PIAGET 150TH ANNIVERSARY GOLD CELEBRATIONS

Maison Piaget, a prestigious Swiss watchmaker and jeweler, celebrated its long-standing relationship with Art Dubai 24 at the heart of Madinat Jumeirah. Paying homage to its rich history, the brand revisited its “House of Gold” legacy, highlighting the remarkable craftsmanship and radiant energy found within its signature gold work. This celebration not only honored the past but also acknowledged the importance of the present, fostering inspiring collaborations that continue to push boundaries and redefine luxury.

As a prominent figure in the luxury industry, Piaget continues to captivate audiences with its dedication to creativity and its ongoing support of the arts. Through events such as the “House of Gold” exhibition, Piaget solidifies its position as a leader in the world of high jewelry and watches while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the incredible artistry that defines the brand.

“Taking part in the 17th edition of Art Dubai in 2024, during Piaget’s grand celebration of its 150th anniversary, was an undeniable and natural choice for us.”Benjamin Comar, CEO, Piaget.

According to Piaget’s CEO, Benjamin Comar, the brand’s focus on 360-degree coherence begins with their products, as seen in their bolder High Jewellery designs, such as the new Warhol watches and the Polo 79. This renewed emphasis on daring designs aims to capture the attention and imagination of luxury watch and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

The “House of Gold” exhibition showcased Piaget’s exceptional skill in transforming precious metals into rare works of art, seamlessly merging the worlds of fine jewelry and high watchmaking. Each piece on display, from the “Swinging Sautoir” necklace to the “Limelight Gala” watches, reflected Piaget’s dedication to creating extraordinary and unforgettable pieces that embody the essence of luxury and innovation.

At the “House of Gold” exhibition, collectors were invited to immerse themselves in the extraordinary world of Piaget through a unique, curated experience. This creative fusion celebrates the brand’s patrimony icons, their contemporary reinterpretations, and exclusive collaborations, all connected by a common thread: the mesmerizing wonders of gold work.

The exhibition offered a rare glimpse into Piaget’s rich history and the exceptional craftsmanship that has defined the brand for over a century. Collectors explored the evolution of Piaget’s signature gold work, from its inception to its modern-day incarnations, and discovered the intricate processes behind each stunning creation.

The “House of Gold” is an ode to Piaget’s commitment to both heritage and innovation, showcasing the brand’s unwavering dedication to preserving its iconic designs while embracing contemporary influences and collaborations. As visitors journey through this immersive experience, they will undoubtedly gain a newfound appreciation for the artistry, passion, and expertise that make Piaget a true master of gold work.

Gold, the most noble of materials, holds an eternal allure that has captivated civilizations for centuries. Within the secretive Genevan workshops of Piaget’s “Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire,” skilled artisans meticulously transform this precious metal into stunning works of art. Through a harmonious fusion of High Watchmaking and High Jewellery, these masters breathe life into unique creations, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship and design.

The skilled artisans of Piaget employ their expertise and discerning eye to harness the innate beauty of gold. They painstakingly melt, sculpt, carve, and engrave the precious metal, crafting intricate pieces that showcase the pinnacle of artistry and precision. Each creation is a testament to the unwavering dedication and unparalleled talent of these master craftsmen, as they continue to uphold Piaget’s legacy of excellence in gold work.

As the essence of Piaget’s “House of Gold” comes to life under the artisans’ skilled hands, the true magic of this noble material is revealed. From opulent timepieces to breathtaking jewellery, each creation serves as a stunning reminder of gold’s enduring allure and the incredible skill required to unlock its full potential.

At the “House of Gold” exhibition, the collectors were treated to an array of exquisite creations that showcase Piaget’s unparalleled craftsmanship and design prowess. One such marvel was the Swinging Sautoir necklace, an ingenious fusion of jewelry and horology that offers its wearer a novel way to tell time.

The Swinging Sautoir watch, an iconic piece that reinvents one of Piaget’s most distinctive designs from the 1960s and 70s, features a breathtaking and rare 25.38-carat oval cabochon Zambian emerald at its center. This mesmerizing gemstone is complemented by a meticulously handcrafted draped chain, consisting of immaculately formed twisted gold circular links, interconnected by diamonds and embellished with additional emeralds. The intricate process of creating the chain alone required a remarkable 130 hours of dedicated, skilled labor.

The Swinging Sautoir watch seamlessly merges the elegance of the past with contemporary design elements, offering a fresh perspective on a classic Piaget signature piece. The timepiece’s exceptional gemstones, combined with the unparalleled craftsmanship evident in the gold chain, create a visually stunning tribute to the brand’s rich heritage and ongoing commitment to excellence in the realm of high jewelry watches.

The Limelight Gala watches, another highlight of the collection, embody Piaget’s unique blend of watchmaking expertise and jewelry craftsmanship. These elegant timepieces are adorned with the Maison’s signature couture charm, making them a testament to Piaget’s dedication to both technical innovation and aesthetic refinement.

The charming “Limelight Gala” watches encapsulated Piaget’s distinctive blend of watchmaking prowess and jewelry artistry, featuring the Maison’s signature couture charm and technical refinement. These exquisite timepieces, alongside the other remarkable creations on display, serve as a testament to Piaget’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship and design.

Alazzouni’s creation features a captivating marquetry of emeralds and chrysoprase, intertwined with brilliant-cut diamonds, in a composition that harmoniously complements the sinuosity of the Palace Decor rose gold bracelet. This exquisite piece serves as a shining example of Piaget’s unparalleled expertise in gold craftsmanship, with each link in the bracelet meticulously adjusted to create the illusion of a single ribbon of gold.

Piaget’s collaboration with artist Razan Alazzouni is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Building upon their previous joint effort to reinterpret the Possession jewelry collection, this latest project sees Alazzouni drawing inspiration from the Limelight Gala, a timeless Piaget timepiece renowned for its gold work and marquetry of ornamental stones.

The result of this collaboration is a perfect harmony that emerges from the meeting of two distinct cultures, times, and worlds. Alazzouni’s unique artistic vision, combined with Piaget’s exceptional craftsmanship, breathes new life into the Limelight Gala, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that embodies the brand’s celebrated “Extralegenza” – an Italian term that captures the essence of Piaget’s extraordinary creativity and innovation.

As a master-engraver works tirelessly over the course of two days to create the watch’s wavy effect pattern, a stunning illusion of movement is brought to life.

Alongside these timeless classics, the exhibition featured contemporary creations like the new Limelight Gala watch, adorned with marquetry of emeralds and chrysoprase—a design that inspired artist Razan Alazzouni. Additionally, the Limelight Gala watch designed in collaboration with Emirati designer Shamsa Alabbar highlighted the Maison’s continuous dedication to creativity and collaboration.

Alabbar’s influence can be seen throughout the watch’s design, with the mother-of-pearl dial featuring intricate gold arabesque Token motifs arranged in a symmetrical pattern. This homage not only celebrates the UAE’s maritime heritage but also pays tribute to Alabbar’s personal family history, as both her grandfathers were connected to the sea—one as a pearl diver and the other as a dhow captain.

The Limelight Gala creation retains its signature elements, such as the diamond-encrusted bezel and asymmetrical lugs, as well as the 18-carat pink gold bracelet engraved with Piaget’s emblematic motifs. This fusion of traditional watchmaking techniques and contemporary Arab design creates a truly unique and captivating timepiece that celebrates both the artistry of Piaget and the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.

The limited edition Limelight Gala watch, reimagined by Emirati designer Shamsa Alabbar, is a mesmerizing fusion of typography, Arabic graphic design, and Piaget’s iconic jewelry watch silhouette. This exceptional timepiece brings together the rich cultural heritage of the UAE with Piaget’s storied history, creating a truly one-of-a-kind piece that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

Shamsa Alabbar’s captivating design draws inspiration from the sweeping curves and intricate details that have long defined the Limelight Gala, while also incorporating elements of Arabic calligraphy and graphic design. This creative blend results in a watch that is both visually striking and deeply rooted in cultural significance.

The partnership between Piaget and Shamsa Alabbar represents a unique opportunity to bridge the worlds of luxury watchmaking and contemporary Arab design, showcasing the power and beauty that can arise when creativity is encouraged and celebrated across cultures.

Additionally, the exhibition features stunning cuffs that combine textured effects with the vibrant hues of ornamental stones. These captivating pieces exemplify Piaget’s mastery of gold work, showcasing the Maison’s ability to create intricate, eye-catching designs that push the boundaries of contemporary jewelry making.

Collectors encountered stunning examples of the brand’s legacy from the 1960s and 1970s, including iconic pieces such as the Swinging Sautoir, cuff watches, and the ultra-thin 9P and 12P movements.

Each creation on display at the “House of Gold” exhibition is a stunning example of Piaget’s commitment to excellence and a celebration of the brand’s longstanding heritage in the world of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie.

The centerpiece of Piaget’s “House of Gold” exhibition at Art Dubai was the legendary Piaget Polo 79, an iconic timepiece that represents the pinnacle of the brand’s expertise in watchmaking and jewelry craftsmanship. This exquisite watch, which first debuted in 1979, has been reimagined for the modern era while staying true to its glamorous and stylish roots.

The Polo 79 is fully sculpted from the most precious of metals, creating a rare work of art that is both a fine bracelet and a functional timepiece. The distinctive gold construction features alternating polished gadroon and brushed block links, seamlessly transitioning from the bracelet to the case and dial. With a slightly enlarged 38mm case and an ultra-thin 1200P1 in-house self-winding caliber, the Polo 79 is a testament to Piaget’s unwavering commitment to technical innovation and refined aesthetics.

The Piaget Polo 79 is a testament to the brand’s evolution and ongoing commitment to creating innovative and alluring timepieces. Originally introduced in 1979, the Polo 79 has become synonymous with the glamour and style of the 1980s, featuring a striking gold construction with alternating polished gadroon and brushed block links that extend seamlessly from the bracelet to the case and dial.

This timeless piece has already made a significant impact in the world of haute horology, with its recent revival in January 2024 garnering widespread attention and admiration. As the Piaget Polo 79 takes center stage at Art Dubai, it serves as a powerful symbol of the brand’s enduring legacy and continued pursuit of excellence in the world of luxury watches and jewelry.

The new Warhol watches, in particular, offer a fresh interpretation of the iconic artist’s style, featuring a striking Clou de Paris pattern on the case and a vivid blue meteorite dial. Moreover, collectors have the opportunity to personalize their Warhol watches with ten different types of stone dials and customize the bands, hands, and case to suit their individual preferences.

The “Designing Dials Masterclass” hosted by Piaget during Art Dubai 24 offers a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the fascinating world of watchmaking and dial design. Led by Piaget’s skilled artisans, the masterclass allows attendees to explore the intricate process of creating captivating watch dials, from the initial concept and sketching phase to the final execution.Throughout the masterclass, participants will gain valuable insights into Piaget’s approach to dial design, with a focus on the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. They will learn about the various techniques employed by Piaget’s artisans, such as guilloché, enameling, and gem-setting, and discover how these methods contribute to the creation of stunning and unique dial designs.

The “Designing Dials Masterclass” is an engaging and informative experience that not only celebrates Piaget’s rich history in watchmaking but also encourages participants to appreciate the artistry and expertise required to craft exceptional timepieces. The event provides a rare chance for enthusiasts and aspiring designers alike to engage with Piaget’s master craftspeople and develop a deeper understanding of the captivating world of watch dial design.