Piaget is ready to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with their new “Dragon & Phoenix” collection, which will include over 20 pieces. While Piaget already has a collection of Dancer Zodiac watches, with one dedicated to each sign of the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Dragon is worthy of its own collection.
The twelve signs in the Chinese Zodiac are represented by animals, but only the dragon is legendary. The dragon has historically symbolized the Emperor, representing power, strength and nobility. It is also considered the luckiest of the 12-year Zodiac cycle. In Chinese culture, the Phoenix has symbolized the Empress, representing grace, virtue and prosperity. With this, Piaget has Dragon-themed pieces for the men and Phoenix-themed pieces for the ladies.
With the luck of the dragon bringing positivity and confidence to the Chinese culture, a dedicated collection of luxury watches is sure to be well received. And with the luxury market booming in China, the Year of the Dragon is sure to see even stronger growth and give Piaget very little trouble in finding eager owners for their “Dragon and Phoenix” collection. Below are just a few samples of the collection, which spans over 20 pieces. And make sure to check out the great video by Piaget at the end.
Dragon & Phoenix Altiplano Watches – Silvered Dials
Piaget has made several intricate variations of of there ultra-thin Altiplano model (only 5.25mm thick) as part of their Dragon & Phoenix Collection. This first shown here is the 38mm Dragon for men and 34mm Phoenix for women, featuring the motif of each mythical creature on a classic silvered dial. They are offered in 18 carat pink or white gold cases, with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds fitting around the bezel of the 38mm size.
Dragon & Phoenix Altiplano Watches – Enamel Dials
This Altiplano variation comes in a 38mm case for both Dragon and Phoenix, again in pink or white gold with a diamond bezel. This versions impressive enameling is hand completed by Anita Porchet, famed for her enamel work with luxury Swiss watches. Note on the closeup shots, the gold wire used outline the Dragon and Phoenix. Each metal for both men and women are limited to 38 pieces each.
Dragon & Phoenix Altiplano “Double Jeu”
This Altiplano model names comes from having two cases. The outer case features a 3D dragon or phoenix, hand carved out of white gold and embedded in the sapphire glass. The outer case can be opened, to reveal the full clean silvered dial. The Dragon model is set with 38 brilliant-cut diamonds, with two red rubies for the eyes and a peal gripped in the dragon’s claw.
The feminine Phoenix model shines with 60 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel and 500 brilliant-cut diamonds around the case. The Phoenix is set with 355 brilliant-cut diamonds, with two blue sapphires for the eyes. The Dragon and Phoenix models are limited to 8 pieces each, both in 43mm white gold cases. Despite the double case, this watch is only 12mm thick.
Phoenix Limelight Twice
This ladies only watch features a reversible case, which tells the time on both sides. And since it uses different movements, it can also be used for two time zones. It comes in two versions, the second even more extravagant than the first. One version features one side with a silvered phoenix with a 52 brilliant-cut diamond bezel. The other side with a sunburst motif made of 226 brilliant-cut diamonds. It comes with two satin straps as well, one white and one black.
The even more extravagant version features a full diamond bracelet. The more low key side just shows the white gold side of the bracelet, with a silvered dial and diamond bezel. The other side shows off the full diamond bracelet with a diamond-set phoenix and bezel, for a total of 623 diamonds.
Emperador and Emperador XL
The mens only Emperador watch comes in 3 editions, pink gold, pink gold with diamonds, a white gold with diamonds. The Emperador XL is limited to 8 pink gold pieces and features a tourbillon. The toubillon is protected by a dragon in a figure-8 shape that’s set with 257 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Check out the video below for a great preview of the collection. And make sure to check out Piaget’s new $1.72 million Dragon High Jewelry Secret Watch.
Photos courtesy of Piaget.WatchProSite.com
For another great new collection for 2012, check out: Vacheron Constantin’s Malte Collection
I think these watches are all beautiful and intricately designed. The time and workmanship put into each piece is obvious and each design is very unique. Simply unique and outstanding!!