Piaget - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Piaget
    Year: Circa 1970
    Reference No: 9852 D65
    Case No: 172’950
    Material: 18K yellow gold and lapis lazuli
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9P, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Piaget rope bracelet, max overall length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Piaget clasp
    Dimensions: 32 x 25mm
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Piaget Service guarantee dated February 15, 2024, Piaget and Bucherer service papers, Bucherer paid invoice

  • Catalogue Essay

    Fashion of the 1970s experienced a period of upheaval and change reflecting a shift in both social and cultural trends, moving from the mod fashion of the 1960s to a bohemian-influenced style, alongside the glam of the disco era. One of the most recognizable trends was large, bold accessories from eyewear to jewellery focused on craftsmanship with textured and woven handcrafted goldwork. Piaget was at the forefront of this new design aesthetic and their ladies’ bracelet and cuff watches from the early 1970s became status symbols for the jet set, worn by superstars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and Andy Warhol.

    The reference 9852 perfectly captures the exuberance of this remarkable era. Piaget released the model at Basel in 1970 for a young Avant garde clientele who wanted to stand out for their fashionable panache. The model was offered with a variety of stone dials, from mother-of-pearl, onyx, coral, and like the present model, lapis lazuli. These dials perfectly complement the wonderful goldwork of the textured case and elegant openwork bracelet, adding an air of sophisticated glamour.

    The present bracelet watch is in excellent overall condition with a well-preserved and flawless lapis lazuli dial. The watch has an interesting and possibly unique feature when compared to other similar models where the dial has been rotated 90 degrees so that the 12 o’clock is now at the crown position. While the decision for this design feature cannot be known for certain, this was probably a special request by a client. The timepiece is beautifully constructed with the off-center placement of the dial giving this work of art an elegant touch.

  • Artist Biography

    Piaget

    Swiss • 1874

    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.

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Ref. 9852 D65
An exquisite, highly attractive, and unusual yellow gold bracelet watch with lapis lazuli dial

Circa 1970
32 x 25mm
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$10,000 - 20,000 
CHF8,800-17,600
€9,400-18,700
HK$77,700-155,000

Sold for $21,590

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024