New: Piaget Dragon & Phoenix Collection 

In 2012 on the occasion of the Lunar New Year, Piaget welcomed the year of the Dragon with a special capsule collection of exceptional timepieces. As the 12-year cycle begins again, that spirit of daring creativity, remarkable sophistication and unexpected beauty is awakened once more for a special Lunar New Year capsule collection dedicated to the Dragon & Phoenix magnetic energies.

Press release with commentary in italics.

New: Piaget Dragon & Phoenix Collection 

Piaget has launched a new collection of High jewelry watches to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The collection features 10 daring designs of exceptional watches and High Jewelry pieces, topped off with a pair of extravagant and very exclusive, made-to-order High Jewelry cuff watches. The 41mm Altiplano High Jewelry Dragon watch features Porchet’s fine paillonné enamelwork complementing a gold-engraved Dragon that’s rendered in exquisite detail. The Dragon motif also appears on the Piaget Emperador watch, featuring a flying tourbillon. Two Phoenix High Jewellery watches provide an alternative feminine interpretation. Each model is limited to eight pieces.

All four watches are artistically executed with an almost dramatic depiction of the mystical creatures. Prices are yet to be released but is expected to be exclusive to the thoroughly well-heeled.

Press release

A symbol of power, strength and prosperity, the Dragon is among the most celebrated and emblematic of Chinese zodiac symbols. No wonder that for Piaget’s 2012 commemorative Lunar New Year collection, the Maison created 24 references that included four high watchmaking complications, eight Metiers d’Art timepieces and two High Jewelry secret watches. These were followed up each year with individual, beautifully crafted watches – mostly in minimal tones – which paid homage to the year’s zodiac sign.

Piaget now marks the start of another 12-year cycle with a spectacular new capsule collection which, again, pays tribute to the Dragon and Phoenix – that coupled Chinese symbol of masculinity and femininity, strength and power, hope and rebirth, of ultimate harmony and balance. Featuring 10 daring designs of exceptional watches and High Jewelry pieces – topped off with a pair of extravagant and very exclusive, made-to-order High Jewelry cuff watches – each creation brims with emotion and exuberance, joyfully channelling the codes of the Maison while celebrating unparalleled Metiers d’Art and watchmaking savoir-faire.

Since 2006, the enameling master Anita Porchet has collaborated with Piaget, lending to the Maison her unrivaled expertise in creating touches of miniature enamel – not to mention her patience and passion. Porchet has been behind Piaget’s annual Lunar New Year watches, and now two 38mm Altiplano Zodiac references take on a particularly modern and ebullient expression. Limited to 38 pieces each, the dials depict either an elegant blue Dragon or a mix of red, pink and orange hues for the Phoenix soaring among the clouds, the sky crafted from a subtle mix of carved white and grey mother of pearl. Porchet’s masterful cloisonné enameling and her signature play of light, shadow and transparency truly bring the scene to life. Gold engraving further enhances the Dragon’s scales and the Phoenix’s plumage, adding depth and dimensionality. Complex in their craftsmanship and sophistication, the watches’ expert execution evokes a sense of wonder and awe, offering a kind of universal appeal that extends beyond these classic motifs as Chinese symbols. A bold and colorful new set which sets the tone with a new style.

Four new High jewelry watches continue the theme. A 41mm Altiplano High Jewelry Dragon watch sees Porchet’s fine paillonné enamelwork complement a gold-engraved Dragon that’s rendered in exquisite, powerful detail. Featuring red lacquered eyes and clasping a mystical black opal fireball in its claws, the whole design radiates from a stunning sunburst engraving. Trimmed with diamonds on the lugs and bezel, the watch is powered by Piaget’s historic 830P Manufacture ultra-thin, hand wound mechanical movement and is limited to eight numbered editions.

The Dragon motif also swirls onto a new Piaget Emperador watch, featuring a flying tourbillon in a stunning construction. This gold-engraved Dragon is especially alluring and audacious, sensually winding its way around the case and onto the sides of the watch, onto the dial. Snow-set sapphires and diamonds, each painstakingly set in graduation, evoke a twinkling, starry blue sky. The 46.5mm watch epitomizes Piaget as a flamboyant encounter between high watchmaking and inspired jewelry – and is truly a work of unexpected beauty.

Two Phoenix High Jewelry watches bring forth a feminine, precious interpretation. A splendid plumage of marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds dress a 32mm watch in an asymmetrical motif, as gold engraving details flow onto the dial, galvanizing the design. This is paired with a gold bracelet in the Decor Palace finish, among Piaget’s most celebrated gold engraving techniques. A second model comes in a ruby and white gold mix, and each model is limited to eight pieces.