Founded in 1874 by a young 19-year-old in the village of La Côte-aux-Fées, Piaget was originally nothing but a means for Georges Piaget to earn some extra money as he worked on movements and watches during the winter. After decades of producing watches for other brands, it was not until 1943 that the watchmaker would begin to sign their own watches and develop as the famed watchmaker that they are today. From then on, Piaget began to experiment with ultra-thin watches and push both horological and design boundaries, which eventually led to the brand expanding into jewelry in 1959, perhaps the brand’s best-known avenue today. With their impeccable craftsmanship, audacious style, and dedication to the spectacular, Piaget’s timepieces and jewelry began to coalesce, resulting in timepieces much like the ref. 9003 that we have here. Measuring 31mm in diameter with a classical round shape, the ref. 9003’s 18kt white gold case is a wonderfully traditional piece watch design. Featuring a simple case with a small set of small lugs, the ref. 9003 wears with an exquisite stance on the wrist as its thin silhouette hugs the wrist. However, while the ref. 9731’s case is classical, this example’s blue stone dial is what truly sets it apart. Made of lapis lazuli it is a stunning shade of electric blue, with black specks throughout. Famed for championing the use of stone dials in watches since the 1960s with their Style Selector program where clients could pick from a variety of dials, bracelet options, case finishes, materials and more, these stone dial Piaget offerings have become increasingly sought-after and this lapis lazuli dial ref. 9003 is perhaps one of the most beautiful we have seen in a long time.

Unique through its beautiful lapis lazuli dial and yet traditional thanks to its simple 31.5mm 18kt white gold construction, this timepiece showcases Piaget's various strengths as a watchmaker.