Besides the unique Polo Tourbillon Relatif Dragon (Ref. G0A36545) timepiece and a slim Altiplano Tourbillon Dragon fob watch, Piaget has also presented a dragon-themed version of its gorgeous Emperador collection. The Emperador Dragon (Ref. G0A36570) sports two esoteric symbols on its glossy black dial that will guarantee an owner of this piece wealth, luck, and prosperity during the whole year 2012. Or so it seems.
Featuring the same elegantly shaped body as the rest of the Emperador series, the Emperador Dragon has its case crafted from 18-karat rose gold. As one might have expected, its blackened dial is decorated with a finely executed Chinese dragon design, which is adorned with 85 brilliant-cut diamonds that together tip the scales at 0.09 carats.
The traditional dragon, which is a symbol of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture, is formed in the shape of figure “8”: an extremely lucky number for the Chinese people.
Measuring 46 millimeters in length and 36 millimeters in width, the body of the watch is a bit too large for my taste. However, the oversized case also has a clear advantage, since it provides just enough real estate for the “dragon” to be easily seen in all of its glory.
This new watch is powered by their tried and true Piaget 534P automatic movement. Almost 25 millimeters in diameter, this coin-sized caliber, which is equipped not with a fancy micro-rotor, but sports a more traditional centrally positioned oscillating weight, is just 3.50 millimeters high!
Thanks to the relatively small diameter of the caliber, Piaget traditionally uses the mechanism to power timekeepers designed for ladies -those mostly limited to the Altiplano collection, but there is an oversized Polo 40mm watch, too-, but, as you can see, it looks quite at home when you need to animate something of a more masculine appearance that features non-standard proportions.
Frankly, I think I would prefer a dedicated rectangular caliber that would be able to fully fill the volume of the case and give more real estate to Piaget’s engravers to work with, but then, I suppose, the watch would also cost significantly more although they would probably be able to ditch the solid case back cover with its vertical brushing decor.
Although the solid case back of the watch doesn’t allow us to admire this beautifully executed movement, you may find your own quantum of solace knowing that it is still expertly decorated with circular Cotes de Geneve pattern on its oscillating weight and bridges, while the plate is circular-grained.
The price is still unknown, but I am positively sure that the watch is going to be quite expensive. Something close to $20,000, I would assume.
See also: Piaget Limelight Dancing Light in Rose Gold
WWR Verdict
Originality 5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 3.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Piaget
Piaget Emperador Dragon Automatic G0A36570 specification
Movement: Automatic, Caliber Piaget 534P, in-house, 24.60 mm x 3.50 mm, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 25
Movement frequency: 21,600 vph
Movement decoration: Circular Cotes de Geneve, circular-grained plate, beveled bridges, blued screws on bridges
Functions: Hours, minutes
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case: 18-karat Rose gold
Shape: Rectangular
Dimensions: 46.00 mm x 36.00 mm
Dial: Black, with engraved Chinese dragon
Hands: Dauphine-shaped, rose gold
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Grey alligator leather strap with 18-karat rose gold pin buckle
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid, engraved with Chinese “dragon” hieroglyph