Piaget Gouverneur Automatic - Less is More

Sep 22, 2012,04:09 AM
 

Most would agree, a simple design is actually complicated to conceptualise and produce.  Even more challenging is simplicity with a twist and yet exude elegance and balance.

The new Piaget Gouverneur is one of such design.  This design-collection consists of 3 models : automatic time-only, chronograph and tourbillon.

Have been staring at the pictures of this minimalist work for a while, and it is still very attractive and ... always refreshing.  Perhaps it is sort of sacred geometry at work
.

The Piaget Gouverneur Automatic from the Black Tie collection ...




Straight on direct view of the Gouverneur ... the eyes could detect something out of the ordinary... a round watch...
No!

It makes you take a second, slower look ... to find out more ...



Different perspective when viewed at different angle ...



Jean-Claude Gueit (left) in a design discussion ...


Initially mentioned, the design is by two generations of the watch-designers... to be exact is by a father and son team!

They are the renowned Jean-Claude Gueit  and his son, Emmaneul Gueit.

A brief introduction to both gentlemen ... Before Jean-Claude Gueit's Piaget days, he was the designer for the first Harry Winston watch back in 1989. After which he joined Piaget as the Head of Design and designed all the form models in the Black Tie collection.
Though Emmaneul Gueit  designed the dials of Gouverneur,  his track record is pretty remarkable.  Seemed to started work in Fossil, and eventually moved to Audemars Piguet and created the popular Royal Oak Offshore.  Subsequently also engaged to design the Project Z1 for Harry Winston.

It is interesting to have two generations of designers  to synthesize this new form of  Piaget Gouverneur.






As some of us prefer time-only pieces to be without date, this piece of  Pink Gold Piaget Gouverneur Automatic (Ref. G0A37110), could be an exception.

I dislike date, because firstly the cut-out always destroyed the dial-design harmony and of course I could only read it by extending my wrist faraway or with a reading-glass :-(

However, the legibility of the Gouverneur date is acceptable to eyes, and  the date-window does not disturb the dial-layout.  The "Swiss Made" marking should be masked off .

The Gouverneur, looks like an eye ... but not Eye of Sauron, please  smile

Or would the shape has some inspiration from the Oval Office?




Beautifully polished with alternate satin-brush finishing.

Signed Piaget crown.

Dial is sort of two tones ...the sunburst guilloché oval  hour-chapter-ring reflects light, giving it a lighter shade as compare round minute-ring.



18K pink gold hour-markers




Exceptional clarity through the coated sapphire crystal at any angle ...



18K Pink Gold Case, diameter is 43mm.


Sapphire pink gold case-back.  (Protective film was not removed for above pic).



Movement is the 4mm slim Calibre 800P, beating at 21,600 VPH and with double barrel providing an approximate  85 hours of power reserve.
Finishing is Circular Cotes de Genève, whereas mainplate is perlage.  Bridges were bevelled  and secured with blued screws.

Piaget coat of arms engraved on the pink gold toned rotor.



18K pink gold pin buckle  matched with brown alligator leather strap.







Next is the second variation Gouverneur Automatic (Ref. G0A37111)  - Diamond set White Gold.

18K white gold case set with 128 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.4 cts)



18K white gold case set with 128 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.4 cts)


Diamonds of various sizes were pave set at different section of the bezel.
Superior setting, which could pass the "stocking test".



A good side-view ... solid gold crown is also alternate brush-satin finish!


Brush-finish on the sides of the case  (as the pink gold version) ... protected by film to ensure customers received the watch scratch-free.


Same movement as the pink gold piece, just that rotor is blackened.


Matching black leather strap with a white gold pin buckle.





Several Wristshots ...


Though at 43mm, it does not wear big on my small wrist... sat quite nicely.


Perhaps the lugs could design to drop more or faster....







I like the form of the Piaget Gouverneur.  The case form is distinctive (seemed to be patented) and understated, possibly a shot to be iconic. To me, it is suitable for both formal and casual occasions.

As it is designed by two generations, the Gouverneur form, is likely to be evergreen and timeless, which to be enjoyed now and still could be handed to next generations.


Kong


 This message has been edited by dxboon on 2012-09-22 11:37:29

 

This message has been edited by MTF on 2012-09-29 10:08:36


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The Gouverneur is a very nice watch thanks to its case

 
 By: foversta : September 22nd, 2012-12:54
Is it round or oval? Who knows at the end because it gives so many different feelings. Even if the movement was a bit lost in the case, the designers made a great job also on the dial. I enjoyed to wear it: Thanks a lot Kong for the great post! Fx ...  

I was wrong: Piaget Gouverneur mystery solved

 
 By: MTF : September 23rd, 2012-10:24
In a previous reply to original post, I said the Piaget Gouverneur is oval with round edges. From your photo, I have to change this to round with oval edges! :-) Regards, MTF

Elegant!

 
 By: KIH : September 22nd, 2012-16:31
Simply elegant to wear for dressy occasions, including of course, business attires. Hope to own one of these for the purpose one day. Thanks for the report, Kong! Ken

I still have not figured out if Piaget Gouverneur

 
 By: MTF : September 23rd, 2012-10:21
is round or oval?!? :-) Let's settle for oval with round edges. Regards, MTF

Delightful photos, Kong!

 
 By: dxboon : September 23rd, 2012-11:41
Thanks! You know, I normally prefer white metal watches to colored ones, but your photos make the RG Gouverneur very, very attractive! I love the case shape on this watch as well as the dial. It's an engaging timepiece. Thanks for the report! Cheers, Daos...