A symbol of power, strength and prosperity, the Dragonis among the most celebrated and emblematic of Chinese zodiacs symbols. No wonder that for Piaget’s 2012 commemorative Lunar New Year collection, the Maison created 24 references that included four high watchmaking complications, eight Metiers d’Art timepieces and two High Jewellery secret watches.
Une sélection de Shaniah Asha Gibson / @TRP, Public Relations Cabinet
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These were followed up each year with individual, beautifully crafted watches- mostly in minimal tones – which paid homage to the year’s zodiac sign.
Piaget now 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. Featuring 10 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.
Un artisanat exceptionnel
Since 2006, the enamelling master Anita Porcheth as 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 two38mm 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, the sky crafted from a subtle mix of carved white and grey mother of pearl.
Porchet’s masterfulcloisonné 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 Dragonwatch sees Porchet’s finepaillonné enamel work 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 sun burst engraving. Trimmed with diamonds on the lugs and bezel, the watch is powered by Piaget’s historic 830 PManufacture ultra-thin,hand wound mechanical movement and is limited to eight numbered editions.
The Dragon motif also swirls onto a new Piaget Emperador watch, 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 bring forth a feminine, precious interpretation. A splendid plumage of marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds dress a 32mm watchin 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 goldmix, and each model is limited to eight pieces.
Objects of Desire
For the first time, the capsule collection includes high jewellery creations: a unique Dragon brooch and ring, and two Phoenix earcuffs.
A 4.02ct cushion-cut Mozambique ruby is the centrepiece of the bold signet ring, which is complemented by spessartite and spinels set in graduation, further flecked with baguette-cut diamond sand gold engraving. Another one-off gem is a dazzling and colourful Dragon brooch that encircles three incredible stones – yellow sapphire,spessartite and spinel, all cushion cuts – as a smattering of round-cut rubies, spessarites and spinels invigorate the jewel. It took more than 8 months for the Maison to find the perfect pair of central stones with matching hues.
Ear cuffs are nowa Piaget signature – oozing the Maison’s touch points such as asymmetry,flamboyance and elevated expression. Echoing the two Phoenix jewellery watches, the earcuffs, come in either a diamond and rose gold mix, or ruby and white gold, as marquise, pearand brilliant-cut diamonds dance among exquisite gold engraving. These are gems full of movement,accentuated volumes and utter radiance.
This collection includes two high jewelry cuff watches made to order
An audacious Dragon cuff –fringed in onyx with added texture from a blend of baguette, marquise and brilliant cut diamonds– sees the creature embracing a watch dial and a magnificent black opal cabochon. Meanwhile an engraved gold Phoenix cuffset with an exquisite rubellite cabochon is draped with pink rubies, pink sapphires and cobalt spinels in round and marquise cuts.An extravagant pink feather addsa final, unexpected touch,and is detachable to create a stunning, transformable jewel.Both cuffs are unique in each interpretation, with clients able to customise their desired finishes and stones.
