Piaget exudes its classic elegance with its exclusive Emperador Temple watch, which it released in spring of 2010 for $3.5 million.
This limited edition platinum watch is so rare that it is only available for purchase upon commission; clients must contact Piaget and be approved for the sale. Each watch that is commissioned varies according to the diamond placement, making each timepiece one of-a-kind.
Its “Temple” style ziggurat design opens out twice, which means that there are actually two watches combined in one. By pushing down on certain trigger points the “second” watch is unveiled. When one of the points is pressed, the first face lifts, revealing the second, more intricate face.
The “first” watch has a mother of pearl and diamond face. It opens up to a larger face with an exposed one-minute tourbillion and power reserve indicator.
Sprawled across the watch are several different cuts of diamonds, which make it look unique. Piaget uses different cuts of diamonds instead of colored stones, which allows the watch to appear interesting without looking monotonous or boring. In all, the luxurious watch is encrusted with over 1200 perfectly cut diamonds.
There are baguette-cut stones, which are the classic, geometric cut. This chic cut is used for smaller rectangular diamonds and is usually used to compliment other, larger diamonds, like in engagement rings. A more important player in this collector’s piece is the brilliant cut diamond whose shape resembles a cone. The brilliant cut provides “maximum light return through the top of the diamond,” ensuring exceptional shine and clarity. The largest diamond on the timepiece is the emerald cut which covers the first watch face.
[Piaget]
