Review
MTF introduces the Piaget Limelight Gala collection, positioning it as a potential new icon inspired by the brand's vibrant 1960s designs. This article delves into the collection's aesthetic and technical prowess, highlighting how Piaget's ultra-thin movements enabled audacious designs that captured the spirit of a golden age.
For Piaget, the 1960s were boom years.
Enabled by the introduction of their ultrathin movements (manual and automatic) the designers and watchmakers could realise audacious and aesthetic virtuosity that was unthinkable just a few years earlier.
1960s Piaget inspiration
The clients of the 1960s were also a different breed.
Finally throwing off the austerity of the war years and embracing the new culture of Peace, Love, the Beatles and the Pill, the jet set lived large and played large.
Piaget was at the forefront of the new wave during this golden age to adorn elegant women of the time with dazzling jewellery watches.
1960s Piaget Inspiration
2013 Piaget Limelight Gala watch
In 2013, the newly launched Piaget Limelight Gala collection draws a wealth of inspiration from the fascinating 1960s and establishes itself as the new Piaget icon.
I wrote at the time:
"This may be poised to become the iconic watch shape for Ladies like Altiplano is for Gents. Piaget chose three adjectives for the design brief: Brilliant, Vibrant, and Seductive. The design motif was to accentuate the feminine curve; a round case is enveloped and accentuated by two elegant extended lugs. The final case silhouette is distinctive even from across the cocktail room.
This IS the distinctive and seductive feminine case from Piaget but the ladies don't know it yet. It will grow on them if Piaget plays their game well."
Since then, a couple of 38mm watches have joined the Collection that is a new testament to the harmonious integration of art and technology – "Technique in the service of Aesthetique".
The Limelight Gala watch was entirely created within the integrated Manufacture Piaget from the initial design sketch to the engineering drawings and right through to the shaping and finishing of the case.
Congruent with the spirit of Piaget, the artisans and engineers have imbued the House style with passionate dedication.
The originality of the Limelight Gala watch draws upon the subtle heritage from the "Swinging 60s" to complement absolute femininity.
The Limelight Gala watch rescues Time from conventional motifs and linearity by enfolding it within a unequivocal feminine curve. The round case is redirected by two elegant extended lugs. The curvaceous silhouette is accentuated by progressively sized brilliant-cut diamonds set into the bezel. As a backdrop, the understated dial emphasises feminine voluptuous curves with only the black Roman numerals adding a touch of formality.
Piaget has also found an ideal presenter for its excellent works – GONG Li stands as the epitome of modern women who best showcases the ultimate femininity of the time. As the only Chinese actress, so far, to win individual awards at the world’s three largest International Film Festivals, GONG Li’s global actress status is unparalleled.
GONG Li’s illustrious interpretation of Piaget new Limelight Gala watches
The picture epic of Limelight Gala collection featured by GONG Li reveals the utmost glamour and radiance of the perfect pair.
Here the Art Director wanted the Piaget Limelight Gala white gold wrist watch to match GONG Li's depiction of ultimate femininity. Black Roman numerals hour display is matched by refined black satin strap.
The juxtaposition of the strapless gown and black satin watchstrap accentuates the sensuality of the scene.
In another tableau, GONG Li is adorned with Piaget’s white gold Limelight Gala watch (paved diamonds from the bezel to dial and bracelet). The watch is meant to resonate with GONG Li’s vibrant, alluring ultimate femininity and distinctive personality.
Limelight Gala – 38 mm 18K white gold watch.
Case set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 2.8 cts). Dial paved with 336 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.7 cts), white gold indexes.
Black satin strap with ardillon buckle set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.1 ct).
Piaget 690P quartz movement.
Ref. G0A38166
Limelight Gala – 38 mm 18K pink gold watch.
Case set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 2.8 cts). Dial paved with 336 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.7 cts), pink gold indexes.
White satin strap with ardillon buckle set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.1 ct).
Piaget 690P quartz movement.
Ref. G0A38167
Limelight Gala – 32 mm 18K white gold watch.
Case set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.8 cts). Silvered dial with black Roman numerals.
Black satin strap with ardillon buckle set with 1 brilliant-cut diamond.
Piaget 690P quartz movement.
Ref. G0A38160
Limelight Gala – 32 mm 18K pink gold watch.
Case set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.8 cts). Silvered dial with black Roman numerals.
White satin strap with ardillon buckle set with 1 brilliant-cut diamond.
Piaget 690P quartz movement.
Ref. G0A38161
Limelight Gala – 32 mm 18K white gold watch.
Case set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.8 cts). Dial paved with 228 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1 ct), white gold indexes.
Black satin strap with ardillon buckle set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.1 cts).
Piaget 690P quartz movement.
Ref. G0A38162
Limelight Gala – 32 mm 18K white gold watch.
Case set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.8 cts). Dial paved with 228 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1 cts), white gold indexes.
Bracelet and integrated clasp paved with 451 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 16.4 cts).
Piaget 690P quartz movement.
Ref. G0A38164
The Limelight Gala G0A38160 is part of Piaget's collection that draws inspiration from the brand's design ethos of the 1960s. This period saw Piaget leverage its expertise in ultra-thin movements to create watches with distinctive and unconventional aesthetics. The Limelight Gala line is characterized by its asymmetrical case design, where extended lugs flow seamlessly into the bezel, often adorned with a gradient setting of gemstones. This particular reference exemplifies the collection's focus on jewelry watchmaking integrated with horological precision.
The G0A38160 features a 32mm white gold case, set with brilliant-cut diamonds along its distinctive bezel. The watch is powered by the Piaget 690P quartz movement, ensuring reliable timekeeping. The dial is a silvered finish, providing a subtle backdrop that allows the brilliance of the diamonds and the unique case architecture to remain central. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, offering scratch resistance.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in Piaget's legacy of combining high jewelry with watchmaking, particularly those who appreciate designs that evoke mid-20th century glamour. It represents a contemporary interpretation of historical Piaget styles, offering a piece that is both a timepiece and a significant jewelry item. The quartz movement makes it a practical choice for regular wear, while its design ensures it stands out within a collection.
How is the strap retained? Does the single lug on either side wear on the strap? Thanks Cazalea
cazalea, Good question. It is rather intriguing and I am going to let the question run for a while.....for public suggestions and hypotheses. What a tease! :-) Regards, MTF
cazalea, You identified the engineering enigma and solution that Piaget found for strap attachment. Shall we call you Eagle Eye Joe? :-) Of course, a true single lug would have applied too much strain and wear on the attachment. Furthermore, since the "lugs" or bezel extensions are gem-set, any movement or torsion are prohibited; those would put the gem stones at risk. The solution is as for many of the watches in the Limelight collection - two screws affix the strap to the case thus removing an
It has a very fluid and smooth design... And with a set dial: I prefer it with the classic dial because when it is full set, I think that the sensual curves are less visible... Fx
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