The Artistry of Piaget’s Skilled Watchmakers

In 1969, the “21st Century Collection” burst onto the scene as both a curated assortment and a bold manifesto. It embodied a seismic shift in aesthetics, signifying the convergence of two distinct art forms: the precision of watchmaking and the allure of jewelry. This groundbreaking fusion was made possible by the introduction of the 9P in 1957, a remarkably slender hand-wound mechanical movement measuring a mere 2 mm in thickness.

With the introduction of a larger dial, a world of artistic possibilities unfurled before Piaget, inspiring unparalleled creativity. The dials of cuff watches and Swinging Sautoirs became vibrant canvases adorned with a kaleidoscope of ornamental stones—malachite, opal, lapis lazuli, tiger-eye, and more—paired harmoniously with textured solid gold bracelets. In a mere four years, in 1973, Piaget unveiled the collection that would later be celebrated as the Limelight Gala.

Distinguished by its graceful curves and asymmetrical lugs bedecked with precious gemstones, one side ascending while the other descended, the Limelight Gala stood out with its distinctive and audacious allure. Some contemporaries labeled it a “fashion watch” during its inception, a testament to the Maison’s spirit of unbridled freedom.

In 1973, it had yet to bear the Limelight Gala moniker; that name was bestowed retrospectively, honoring its extraordinary legacy. Since its inception, the watch had been swept up in a whirlwind of high-society gatherings—receptions, parties, galas, dinners—gracing the wrists of elegantly attired women, many dressed by renowned couturiers, thanks to its comfortable articulated bracelet.

Yves Piaget, scion of the fourth generation of the Maison, orchestrated this high-society dance, spanning from Gstaad to Monte Carlo, with pit stops in New York and Palm Springs. He carved out a prominent niche for the family Maison during the golden era of socialites, culminating in the establishment of the Piaget Society—an international community comprising discerning patrons, actors, singers, writers, and artists. Prominent members included Cary Grant, Sammy Davis Jr., Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Ursula Andress, and, of course, the iconic Andy Warhol.

In 2023, the Limelight Gala continues to exude the charisma, striking aesthetics, couture extravagance, and innovative refinement of its Seventies ancestors. In an era where exuberance is experiencing a resurgence, the Maison finds itself unrestrained in its design endeavors.

The bracelet, meticulously crafted from interwoven strands of gold in a Milanese mesh pattern, guarantees a sumptuous finish and a second-skin sensation. It takes on various forms, resembling both a chain and the most delicate flowing fabric. The dial remains a captivating explosion of colors, while the bezel is generously adorned with perfectly matched gemstones. Malachite, lapis lazuli, and kaleidoscopic opal are meticulously framed by white diamonds. Enamel and sapphires shimmer in shades of blue and green. The collection’s penchant for extravagance is unmistakable, as seen in lugs adorned with double rows of stones in a spectrum of rainbow hues or adorned with flamboyant marquise-cut diamonds. Such precision and artistry demand the unwavering dedication of skilled watchmakers at the Plan-les-Ouates Manufacture, who invest countless hours in crafting these exquisite timepieces.