154
Piaget
Ref. 14105
"Beta 21"
A fine and rare white gold, diamond and sapphire-set rectangular electronic wristwatch with 'Beta 21' movement
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 30,000€17,600 - 26,400$20,500 - 30,700
CHF27,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Piaget
- Year
- 1975
- Reference No
- 14105
- Case No
- 258'350
- Model Name
- "Beta 21"
- Material
- 18K white gold, diamonds and sapphires
- Calibre
- Quartz, cal. Beta 21, 13 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18K white gold and diamond bracelet, made by Corum, max length 195mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold and diamond integrated clasp
- Dimensions
- 42mm Length, 34mm Width
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
In the beginning of the 1970s, the watchmaking industry was shivering as the Quartz crisis was becoming a reality they had to face. Already internationally renowned for its ultra-thin movement and extravagant designs, Piaget was ready for a new challenge. As a key member of the CEH (Centre Electronique Horloger), which was in charge of the research that would lead to the creation of the first commercial quartz caliber made in Switzerland, the brand presented its first watch using a Beta 21 movement in 1970.
For once, the brand had to design a large watch in order to accommodate the oversized quartz caliber. The result is this superb white gold diamond set three-stepped case. The dial is also set with diamonds using a method called snow setting in which diamonds are set side by side, playing on variations in diameter, making each piece different, and therefore unique.
This model was available in two versions, one with a leather strap and the other with a gold and diamond bracelet. The original owner of this piece, from the first version, had it fitted with a white gold and diamonds bracelet by Corum, later in its life in order to enhance its “Great Gatsby’s style”.
For once, the brand had to design a large watch in order to accommodate the oversized quartz caliber. The result is this superb white gold diamond set three-stepped case. The dial is also set with diamonds using a method called snow setting in which diamonds are set side by side, playing on variations in diameter, making each piece different, and therefore unique.
This model was available in two versions, one with a leather strap and the other with a gold and diamond bracelet. The original owner of this piece, from the first version, had it fitted with a white gold and diamonds bracelet by Corum, later in its life in order to enhance its “Great Gatsby’s style”.
Literature
Piaget
Swiss | 1874Creativity, 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.
Browse MakerCollectors 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.