Manufacturer: Piaget Year: 1970 Reference No: 9212/D76 Movement No: 796'008 Case No: 185'796 Material: 18K yellow gold, jade and lapis lazuli Calibre: Manual, cal. 9P, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Integrated 18K yellow gold, lapis lazuli and jade Piaget bracelet, max length 175mm Clasp/Buckle: Concealed clasp Dimensions: 43mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Piaget Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie stamped by Italian retailer "Gioielleria RAJOLA" and dated December 19, 1985 and Piaget presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The 1970s were an era of superb creativity and unbounded designs, and this fully reflects on timepieces of the period. In fact, Piaget was at the forefront of this trend storing of its know-how as a jeweller/watchmaker. They realised some of their most exquisite and outstanding creations during this time. Their use of coloured hardstones coupled with whimsical integrated bracelet designs have gifted the collecting community with some of the most fascinating bracelet watches ever devised, and even today reflections of their mid-century creations at times echo in their current pieces.
Worn by artists, celebrities, and socialites of this period, Piaget’s 1970s creation appealed to the “jet set”, who found them to be the chic jewellery alternative to ordinary watches.
The present bracelet watch is a perfect example of Piaget’s audacity; the gold case and bracelet were hand finished with a bark-like texture, and is set with alternating brick links of lapis lazuli and jade. The green jade dial combined with the textured gold case and bracelet give this piece of art an organic style inspired by nature. It is an eye-catching statement piece that even after 40 years, will still impress the most sophisticated collectors not only with its over-the-top aesthetics, but also with its absolute pristine - virtually “new-old-stock” - state of preservation, and the presence of its original box and Certificate. The ultimate find for the collector of unusual and rare timepieces.
Creativity, audacity and know-how are the values that gave Piaget its international reputation and allowed the brand to distinguish itself in the world of fine watchmaking and precision. Founder Georges Edouard Piaget established the company in 1874 and manufactured watch movements. While Piaget is famously recognized today for their elaborate wristwatch and bangle designs, they also mastered the marriage of their high-quality, in-house-produced wristwatches and stunning pieces of jewelry.
Collectors consider the 1970s as Piaget's era of superb creativity and unbounded designs. During this highly creative period, the brand designed an impressive range of cuff and bracelet watches carved in gold and adorned with exotic hard stones. Admired by most as not only jewelry but also true works of art, the firm's hard stone dial watches remain the most iconic, recognizable and desirable among collectors.