Piaget Emperador "Bark dial" quartz ref. 7131C516 from 1980s

Piaget has always been celebrated for the decorative and artistic nature of its watchmaking, and the Emperador is perhaps one of the purest expressions of that philosophy. Positioned a step above the already prestigious Piaget Polo, the Emperador served as one of the manufacture’s most exclusive canvases with its texture being finished completely by hand, a platform for Piaget to showcase expertise. Throughout its history, the collection has been used to create some of Piaget’s most distinctive and elaborate pieces, often incorporating rare hardstone dials, intricate gem-setting, precious metals, and unusual decorative techniques. More than simply a watch, the Emperador represented Piaget at its most expressive, combining traditional watchmaking with the bold, jewelry-driven aesthetic that has long defined the brand. The brand's relatively young entry into the watch industry in 1940s allowed it the freedom to design timepieces without relying heavily on its historical background. This artistic liberty provided ample room for creative expression, Piaget's style reached its pinnacle during the 1970s when it established itself as a leader in creating elegant dress watches for both men and women. Unlike its competitors, Piaget never prioritized complications or precision, instead positioning itself as a jeweler that approached watchmaking as an art form, emphasizing the aesthetic aspect of timepieces. Even when Piaget pursued the development of ultra-thin movements, it was done with the sole purpose of enhancing the overall design. Brand: Piaget Year of Manufacture: 1980s Material: 18k yellow Gold Dial: solid gold bark finish. Movement: quartz Box/Papers: Watch Only Mechanical Operation Warranty: 6 Months Comments: Bracelet fits a 18.5cm wrist, never polished, mostly unworn. Watch comes from original owner family.