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Lot #2368

Piaget Opal Dial TV-Screen 9731 18k WG

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Introduction

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 “TV-Screen” ref. 9731 that we have here. Measuring 31mm in diameter with an interesting “TV-Screen” shape thanks to its rounded edges and soft corners, the ref. 9731’s 18kt white gold case is a wonderful piece of 1970s watch design. Featuring an intricate engraved texture on its surface and a set of small lugs, the ref. 9731 wears with an exquisite stance on the wrist as its 5mm thin silhouette hugs the wrist. However, while the ref. 9731’s case is unique, this example’s green and blue stone dial is what truly sets it apart. Made of opal, it is one of the rarest stone dials found in vintage Piaget timepieces. 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 opal dial ref. 9731 with its textured case is perhaps one of the most beautiful we have seen in a long time.

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Grade

V 8

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$3,000 – $5,000

The Details

Brand

Piaget

Dimensions

31mm x 29mm x 5mm

Model

TV-Screen

Movement

Manual-wind cal. 9P1

Reference

9731

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 1980s

Condition

Very good

Material

18kt white gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Blue and green (Opal)

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Made of opal, the semi-precious gemstone, this example's blue and green dial is perhaps the rarest dial variant to be found in vintage Piaget's timepieces, and also one of the most beautiful.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

Featuring an intricately engraved texture upon its surface, this example's construction sparkles just like its dial. Additionally, 18kt white gold examples of vintage timepieces are typically much rarer than their yellow sibling, as collectors often opted for yellow gold given that white gold came at a greater cost and was not immediately distinguishable from stainless steel. Combined with its dial and case finish, this is a rare watch indeed.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case is strong and caseback exhibits crisp engravings and hallmarks. The stone dial has notable cracks, visible going across the dial and vertically as seen in the images.

Our Perspective

A great reminder of how their Style Selector program enabled them to create beautiful timepieces that have stood the test of time, this Piaget ref. 9731 showcases how elegant design and incredible craftsmanship can combine to create a beautiful watch that is truly timeless.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder