iaget will return to the very essence of its style, celebrating the power and radiant energy of its signature goldwork with ‘The House of Gold’ exhibition at Art Dubai, marked by inspiring collaborations with artists and designers from the region.
A key event in the international contemporary art scene, the Dubai fair has always held special interest for Piaget. This part of the world has been close to the Piaget family’s hearts since the 1960s. “Taking part in the 17th edition of Art Dubai in 2024, during Piaget’s grand celebration of its 150th anniversary, was an undeniable and natural choice for us,” explained Benjamin Comar, Piaget CEO.
It is a space for creative fusion, celebrating long-standing icons as well as their contemporary reinterpretations, all linked by a common thread: the wonders of goldwork. Gold is the noblest of materials. Endlessly alluring, it is melted, mastered, and painstakingly carved and engraved by the craftspeople of the ‘Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire’, who work in secrecy in Piaget’s Genevan workshops. Under their expert eyes and skilful hands, unique pieces come to life in a precious blend of High Watchmaking and High Jewellery.
“We are delighted to welcome Piaget to Art Dubai as our high jewellery and watch partner — an iconic brand that shares our vision for art, artistry, and excellence,” stated Benedetta Ghione, Art Dubai’s Executive Director.
In one corner, a Swinging Sautoir necklace is crafted to give its wearer a new way of reading the time. Elsewhere, Limelight Gala watches are bestowed with the Maison’s couture charm, and cuffs are created by combining textured effects with the colours of ornamental stones. The virtuosity at work in the watchmaking ateliers is just as remarkable, highlighting the art of making Piaget’s ultra-thin timepieces, from the very first versions to the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin models recently released by the Manufacture.
The culmination of Piaget’s ‘House of Gold’ expertise will be the presentation of a truly iconic timepiece, fully sculpted from the most precious of metals to form a rare piece of artistry, both a fine bracelet and a watch: the Piaget Polo 79. The legendary watch will be unveiled at Art Dubai, setting the tone for the 150th anniversary celebrations ahead of the unmissable ‘Watches and Wonders’ 2024 event.
This spirit lives on today with two creative collaborations that will be unveiled at the 17th edition of Art Dubai. Firstly, a limited edition of Piaget’s Limelight Gala watch will appear, reinvented by designer Shamsa Alabbar. The piece is a hypnotic reinterpretation of typography and Arabic graphic design conveyed through the sweeping curves of the iconic jewellery watch.
Secondly, Piaget will give carte blanche to the artist Razan Alazzouni, who has already taken part in a duet with Piaget to reinterpret the Possession jewellery collection. This time, she will take inspiration from another version of the Limelight Gala, made of gold with a marquetry of ornamental stones. The result? Perfect harmony, springing from an unexpected meeting of minds from two different cultures, a meeting of different times and worlds, naturally feeding into each other and writing a new chapter in Piaget’s history of Extralegenza.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Limelight Gala by Razan Alazzouni
- Reference: GALA G0A49188
- Calibre Name: 501P1, Manufacture self-winding mechanical movement, H, Mn
- Dial: Marquetry dial with baguette-cut emeralds, chrysoprase, and three different hand-setting techniques (openwork setting, grain setting, rail-setting)
- Case: 18K Pink gold case set with 42 diamonds (4.74 cts)
- Diameter: 32 mm
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Water resistance: 3ATM
- Bracelet: 18K Pink gold decor palace bracelet, scale clasp
Limelight Gala by Shamsa Alabbar
- Reference: GALA G0A49215
- Limited edition of 20 pieces
- Calibre Name: 690P1, Manufacture Quartz movement, H, Mn
- Case: 18K Pink gold case set with 62 diamonds (1.65 cts)
- Diameter: 32 mm
- Thickness: 7.4 mm
- Water resistance: 3ATM
- Bracelet: 18K Pink gold milanese bracelet, integrated sliding clasp (1 dia)