Hello everyone!
First, I suppose I should introduce myself as I have been a long time lurker on these forums but sadly have not been able to contribute much myself, until now! My name is Chris, I am 22 years old, I live near Vancouver, and I caught the watch "bug" about 2 years ago.
But where are my manners? I must also firstly thank Piaget for providing the opportunity for this wonderful trip. I would also like to thank the PuristsPro forum and all my fellow purists for making this place what it is.
I hope you will find my report interesting and the photos not too terrible because my skills are elementary compared to many of the amazing photographers on this forum.
Piaget was kind enough to take me on a two day tour of their manufacture. I was shown the "two hearts" of Piaget, one located in the city of Geneva and the other in La Côte-aux-Fées which is in the Jura Mountains. The factory in the city houses the design department, where designers, marketers, and engineers have to collaborate to design and conceive a feasible watch which is suitable for production. Also in this factory is where all the polishing/gem setting of cases, bracelets, and buckles takes place. The marketing department is also located here, and they were kind enough to show us some interesting watches.
La Côte-aux-Fées houses most of the watch makers at Piaget and that is where I was taken on the second day of the tour. Here we were shown the various tools that are used, several techniques in finishing the movements, and the master watch makers in the high complications department.
So without further adieu, let's get to some photos.
When you first enter the factory there is a table with many movements and you can slide the magnifier to get a closer look.
Here is a machine that shapes the rods of gold into a size that can be worked with.
The rods are fed through those grey 'tubes'.
Here is a poster showing the process of machining the case back.
Here are some unpolished case backs.
And here they are with a nice polish.
Unfinished on the left, ready for gem setting on the right.
This is a quality control machine, one specimen per hour is chosen at random to be tested.
A poster of how the bracelet in the Tradition line is constructed.
Here is a closer view, Piaget is the only company in Geneva still using this process of soldering the bracelet to the case.
A craftsman working on the bracelet.
A craftswoman with the bracelet and case.
Making sure it fits...
The protection for brushed/polished finish.
Some of the gems at Piaget, fair trade and ethically sourced gems are very important to Piaget which is good to know.
This is a magnification of an unfinished piece being worked on.
The very handsome craftsman doing his job.
He has to chisel bits of the gold out to create prongs which can be molded over the gems to hold them in place.
Some more gem encrusted cases...
Several more pieces.
Before you can enter the 'white room' you must wear a white coat and put your feet into this machine...
And voila, the bits of gold can be easily collected from the bottom of your shoes.
To get an idea of the full effect...
The year of the dragon.
In the marketing department we were shown one of the seven prototypes in the world.
I'm sure you have all seen nicer photos than mine, but can one get tired of seeing a piece like this?
A comparison to what I was wearing.
And the back of my Seiko.
The finish on this piece is really quite amazing.
And an even more serious piece.
And in rose gold.
A small family shot with an adopted brother.
Some loot to end the day with, I wore the tie the next day.
The building at La Côte-aux-Fées, about an hour and a half from the hotel in Geneva.
Here is a cabinet full of tools, all custom made by Piaget to suit Piaget's needs.
Taking these small screws and putting them into those small holes.
Very painstaking work.
The machine presses the screws down.
Here is some sticky tape which helps to catch any bits of gold that may get stuck to your shoes.
A machine adding a finishing touch.
Pieces at various stages of fabrication.
Here is a magnification of a piece for quality control.
A tracing of the piece is held up to show what it is supposed to look like.
A deviation of .002 is allowed, well done Piaget!
The process of anglage.
Coming along very nicely.
Another piece in this department.
Throughout the factory there is a lot of art work.
Some nice décor.
Another piece being worked on.
A little small...
A better look.
This is a tool which has been made specifically for that part by the micro-machinist at Piaget. The small block of gold is transformed into the hand characteristic of Piaget.
This is a machine that cleans the microscopic bits of metal that would otherwise harm the lubricants and the movement in the long run.
The pieces pass through and are hit with ultra sonic vibrations. Here is some of the debris collected at the bottom.
The pieces come out looking nice and shiny.
Some more art work, there is a lot all over the factory.
A plaque at the entrance of the factory which I forgot to photograph earlier.
Here is a very interesting bit of quality control that I don't think many other manufacturers take the time to do.
The pushers of the chronograph are being tested, and not only for the functioning of the mechanism, but also the 'feel' of the pusher.
The machine can sense if the pressure required to operate the pusher is correct, ensuring that the pushers are not overly 'rough' or 'stiff'.
An interesting comparison of my tie clip and a Piaget movement.
A master watch maker at work.
I am not sure of the correct terminology, but this is the 'carriage' of the tourbillon. It is very difficult for Piaget to balance their tourbillons because of the abnormal shape of the 'P', but they are able to with the use of counterbalances.
I believe this is a finished product.
For those of you who like bling...
An interesting story is behind this box of tools. All apprentice watch makers at Piaget must fabricate their own tools, just like the ones in this box. They must not only create the tools but they have to create the box as well.
Some more art, as I said there are many cool paintings here for watch lovers.
What a wonderful way to end the day at the factory. It was very delicious.
The quaint dining room.
So there it is, I hope you enjoyed my little photoshoot. This was my first visit to a factory, so I can't compare Piaget to other companies but I will say that I was very impressed. I gained a new appreciation and understanding of Piaget after this visit, and I must say that I respect them much more as a watch manufacture. Piaget, as I hope I have been able to show you, is much more than a jewelry maker and deserves much more respect for their watch making endeavours, in my opinion.
Once again, thank you Piaget and thank you PuristsPro!
Look out for Oliver's report to fill in any gaps in mine, and to provide a more expert point of view.
Best regards,
Chris
