Company Overview:
Piaget is a Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler, distinguished for its thin timepieces and ornate jewelry watches. The company was founded in 1874 by Georges-Edouard Piaget as a manufacturer of watch movements. Initially, Piaget specialized in crafting high-precision movement components for some of Switzerland’s most prestigious watch companies. However, the company’s ambitions extended beyond being a background player in the world of luxury horology.
In 1943, Piaget registered its brand symbol and began producing watches under its own name. It wasn’t long before the brand gained a reputation for its inventive designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Piaget soon became renowned for its ultra-thin movements, which allowed the creation of watches of unprecedented elegance and simplicity. This fascination with ultra-thin movements led to the creation of the iconic Altiplano collection, a testament to the brand’s technical prowess.
Over the years, Piaget has seamlessly merged its watchmaking expertise with its flair for fine jewelry. This unique combination has resulted in watches that are not merely time-telling devices but masterpieces of artistic expression. Today, Piaget stands as a true innovator in the luxury watch industry, known for its technical achievements and distinctive, stylish designs. With its bold creativity and dedication to perfection, Piaget continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in watchmaking and jewelry.
Notable Achievements:
Piaget has many significant achievements in its storied history, with a notable focus on crafting ultra-thin movements. In 1957, Piaget introduced the Calibre 9P, one of the world’s thinnest manual-winding movements at just 2mm thick. This was followed in 1960 by the automatic Calibre 12P, which, at 2.3mm, was the thinnest automatic movement in the world at the time.
In the 1970s, Piaget ventured into the realm of high jewelry and began integrating precious stones and metals into its watches. This innovation led to the creation of the Piaget Polo, a luxury sports watch made of solid gold, embodying the brand’s expertise in both jewelry and watchmaking.
Recently, in 2018, Piaget achieved a remarkable feat by creating the world’s thinnest watch, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept, with an incredible total thickness of just 2mm, once again showcasing Piaget’s pioneering spirit.
Key Collections:
Piaget’s catalog includes several collections that demonstrate the brand’s diverse range of designs and specialties. The Altiplano collection, named after the high-altitude South American plateau, is the epitome of Piaget’s ultra-thin watch designs, emphasizing simplicity and elegance.
The Piaget Polo line, launched in 1979, is a collection of luxury sports watches and is one of Piaget’s most iconic lines. The watches in this collection combine the sophistication of a dress watch with the robustness of a sports watch.
The Limelight collection showcases Piaget’s flair for integrating watchmaking with fine jewelry, featuring ornate timepieces with precious gemstones and intricate designs.
Brand Philosophy:
Piaget’s philosophy is expressed through its brand motto, “Always do better than necessary.” This ethos reflects the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and jewelry, constantly seeking to innovate, refine, and surpass its previous achievements. Piaget emphasizes a harmony of technical mastery and creative audacity, resulting in watches that are both mechanically excellent and aesthetically stunning.
Craftsmanship:
Piaget’s watchmaking process is characterized by an intermingling of tradition and innovation. The brand is known for its in-house movements, which are meticulously crafted in Piaget’s own workshops. From ultra-thin movements to complex tourbillons, Piaget showcases its technical prowess in every timepiece it creates.
In addition to its watchmaking expertise, Piaget is also celebrated for its craftsmanship in jewelry. The brand employs master jewelers, gem-setters, and engravers, creating watches that are lavishly decorated with diamonds, sapphires, and other precious stones. This dedication to craftsmanship ensures that every Piaget watch is a work of art in its own right.
Celebrity Affiliations:
Piaget has a long-standing presence in the world of glamour and celebrity. It is often the watch and jewelry of choice for many A-listers at red carpet events. Celebrities such as Ryan Reynolds, Michael B. Jordan, and Jessica Chastain are among the brand’s ambassadors. Hollywood actress and model, Eva Longoria, has also been seen sporting Piaget timepieces. This star-studded affiliation underscores the brand’s prestige and appeal in the world of luxury and fashion.