows the interior band to rotate freely, and do so in a fashion that creates an airy illusion of the band floating above the rest of the ring.  The picture below showcases the effect quite well.  This photograph also gives you a fairly good look at the care that Piaget takes in finishing their bead setting that holds these particular diamonds in place.  You can see that each element, be it diamonds or metal, is well polished and finished.  To me, this gem-setting design choice evokes a field of flowers.  This ring engages the eyes, with its sparkle; the ears, with the soft rotating sound of the inner band; and the sense of touch -- the smoothly finished edges begging to be caressed, the rotating central band perfect for fidgeters who enjoy twisting and turning their rings during moments of contemplation.

Possession ( Ref. G34PU400)
18k white gold ring set with 332 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 3.2 ct)

...and Gentlemen...

Lest you think Piaget has forgotten that good lads deserve a little something this holiday season too, feast your eyes on the Emperador, presented below in rose gold.  I find the shape of this case particularly pleasing because it simultaneously exudes heft, substance and elegance.  The rounded corners and slightly scalloped sides in juxtaposition with the rectangular bezel create a wonderful visual tension.  The sunburst guilloché, dauphin hands, and applied Piaget coat of arms further underscore the watch's luxurious nature.  I like the watch very much, but for my taste there are two elements which seem out of place to me on the timepiece.  The first, is the three-day date window at six o'clock, the display of which seems more apropos to a sport watch.  The second is the crown, which I would prefer to be just a touch larger and fluted in a pattern that echoes the exploding sunburst of the dial.  These are small, and admittedly personal biases though.  Overall, I think the Emperador is a winning watch.

Piaget Emperador ( Ref. G0A32121)
18-carat pink gold watch
Silvered dial with sunburst guilloché, 18-carat pink gold applied hour-markers, Piaget coat of arms
Mechanical self-winding Piaget movement 524P; Approximately 40-hour power reserve
Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained plate, bridges beveled and drawn with a file, blued screws
18-carat pink gold pin buckle; Brown alligator leather strap

The Altiplano below showcases Piaget's famous ultra-thin caliber 838P by enrobing it within the confines of a sumptuous rose gold case.  I love the whimsy inherent in the offset small seconds at the ten o'clock position, and the unique design of that subdial, which creates a 3-D effect of circles within circles.  To me, this watch is the height of simple, timeless elegance.  Like all great designs, I think this Altiplano will always be in style.  For the sartorially-inclined gent, Piaget offers rose gold and hematite cufflinks to further enhance a wrist which is already impeccably dressed, if you're wearing an Altiplano, of course. 

Piaget Altiplano ( Ref. G0A33112)
18-carat pink gold case
Silver-coloured dial, black baton hour-markers, baton hands
Manufacture Piaget 838P ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movement; Approximately 65-hour power reserve
Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained plate, bridges beveled and drawn with a file, blued screws
18-carat pink gold pin buckle; Brown alligator leather strap

18-carat pink gold and hematite cufflinks ( Ref. G31A2900)

Last, but most certainly not least, for the sporting gentleman Piaget proudly presents the latest incarnation of their Polo line -- the Polo FortyFive Chronograph in titanium.  This is the first watch from the house of Piaget to be crafted in this ultralight metal.  My favorite aspect of the watch is undoubtedly the construction of the rubber strap.  Its curved profile is super comfortable on the wrist and has style to burn.  The steel inserts in the strap continue the architecture of the case and bezel by echoing the look of their polished steel godrons.  Piaget has put a great deal of thought into this most recent iteration of the Polo watch, even going so far as to create a larger profile case, that at 45 mm serves as a physical reminder of the duration of a polo match (a match lasts 45 minutes).  This holistic approach to design is evident throughout the various Piaget collections, which encompass both jewelry and watches.  In my mind, Piaget is one of the companies that is served quite well by its expertise in both watchmaking and jewelry design.  Piaget leverages their learnings from both disciplines across their entire metier.  I invite you to handle their watches, because I think support for my statements is found in that act. 

The Polo FortyFive Chronograph offers an array of complications in its sleek package -- along with a flyback chronograph function, it also displays hours, minutes, and small seconds at 6 o’clock, the date at 12 o’clock (While I still dislike the large date display on this piece, at least it feels more appropriate here than on the Emperador above.) and a 24-hour dual time-zone indication at 9 o’clock.  For more information about the Polo FortyFive Chronograph please check out Anthony's on-the-wrist review from August of this year:  Piaget FortyFive Chronograph Review.