1969 - Piaget Tank Extra-Flat 'Clous de Paris' - New Old Stock - 18k Solid gold Case & Buckle - Ref. 9294
A very elegant and rare, unworn new old stock extra-flat 4mm Piaget
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
First of all, this dashing timepiece was never worn and remained in a collection for 55 years.
Then, the perfect harmony of the 'Clous de Paris' solid yellow gold case with the guilloché dial is stunning. The movement is the famous Piaget 9P1, a legend by itself.
The Piaget caliber 9P is an ultra thin (aka extra flat) handwound mechanical watch movement. Piaget, based in La Côte-aux-Fées, Switzerland at the time, introduced the 9P in 1957. Since that time, Piaget has been recognized by the watch industry for their ultra-thin movement innovations – with over 25 ultra-thin calibers produced by the brand. The 9P, at just 2mm tall it is as thick as a 1 Euro coin, which at the time was thin enough to garner world record breaking status for being the one of the thinnest mechanical movements. It perfectly exemplifies the attention Piaget accords to its finishes, with the vertical Côtes de Genève, the circular-grained mainplate, the beveled and hand-drawn bridges and the polished screws on the bridges.
THE STORY
1874
La Côte-aux-Fées is a small village in the Swiss Jura mountains located at over 1000 metres altitude. Winters, often harsh in the region, increase the isolation of this hamlet. This is where Georges-Édouard Piaget began laying the groundwork for what would later become an inimitable signature of fine watchmaking and jewellery.
THE PIAGET DYNASTY
In 1874, at the age of nineteen, Georges-Édouard Piaget set up his first workshop on the family farm where he devoted himself to the manufacture of components and high precision movements. His motto “Always do better than necessary” reflected both his ambition and an ideal of self-surpassing that would continue to permeate the company and contribute to its success. Its reputation began to radiate well beyond the pastures of La Côte-aux-Fées. Soon Piaget would be supplying components and movements to the most prestigious watch brands in Switzerland.
THE TRANSITION
In the twenties, it was under the leadership of Timothée Piaget, Georges-Édouard's son, that the company transformed from being a manufacturer of movements to become a creator of luxury pocket watches and wristwatches. This development would continue and even accelerate under the guidance of the third Piaget generation of Gérald and Valentin. In 1943, Piaget became a registered trademark. Two years later, a large new manufacturing facility was inaugurated in La Côte-aux-Fées to ensure the Maison’s growing activity.
THE REVOLUTION OF ULTRA-THIN
Going further than his predecessors in the field of ultra-thin, Valentin Piaget would make it a real signature of the brand. In 1957, the mechanical hand-wound 9P caliber created a sensation at the Basel Fair. In 1960, an ingenious micro-rotor concept enabled Piaget to launch the thinnest automatic movement in the world, the 12P. These movements allowed Piaget to establish itself as the brand of reference for elegant men’s watches.
THE AUDACITY OF STYLE
“Do what has never been done before” was Valentin Piaget’s directive to the Maison’s designers. The brand caused a sensation in 1963 by launching the first watches featuring dials made of ornamental stone. With cuff watches and pendant watches from the “21st Century Collection”, it would go even further. Over the years, Piaget has charmed many stylish personalities of great allure, including Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. Piaget creations have reached a level of inventiveness and execution that has become art. So, it was only natural that Piaget would form fruitful relationships with artists, beginning in 1967 with Salvador Dalí.
THE DATA
Maker: Piaget
Model: Tank Extra-Flat 'Clous de Paris'
Reference: 9294
Case N°: 1427XX
Movement N°: 72950XX
Year: 1969
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold case & Pinbuckle
Dimensions (WxHxT): 23x29x4mm
Caliber: Piaget 9P1
Bracelet/Strap: Brown alligator leather
Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
We particularly appreciate the new unworn condition of this wristwatch. The extra-flat (4mm !) 'Clous de Paris' solid yellow gold case with the guilloché dial gives an unbeatable exclusive touch. The alligator Piaget bracelet and the 18k yellow gold bucle are new aswell. This timepiece can be worn everyday and for more formal occasions.
