The new Limelight Gala was inspired by the iconic model created in 1973 when the brand’s famous Piaget Society was in full swing. Celebrities, artists, clients, and friends of the Maison would get together for the most fabulous parties. Frequent guests included names like Salvador Dali, Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Cary Grant and Sami Davis Jr.
Today, Piaget’s Limelight Gala is inspired by that elegant spirit of the 1960s. With its sensual curves, cambered case and asymmetrical lugs that extend from each side of the case onto the bracelet, the modern interpretation recalls the original design. Almost 60 years on and the Piaget Limelight Gala is more than a wristwatch; it is an icon that has become a symbol of elegance and femininity.
The art of gold
Shimmering in the light, this Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Sapphire Gradient embodies the signature design of the Limelight Gala collection. It features a hand-engraved gold bracelet and dial that are highlighted by 20 large diamonds (approx. 1.46 cts) and 22 blue sapphires (approx. 4.01 cts) set in a gradient of blue.
This rare traditional craft of hand-made bracelets started in the 1960s and became hugely popular. Mainly inspired by nature, Piaget has used over a hundred life-like motifs to craft its hand-made gold bracelets.
When it comes to the process, the artisan starts with hundreds of gold links, which are then tightly assembled. The next step is the soldering of the countless miniature links that will result in a bracelet of remarkable suppleness.
Furthermore, the white gold bracelet of this new timepiece has been created in this fashion. It was then hand-engraved in the Palace Décor style, which requires eight hours of work. Only a few artisans, who work in Piaget’s “Workshop of Extraordinary Creations”, have the expertise to hand-engrave this pattern.
In addition, the dial is also made of white gold and is engraved using the same Palace Décor technique. It takes two hours to complete and it is always carried out by the same engraver who decorates the bracelet. To let the Décor shine through, the dial is covered in translucent blue enamel. It is oven-fired multiple times at a temperature over 800°C, giving this technique the name of “Grand Feu” Enamel.
Finding the gemstones involved sampling through large quantities to ensure the perfect colour match. To magnify the brilliance of the stones, Piaget’s gem-setters have set the gemstones by hand, using the Serti Descendu technique.
This timepiece is unique and is a numbered edition. There is also a similar version with a mother-of-pearl dial and a dark-blue alligator strap, limited to 88 pieces.
The art of light
For over 140 years, Piaget has been creating high-jewellery masterpieces by combining precious metals with flawless gemstones and innovative design.
A new rose gold version uses the Serti Descendu technique to set the 57 diamonds (approx. 4.80 cts). It is available with a burgundy-coloured strap and a delicate mother-of-pearl.
Three new Haute-Joaillerie Limelight Gala timepieces join the collection this year with stunning oval dials paved with snow-set diamonds. They also feature a mesmerising setting of marquise-cut gemstones on the bezel, lugs and bracelet. Legend has it that France’s King Louis XV once asked to cut a diamond in honour of the smile of Marquise de Pompadour. This unique cut became a signature for Piaget.
The three new High Jewellery timepieces come in a 28 by 23mm case. One model adorned with a fully-paved bracelet set with 364 brilliant- and marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 12.42 cts); a second one set with both diamonds and blue sapphires; and the third one is set with 237 diamonds and fitted with an elegant blue satin strap.
The art of colour
In addition to the above, there are three new aventurine glass models that join the Limelight Gala collection. Each dial is crafted from aventurine glass. Aventurine dates back to the XVII century with some of the first records coming from Murano, Venice. The town is famous for its glass making. The process consists of adding copper oxide to glass to give it a mesmerising twinkle that mirrors the starry night sky.
There are two Limelight Gala Aventurine Glass Dial: a 32mm case adorned with 63 diamonds (approx. 1.76 ct) and a smaller 26mm case version with 57 diamonds (approx. 0.87 ct), both limited to 300 pieces each.
The third Limelight Gala Precious Aventurine Glass Dial model is set with 57 diamonds (approx. 4.80 cts) using the Serti Descendu technique and limited to 200 pieces.
Piaget Limelight Gala High Jewellery Black Opal
Finally, this stunning one-of-a-kind high-jewellery timepiece features a dial fitted with a rare and precious black opal. Black opals reflect a myriad of bright colours when they catch the light, including yellow, green, blue, orange and red. The colours depend on the structure of the stone, and also the angle and brightness of the light.
Black opals are only found in Australia and Ethiopia, making them particularly rare. Australian black opals were first found in the 19th century, where Ethiopian stones were only discovered around 15 years ago.
The Limelight Gala High Jewellery Black Opal highlights its black opal with the addition of 86 brilliant-cut blue sapphires (approx. 5.51 cts) and a colourful array of marquise-cut coloured gemstones that start with 58 sapphires (approx. 6.23 cts). First yellow followed by orange and 14 pink rubies (approx. 1.41 cts) in a progressive gradient.
Technical specifications
Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Sapphire Gradient
Case: 32 mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel set with 20 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.46 cts) and a fade of 22 brilliant-cut blue sapphires (approx. 4.01 cts) with openwork technique; 18K white gold dial engraved with Palace Décor and covered in blue enamel
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (690P)
Functions: hours and minutes
Bracelet: 18K white gold engraved with Palace Décor and with integrated scale clasp
Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Sapphire Gradient
Case: 32 mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel set with 20 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.46 cts) and a fade of 22 brilliant-cut blue sapphires (approx. 4.01 cts) with openwork technique; white mother-of-pearl dial
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (690P)
Functions: hours and minutes
Bracelet: dark blue shiny alligator strap with an 18K white gold ardillon buckle set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.06 ct)
Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Rose Gold
Case: 32 mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel set with 42 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 4.74 cts) with openwork technique; white mother-of-pearl dial
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (690P)
Functions: hours and minutes
Bracelet: burgundy shiny alligator strap with an 18K rose gold ardillon buckle set with 15brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.06 ct)
Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Aventurine Glass
Case: 32 mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel set with 42 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 4.74 cts) with openwork technique; aventurine glass dial
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (690P)
Functions: hours and minutes
Bracelet: dark blue shiny alligator strap with an 18K white gold ardillon buckle set with 15brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.06 ct)
Piaget Limelight Gala Aventurine Glass
Case: 32 mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.75 cts); aventurine glass dial
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (690P)
Functions: hours and minutes
Bracelet: dark blue shiny alligator strap with an 18K white gold ardillon buckle set with 1brilliant-cut diamond (approx. 0.01 ct)
Piaget Limelight Gala Aventurine Glass
Case: 26 mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.92 ct); aventurine glass dial
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (59P)
Functions: hours and minutes
Bracelet: dark blue shiny alligator strap with an 18K white gold ardillon buckle set with 1brilliant-cut diamond (approx. 0.01 ct)
Limelight Gala High-Jewellery
Case: diameter 23x28mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel and lugs set with 32 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 4.00 cts)
Dial: paved with 190 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.70 cts) using the snow-set technique
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (56P)
Functions: hours and minutes
Bracelet: dark satin strap with ardillon buckle set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx.0.06 ct)
Limelight Gala High-Jewellery
Case: diameter 23x28mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel and lugs set one row of 83 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 6.40cts) and one row of 91 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 5.28 cts)
Dial: paved with 190 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.72 cts) using the snow-set technique
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (56P)
Functions: hours and minutes
Limelight Gala High-Jewellery Black Opale
Case: diameter 23x28mm, watch in 18K white gold, bezel and lugs set with two rows of gem. The first one is set with 58 yellow to orange marquise-cut sapphires (approx. 6.23 cts) and 14 marquise-cut rubies (approx. 1.41 cts). The second row is set with 86 brilliant-cut sapphires (approx. 5.51 cts)
Dial: black opal from Australia
Movement: Piaget manufacture quartz (56P)
Functions: hours and minutes
For more watchmaking novelties, click here.
For more novelties from Watches & Wonders, click here.