Lot 81
  • 81

Piaget

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description

  • A LADY'S UNUSUAL 18K YELLOW GOLD AND LAPIS LAZULI CUFF WATCHCIRCA 1970 'ESCLAVE'
  • interior length 165 mm
• manual wind movement, 18 jewels • lapis lazuli dial • case back secured by two screws • bracelet composed of interlocking ovals with bark finish • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Condition

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The watch is accompanied by an ETA quartz movement as well, whch may have been provided at some point during service. The dial shows no visible imperfections. The case back is numbered 9861 and 141807. The bark finish makes it difficult to see any wear at all to the bracelet, though there are some light scuffs to the reverse that indicate some light wear. The watch is further accompanied by one extra link that is cut. It is possible that a jeweler could reattach it in some fashion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

As the Swiss watchmaking world was being upended by the newly developed quartz movements in the early 1970s, a good deal of energy was being devoted to the creation of ultra-thin watches, a technical marvel that have of late fallen flat in their aesthetic appeal. By contrast, Piaget's cutting-edge jewelry pieces from this time period stand out as some of the most timelessly chic from the era.

The 'Esclave' cuff watches, made under the direction of Jean-Claude Gueit in the early 1970s, make use of a variety of gems and stones in creative forms specifically intended to accomodate the curviture of the arm. Unlike a perfectly symmetrical cuff, the present example is slightly wider at the bottom so that it fits comfortably. It also features a vertically-set dial, so the time is easily read when the arm is outstretched.

For further reading and illustrations of similar watches, see Cologni, F., Negretti, G. & Nencini, F., Piaget: Watches and Wonders, pp. 130-140.