Jet-set horological style from a favourite of Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. By Joanne Glasbey
Georges-Édouard Piaget, the founder of the Swiss watchmaking and jewellery house, set up his first workshop on the family’s Jura farm in 1874 with the motto ‘always do better than necessary’. True to his word, over the decades the company has excelled at pushing boundaries with glamorous and daring creations. Our pick of the latest Piaget women’s watches from the Limelight Gala collection is no exception, and very much the sophisticated party piece.
Piaget was a favourite brand during the jet-set party era of the ’60s and ’70s, attracting some of the biggest stars of the time, including the ever-elegant Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren in its list of devotees. This stylish and alluring timepiece celebrates bold femininity, inspired by the very first designs that appeared in the 1970s.
“Piaget was a favourite brand during the jet-set party era of the ’60s and ’70s, attracting some of the biggest stars of the time”
True to the traditions of Limelight Gala luxury watches, elongated, asymmetrical lugs wrap around the contours of this version’s 18 carat rose gold case, which measures a dainty 32mm. Set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds in a cut-down setting, the material is carved away around each stone, allowing light to pass through and bounce off each gem. It also illuminates the neat mother-of-pearl dial with its exuberant, extended Roman numerals.
Complemented by a Milanese mesh bracelet also in 18 carat rose gold, featuring a brilliant-cut diamond on its buckle for extra dazzle, through its sapphire crystal back you can see the in-house automatic mechanical movement, guaranteeing perfect timing for festive functions. This timepiece radiates refined sparkle, while being simultaneously impressively restrained. And the clue’s in the name: as a thoroughly grown-up timepiece, it will put you in the limelight at all festivities and celebrations. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Piaget Limelight Gala, £46,100; Piaget, 169 New Bond Street, London W1S 4AN
Joanne Glasbey is the editor of The Times’ Luxx Watches & Jewellery magazine