Manufacturer: Piaget Year: Circa 1971 Reference No: 9850 D 72 Case No: 177'468 Model Name: "Esclave" Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9P, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold openwork textured bracelet, max length 175mm. Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold clasp Dimensions: 62.5mm. Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Literature: A similar example was used in the advertising campaign by Willy Rizzo in 1969, a copy of the ad is illustrated in Piaget, Edition de la Martinière, page 231
Catalogue Essay
In the 70s, Piaget was at its pinnacle in terms of popularity within the jet-set society. The star system was booming and Yves Piaget knew exactly who to turn to. So, when in 1971, Elizabeth Taylor’s private secretary called the Geneva boutique to say that the star was looking for an exceptional, stylish and “haute couture” timepiece, the charismatic manager jumped in his car and drove to Gstaad to meet her and Richard Burton. The manchette that the star with the most enigmatic eyes chose was the same textured gold ring bangle as the present example with the difference that her's was fitted with a Jadeite dial.
The use of the in-house developed ultra-thin caliber 9P allowed the brand to express its creativity with hard stones dial such as coral without compromising on the aesthetic and balance requested by high jewelry timepieces.
Extravagant, colorful and so Piaget, the present timepiece is a perfect testimony of a great era and would fit and magnify the most beautiful woman.
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.