Piaget Dragon & Phoenix Collection Overview

Kong · 2011-08-23T11:28:19Z

Explore Piaget's 'Dragon & Phoenix' Collection, featuring over 20 artisanal models celebrating Chinese symbolism. Discover exquisite enameling, gem-setting, and engraving.

Kong

WPS member · Piaget forum

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Kong's detailed presentation of Piaget's 'Dragon & Phoenix' Collection offers a fascinating look into haute horlogerie's intersection with cultural symbolism. This article highlights Piaget's exceptional craftsmanship across over 20 models, celebrating the Year of the Dragon with intricate enameling, gem-setting, and engraving techniques that resonate with Chinese traditions of prosperity and balance.

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Piaget has called upon its fourty different artisans and craftsmen to create the 'Dragon & Phoenix' Collection (consisting of over 20 models) to celebrate and welcome, the Year of the Dragon ( 龍 pronounced as 'Lóng') in 2012.

The West may see it differently when it comes to dragon. To the Chinese people, the celestial dragon 龍 is a spiritual and cultural symbol representing prosperity and good luck in this era. However during the previous dynasties, dragon龍 is a sacred symbol of power, nobility and authority. Only the Emperor of China could adorn the 5-claw-龍 on his robes, an emblem of the highest order whereas his officials and other nobles wore the 3 or 4-claw-龍 depending on their seniority.

In the Chinese mystical world, the essence is balance or equilibrium. Thus the Dragon龍 represents the 'Yang' (masculine) while the opposite 'Yin' (feminine) is represented by the Phoenix鳳. The harmony of Yin & Yang signify not only marital unity, but a cosmological harmony which provides good fortune, abundance, and auspiciousness to every human endeavour.

It is no coincident that Piaget created this noble 'Dragon & Phoenix - 龍和鳳凰' Collection, as the Chinese name of Piaget, 伯爵 is related to Chinese word nobility - "尊貴".

Last week, Piaget unveiled a partial collection of their 'Dragon & Phoenix - 龍和鳳凰' Collection at St Regis Singapore.

Two of the 'Dragon & Phoenix - 龍和鳳凰' Collection displayed ...

After the dramatic new 3D animation featuring Dragon & Phoenix Collection,

Mr Eduardo Tártalo, General Manager of Piaget Singapore addressing the media ...

After that, the viewing of some stunning pieces...

Piaget Altiplano 38 mm

Piaget has manufactured the 'Dragon & Phoenix' models to cater for both genders.

Both the Grand Feu enamel dial models are cased in 38mm diameter 18K gold cases (either in RG or WG) pave with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.7 ct) around the bezel, containing Piaget 430P ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movements.

Though both are with solid casebacks, the movements are still decorated - circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained mainplate and bridges, beveled bridges, blued screws on bridges. The 2mm thick Piaget 430P beats at 21600 VPH and has a power reserve of about 40 hours.

Both models are of Grand Feu enamel dial with the dragon or phoenix done with the cloisonné technique.

A close-up of the Dragon. The outlines are of pure gold wire as used in the cloisonné technique.
The Piaget logo was printed on the second side of the sapphire.
As for the dragon, would be great if the eye is not red.

Case-back engraved with Chinese dragon ideogram with numbered edition of 38 pieces per precious metal.

If I remembered correctly, the numeral '4' is omitted.

The Dragon edition is paired with grey alligator leather strap and a gold pin buckle.

The complementary model is the the Phoenix. This model has the same specifications as the Dragon.

For the Phoenix, it is paired with white alligator leather strap and a gold buckle.

For the observants, some may have guessed who is behind these Grand Feu enamel dials.
The initial of one of the world's top few enamelists - "AP" were marked on both the Dragon and Phoenix Grand Feu enamel at location 05:30 (for both the Dragon & Phoenix models).

She is no other than Anita Porchet ( for those who has not seen her, type her name in our
' forum search' function).

Ultra-thin casing at 5.25mm thick. Signed 'Piaget' gold crown.

Similar to Dragon, just that the ideogram is engraved as Phoenix鳳.

Piaget Altiplano 38 mm or 34mm

An alternative for those who prefer silvered dials with either the Dragon龍 or Phoenix鳳 print to the the Grand Feu dials.

For the Ladies, who like a slightly smaller case, this Phoenix鳳 model comes in diameter 34mm. Both models are available in 18K white gold or pink gold case.

The rest of the specifications are the same as Grand Feu models.

Piaget Altiplano Double Jeu 43 mm

The Altiplano Double Jeu is also regarded as "One watch, two cases", consisting an upper case and a lower case as you will see later.

Both the Dragon & Phoenix Altiplano Double Jeu are limited to 8 pieces each in white gold.

Starting with the Dragon Altiplano Double Jeu 43mm....

Viewing from the front with both cases closed.

The upper case contains a 3-dimensional 18K white gold hand-engraved dragon design enclosed within the sapphire glasses, set with 38 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.2 ct) on the front and two rubies (approx. 0.002 ct) as the eyes of the dragon. In typical Double Jeu model, it contains a movement instead. ( To know more, please click here)

Depressing the pusher at 3H unfasten the upper case. Once opened, revealing the time-only slate-grey dial and hinge holding both the cases ...

A closer look of the suspended 18K white gold 3-D Dragon grabbing the 'pearl'. Majestic, yes...it is with 5 claws!

The upper case opens at about 120 degrees, total revealing the lower case.

Neatly chamfered edges in the latch-groove...

Polished surfaces are with laminates to protect from scratches.

The lower case contains the Manufacture Piaget 830P ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movement which beats at
21,600 VPH and has a 60-hour power reserve.
Though the caseback is non see-through, the movement is still decorated - Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained mainplate, bevelled bridges, engraved coat-of-arms, blued screws on bridges.

Caseback with engraved ideogram - chinese character Dragon and numbered edition.

Side view showing the alternate polishing.

Total height of the watch from the base of lugs to sapphire top should be about 12mm, which should be 'cuff-friendly' allowing the watch to slide underneath.

Though the crown is low, fortunately it is located at 4H instead of 3H which would cause discomfort.

Notice the small gloss polished facet on the lugs ...

The 43mm white gold case is paired with grey alligator leather strap with a 18K white gold folding clasp.

The flying Dragon ...

Next, the Phoenix Double Jeu 43 mm, is with the same construction as the Dragon Double Jeu.

The upper case instead is a 18K white gold case set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 4.6 ct) and 500 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 3.5ct) on the side. The 3-dimensional 18K white gold Phoenix design is set with 355 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.7 ct) and hand-engraved on the back with two blue sapphires as the eyes of the Phoenix.

More diamonds are set on the side of both the upper and lower cases, including the pusher and the crown.

Numbered edition is marked on the side instead on the caseback.

The Phoenix is supposedly to be a compassionate spirit. In the folklores, during a famine, the Phoenix shared her bounty with other birds despite being ill-treated by them before. In return for her unselfish act, each bird she helped out, gave its most beautiful feathers to the Phoenix, transforming her to an elegant creature of unsurpassed beauty. The Phoenix from then represented the five virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity.

Back of the Phoenix is engraved only.

Silvered dial.

Blue sapphire for the eyes of the Phoenix.

Edge of the caseback is also set with diamond. Just opulent.
Movement is the same as the Dragon Double Jeu, the ultra-thin hand-wound Piaget 830P.

18K white gold folding clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.4 ct) on a white alligator leather strap

Piaget Emperador XL

This tourbillon model is cased in 18K pink gold case. Limited and numbered edition of 8 pieces.

Slate dial with a hand engraved dragon shaped as an auspicious "8" and set with 257 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.3 ct).

The dial layout is well-balance with the flying tourbillon at 12H and opposite at 6H is the power reserve indicator.

The tourbillon rotates once a minute in this manual winding Piaget 600P is the slimmest shaped tourbillon, doubling as the second-hand. The 600P beats at 21,600VPH and has a power reserve of 40 hours.

It is paired with grey alligator leather strap and a 18K pink gold folding clasp.

Sapphire crystal case-back with dragon ideogram printed on second-surface of the sapphire and also the numbered edition. Finishing of the movement - circular Côtes de Genève, hand-circular-grained mainplate and bridges, hand-bevelled and hand-drawn bridges and carriage, blued screws on bridges.

Piaget Emperador

This range has 3 models, 18K white gold case set with 171 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 2.1 cts), 18K pink gold case set with 171 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 2.1 cts) and 18K pink gold. They are all numbered edition.

Slate sunray dial with an 18K gold dragon design and set with 85 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.09 cts)
Movement in this range is self-winding Piaget 534P beating at 21600VPH and with a power reserve of 40 hours.

Solid case-back engraved with a Chinese dragon ideogram.

It is paired with a grey alligator leather strap with 18K gold pin buckle.

Piaget Emperador - 18K pink gold case set with 171 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 2.1 cts)

Limelight Twice

Another interesting twist besides the above Double Jeu.

The numbered edition Limelight Twice has double identity. Less than half-a-minute, the same watch could be another watch, by changing the facing side. From functional perspective, it can be a dual time too.

This range comes in either white gold or pink gold case.

One side of the Limelight Twice in white gold case with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 1.2 ct)

The Phoenix seems like created by sputtering of silver onto the second-side of the sapphire crystal.

On the reverse side is a sunburst motif composed of 226 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 4.6 ct) with a silvered dial with a Phoenix ideogram.

The watch comes with two straps - a Reversible white satin strap and a reversible black satin strap.
The clasp is 18K gold set with 54 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.2 ct).

Inside, it contains two Piaget 56P quartz movements.

An extreme luxurious alternative is the diamond bracelet and Grand Feu enamel dial version.

The more understated side ...

And the super grand side ...

A total of 623 diamonds set ( about 17.7 carats) with black Grand Feu Enamel dial on one side.

These are just a partial preview of the exquisite pieces from the 'Dragon & Phoenix - 龍和鳳凰' Collection.
More pieces will be reported soon.

Kong

This message has been edited by Kong on 2012-01-13 07:38:52

Key Points from the Discussion

Piaget's artistic watches, incorporating enameling, gem-setting, and engraving, are highly praised for their visual impact and the way they 'burst off the screen' in photos.
The Piaget Emperador Dragon is singled out as a favorite piece for its stunning and elegant design, despite its elaborate embellishments.
The Double Jeu models, particularly those with sculpted dragons or phoenixes, and the Emperadors, are highlighted as particularly desirable.
The Altiplano Double Jeu is noted for its amazing skill and passion in detail, making it a standout piece.
The clever use of the Double-Jeu feature is appreciated, with a suggestion for Piaget to utilize it in other contexts.
The collection draws comparisons to similarly conceived artistic watches from Vacheron Constantin, such as their Chagall and Les Masques series.

The Discussion

AnthonyTsai

Aug 24, 2011

Absolutely stunning pieces and very elegant too despite all the bling. I think my favorite piece of them all is the Piaget Emperador Dragon. Great pics Kong! Cheers, Anthony

Stryker

Aug 24, 2011

Absolutely stunning works of art!! So much detail in each piece - shows amazing skill and passion. Looks like a great collection. I especially like the Altiplano Double Jeu. Great photos as always Kong! Cheers!

VMM

Aug 24, 2011

Love all those dragons! Piaget definitely knows how to do thins kind of watches, pure art on the wrist. Thanks for sharing. Vte

TemporisDominus

Aug 25, 2011

My preference goes also in AnthonyTsai's way, really Love the simple grey Gold emperador.

Dino944

Aug 25, 2011

Make mine any of the Double Jeu models (the sculpted Dragon/Phoenix is so cool), or one of the Emperadors. Either of these will suit me just fine ; ) Best regards, Dino

foversta

Aug 25, 2011

I think it is a very clever use of the Double-Jeu feature. I like it a lot and I think they should use it again with other contexts. Thanks a lot for the report! Fx

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