Piaget

MTF
[PuristS]
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Strictly speaking it should be 'Tribute to Piazza San Marco'

PIAGET has some connection with the Piazza San Marco clocktower in Venice.  The city name is more recognisable than the name - 'Piazza San Marco Clocktower'; I used some poetic licence.

The wonderful clocktower in Piazza San Marco, commissioned by the Doge Agostino Barbarigo in 1493 and constructed by Giampaolo Rainieri and his son, Giancarlo, is still recognised as an incredible feat of mechanical precision and one of the most impressive sights of Venice. Upon the completion of the clocktower, on 1 February 1499, the two master mechanics, who spent six years designing and constructing their masterpiece, became its custodians, beginning a tradition which was to last for five centuries whereby the custodians lived with their families in the actual clock tower.

The clock works have been re-designed and restored through the ages, and the basic mechanism modified at several points. The most recent restoration, by Swiss clock-makers PIAGET, was finished in 1999, and the clock now functions perfectly. It indicates the time, moon phase, reigning sign of the Zodiac and was used by sailors to decide the most favourable tidal times for setting out at sea. In 1858 the clocktower was declared the official time standard of Venice, and other clocks were adjusted to it.

The clock stands over one of the main entrances to Piazza San Marco, so from underneath it you see the Doge's Palace on your left and another clocktower, as well as the Lion on the pedestal, straight ahead. The facade of the clocktower contains the three symbols of powers that govern Venice  --  the civic authority, symbolised by the Lion of San Marco, the Christian faith, symbolised by the Three Wise Men paying homage to Jesus, and the knowledge of science and mechanics, symbolised by the clockworks.

An urban myth propogated is that the Council of Venice rewarded the clock-makers with great generosity, but also had their eyes torn from their heads so that they could never repeat a similar masterpiece. This seems not to be based in fact because how could they watch the clock as custodians afterwards?

Regards,

MTF

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