takman
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Piaget: An Eye Opening Experience
Hello everyone!
First, I suppose I should introduce myself as I have been a long time lurker on these forums but sadly have not been able to contribute much myself, until now! My name is Chris, I am 22 years old, I live near Vancouver, and I caught the watch "bug" about 2 years ago.
But where are my manners? I must also firstly thank Piaget for providing the opportunity for this wonderful trip. I would also like to thank the PuristsPro forum and all my fellow purists for making this place what it is.
I hope you will find my report interesting and the photos not too terrible because my skills are elementary compared to many of the amazing photographers on this forum.
Piaget was kind enough to take me on a two day tour of their manufacture. I was shown the "two hearts" of Piaget, one located in the city of Geneva and the other in La Côte-aux-Fées which is in the Jura Mountains. The factory in the city houses the design department, where designers, marketers, and engineers have to collaborate to design and conceive a feasible watch which is suitable for production. Also in this factory is where all the polishing/gem setting of cases, bracelets, and buckles takes place. The marketing department is also located here, and they were kind enough to show us some interesting watches.
La Côte-aux-Fées houses most of the watch makers at Piaget and that is where I was taken on the second day of the tour. Here we were shown the various tools that are used, several techniques in finishing the movements, and the master watch makers in the high complications department.
So without further adieu, let's get to some photos.
When you first enter the factory there is a table with many movements and you can slide the magnifier to get a closer look.
Here is a machine that shapes the rods of gold into a size that can be worked with.
The rods are fed through those grey 'tubes'.
Here is a poster showing the process of machining the case back.
Here are some unpolished case backs.
And here they are with a nice polish.
Unfinished on the left, ready for gem setting on the right.
This is a quality control machine, one specimen per hour is chosen at random to be tested.
A poster of how the bracelet in the Tradition line is constructed.
Here is a closer view, Piaget is the only company in Geneva still using this process of soldering the bracelet to the case.
A craftsman working on the bracelet.
A craftswoman with the bracelet and case.
Making sure it fits...
The protection for brushed/polished finish.
Some of the gems at Piaget, fair trade and ethically sourced gems are very important to Piaget which is good to know.
This is a magnification of an unfinished piece being worked on.
The very handsome craftsman doing his job.
He has to chisel bits of the gold out to create prongs which can be molded over the gems to hold them in place.
Some more gem encrusted cases...
Several more pieces.
Before you can enter the 'white room' you must wear a white coat and put your feet into this machine...
And voila, the bits of gold can be easily collected from the bottom of your shoes.
To get an idea of the full effect...
The year of the dragon.
In the marketing department we were shown one of the seven prototypes in the world.
I'm sure you have all seen nicer photos than mine, but can one get tired of seeing a piece like this?
A comparison to what I was wearing.
And the back of my Seiko.
The finish on this piece is really quite amazing.
And an even more serious piece.
And in rose gold.
A small family shot with an adopted brother.
Some loot to end the day with, I wore the tie the next day.
The building at La Côte-aux-Fées, about an hour and a half from the hotel in Geneva.
Here is a cabinet full of tools, all custom made by Piaget to suit Piaget's needs.
Taking these small screws and putting them into those small holes.
Very painstaking work.
The machine presses the screws down.
Here is some sticky tape which helps to catch any bits of gold that may get stuck to your shoes.
A machine adding a finishing touch.
Pieces at various stages of fabrication.
Here is a magnification of a piece for quality control.
A tracing of the piece is held up to show what it is supposed to look like.
A deviation of .002 is allowed, well done Piaget!
The process of anglage.
Coming along very nicely.
Another piece in this department.
Throughout the factory there is a lot of art work.
Some nice décor.
Another piece being worked on.
A little small...
A better look.
This is a tool which has been made specifically for that part by the micro-machinist at Piaget. The small block of gold is transformed into the hand characteristic of Piaget.
This is a machine that cleans the microscopic bits of metal that would otherwise harm the lubricants and the movement in the long run.
The pieces pass through and are hit with ultra sonic vibrations. Here is some of the debris collected at the bottom.
The pieces come out looking nice and shiny.
Some more art work, there is a lot all over the factory.
A plaque at the entrance of the factory which I forgot to photograph earlier.
Here is a very interesting bit of quality control that I don't think many other manufacturers take the time to do.
The pushers of the chronograph are being tested, and not only for the functioning of the mechanism, but also the 'feel' of the pusher.
The machine can sense if the pressure required to operate the pusher is correct, ensuring that the pushers are not overly 'rough' or 'stiff'.
An interesting comparison of my tie clip and a Piaget movement.
A master watch maker at work.
I am not sure of the correct terminology, but this is the 'carriage' of the tourbillon. It is very difficult for Piaget to balance their tourbillons because of the abnormal shape of the 'P', but they are able to with the use of counterbalances.
I believe this is a finished product.
For those of you who like bling...
An interesting story is behind this box of tools. All apprentice watch makers at Piaget must fabricate their own tools, just like the ones in this box. They must not only create the tools but they have to create the box as well.
Some more art, as I said there are many cool paintings here for watch lovers.
What a wonderful way to end the day at the factory. It was very delicious.
The quaint dining room.
So there it is, I hope you enjoyed my little photoshoot. This was my first visit to a factory, so I can't compare Piaget to other companies but I will say that I was very impressed. I gained a new appreciation and understanding of Piaget after this visit, and I must say that I respect them much more as a watch manufacture. Piaget, as I hope I have been able to show you, is much more than a jewelry maker and deserves much more respect for their watch making endeavours, in my opinion.
Once again, thank you Piaget and thank you PuristsPro!
Look out for Oliver's report to fill in any gaps in mine, and to provide a more expert point of view.
Best regards,
Chris
Piaget: An Eye Opening Experience
Hello everyone! First, I suppose I should introduce myself as I have been a long time lurker on these forums but sadly have not been able to contribute much myself, until now! My name is Chris, I am 22 years old, I live near Vancouver, and I caught the wa...
Thanks a lot Chris for this wonderful report!
I feel that you really enjoyed your journey and you managed to capture the skills of the Piaget Manufacture which were also highlighted by the 2012 collection. Thanks a lot for your report, thanks to Oliver and thanks of course to Piaget for having organi...
You're welcome...
I had a lot of fun in Geneva, I'm glad you enjoyed my report. Chris
Wow that is one great report
I guess the next generation of watch lovers is assured. Thanks for taking us on this great trip. Bill
HQ post. Fantastic tour.
I've enjoyed it a lot. The skeleton ultra thin kills me, what a nice watch. Thanks for sharing. Vte
Great write-up, Chris! :-)
It looks like you had fun (I hope so!)! I loved your photos. They really capture all the great techniques on display at Piaget, and the care they take in crafting their timepieces. Piaget has always been the watchmaker's watchmaker, but your report shows ...
Lots of fun
It was a great experience and I learned alot about Piaget. Until now I had only heard of JLC being the watchmaker's watchmaker, but now I know better (not to detract from JLC, of course). Chris
You lucky lucky ....
Purist. Great report I really enjoyed reading it. I'm so not anvy any more and glad that you got the prize (tongue firmly still in cheek) Looking forward your next post wich must come soon Best Damjan
If only...
There could have been more than one winner. I am afraid it will be hard to match this post... I will try to become more active though, thanks for reading. Chris
The pleasure is different and new
through new eyes, takman. I haver been to a number of 'factories' and to both Piaget Manufactures many times but your 'fresh' report brings new feelings to me. Thank you....and also to Piaget for organising the contest and prize. You have many decades lef...
You're welcome
It's great to know that I was able to show you something new and fresh. Hopefully the infection doesn't spread too too fast... For some reason it seems the first time I responded, my response did not post. Anways, hope you have a good weekend. Chris
For me as well! ;-)
At least in the indirect way through your report! Thanks a lot, Chris, for the effort you undertook to let us participate in your Piaget experience! Well done. And I give kudos to your decision to end the lurking status and to take an active part on this ...
Nice one!
The Seiko Spirit line has some really nice looking watches, that's for sure. You are very welcome, it was my pleasure to relay my journey to everyone and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Chris
Good post chris ...
Good post Chris, Piaget are making some great watches, this bug could get costly ! Keep it up Cronolust
Congrats Chris, this is ...
a very well written/illustrated report. You already learnt a lot from lurking/listening only The winner of our Piaget competition, Chris aka Takman, next to Philippe Léopold-Metzger, Piaget CEO: Chris, it was a pleasure to accompany you and I hope to read...
Thank you, Oliver
I had a lot of fun, especially afterwards at the Mad Art gallery. She does have a good eye, eh? I was pleasantly surprised when the guys at Piaget said it was a real movement. Chris
Thank you for this thorough pictorial report
Kudos to Piaget for allowing you to photograph their factory. It opens doors to a wide audience around the globe with many potential customers. And, thanks to you for taking the time to post and share your experience with forum readers. Best regards, Jack...
Caribou!
That is a superb post, Chris. A visit in a manufacture is always an intense moment, for us, watch nuts... It is like if you want to discover what is behind the curtain. And Piaget is no exception to the rule. Thanks for sharing these intense and superb mo...
Thank you, Nicolas
It was indeed an experience to remember and I thank Piaget for making it possible and their hospitality. Chris
Great report Chris and looks like you had a memorable experience!
One quick question - if funds were not an issue, which Piaget would you want to get as your 1st Piaget watch? Cheers, Anthony
A lifetime experience, for sure
It will be a great story to tell when I finally do purchase a Piaget. As for your question... Well I was quite impressed by the Altiplano Ultra-Thin Skeleton, but I think that answer would be too easy... If funds were not an issue then I think I would hav...
Nothing is wrong with simple taste ...
and most people need a long time to understand that Skeletons like the new one from Piaget should come with a warning: You have to be older than 21 years. You will see the naked truth. You could be seriously addicted. It could affect ... Oliver...
Cool photo
I neither smoke nor own a skeleton watch..... but the latter will change someday Chris...
I think I would want to get a Piaget Emperador Coussin Large Moon
as my first Piaget. I hope Piaget comes out with a "sporty" colored version of this moon watch in a white metal, preferably stainless steel! Cheers, Anthony...
Stainless steel...
Was not regarded by one of people at Piaget as being part of their DNA. He acknowledged they use titanium... but it seems precious metals are more dear to Piaget. But who knows! Chris
Excellent, great report Chris!
I am so happy you were able to make this special trip.
Great report!
Congratulations again, Chris, and thanks for taking us along on the tours. It’s wonderful to see behind the scenes and it gives you a great appreciation as to what goes into the watches, and what makes each manufacture special. I liked the QC area and the...
Many thanks Andrew
It was my pleasure to prepare this report for you all and I am so happy that so many of you enjoyed it. Indeed, going behind the scenes really did give me a higher appreciation for what goes into this wonderful hobby of ours. It especially showed me a sid...
