Manufacturer: Piaget Year: 1970 Reference No: 9212D76 9212/3156 Movement No: 702'243 Case No: 181'578 Model Name: Manchette Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9P, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold with lapis lazuli and jade, max length 190mm. Clasp/Buckle: Lapis lazuli link clasp Dimensions: 43mm. Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Literature: A similar example of a "brick" bracelet watch is illustrated on Montres et Merveilles de Piaget by Franco Cologni, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini, p.137
Catalogue Essay
Creativity, 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. The 1970s were 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.
Worn by artists, celebrities, and socialites of this period, Piaget’s jeweled timepieces appealed to the “jet set”, who found them to be the chic jewelry alternative to ordinary watches. The present bracelet watch is a perfect example of Piaget’s audacity; the gold case and bracelet was hand finished with a bark-like texture, and is set with alternating brick links of lapis lazuli and jade. The green jade dial combined with the textured gold case and bracelet give this piece of art an organic style inspired by nature. It is an eye-catching statement piece that even after 40 years, will still impress today.
Creativity, 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.