Piaget marks the start of another 12-year cycle with a spectacular new capsule collection which, again, pays tribute to the Dragon and Phoenix – that coupled Chinese symbol of masculinity and femininity, strength and power, hope and rebirth, of ultimate harmony and balance.
The new stunning collection features daring designs of exceptional watches and High Jewellery pieces – topped off with a pair of extravagant and very exclusive, made-to-order High Jewellery cuff watches – each creation brims with emotion and exuberance, joyfully channelling the codes of the Maison while celebrating unparalleled Metiers d’Art and watchmaking savoir-faire.
Since 2006, the enamelling master Anita Porchet has collaborated with Piaget, lending to the Maison her unrivalled expertise in creating touches of miniature enamel – not to mention her patience and passion. Porchet has been behind Piaget’s annual Lunar New Year watches, and now two 38mm Altiplano Zodiac references take on a particularly modern and ebullient expression.
Limited to 38 pieces each, the dials depict either an elegant blue Dragon or a mix of red, pink and orange hues for the Phoenix soaring among the clouds (above), the sky crafted from a subtle mix of carved white and grey mother of pearl.
Porchet’s masterful cloisonné enamelling and her signature play of light, shadow and transparency truly bring the scene to life. Gold engraving further enhances the Dragon’s scales and the Phoenix’s plumage, adding depth and dimensionality. Complex in their craftsmanship and sophistication, the watches’ expert execution evokes a sense of wonder and awe, offering a kind of universal appeal that extends beyond these classic motifs as Chinese symbols. A bold and colourful new set which sets the tone with a new style.
Four new High jewellery watches continue the theme. A 41mm Altiplano High Jewellery Dragon watch (above) sees Porchet’s fine paillonné enamelwork complement a gold-engraved Dragon that’s rendered in exquisite, powerful detail. Featuring red lacquered eyes and clasping a mystical black opal fireball in its claws, the whole design radiates from a stunning sunburst engraving. Trimmed with diamonds on the lugs and bezel, the watch is powered by Piaget’s historic 830P Manufacture ultra-thin, hand wound mechanical movement and is limited to eight numbered editions.
The Dragon motif also swirls onto a new Piaget Emperador watch (above), featuring a flying tourbillon in a stunning construction. This gold-engraved Dragon is especially alluring and audacious, sensually winding its way around the case and onto the sides of the watch, onto the dial.
Snow-set sapphires and diamonds, each painstakingly set in graduation, evoke a twinkling, starry blue sky. The 46.5mm watch epitomises Piaget as a flamboyant encounter between high watchmaking and inspired jewellery – and is truly a work of unexpected beauty.
Two Phoenix High Jewellery watches (above) bring forth a feminine, precious interpretation. A splendid plumage of marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds dress a 32mm watch in an asymmetrical motif, as gold engraving details flow onto the dial, galvanising the design.
This is paired with a gold bracelet in the Decor Palace finish, among Piaget’s most celebrated gold engraving techniques. A second model comes in a ruby and white gold mix, and each model is limited to eight pieces.
All prices upon request.
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