Why This Watch Matters

The Beta 21 is a major movement in watchmaking history, and Piaget spared no expense to make sure that its quartz watches were no less exceptional than its mechanical ones.

The Full Story

The launch of the Beta 21 was the culmination of years of research into making a quartz movement; no fewer than 20 of the best Swiss manufacturers were involved, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, IWC, and Piaget. Each had the rights to offer the very first Swiss quartz movement as soon as it was released, and those watches immediately became the most exclusive you could get back in the early 1970s. Because of the sheer size of the Beta 21 (although each component was skillfully miniaturized), the cases had to show substantial dimensions, which Piaget chose to embrace with stepped cases in solid gold. Of those, the horizontal reference 14501 is considerably rarer than the vertical reference 14101, both requiring small modifications to the Beta 21 in order to not show a date window and seconds hand. In short, this watch is a milestone in the history of Swiss watchmaking, and of Piaget, which to this day remains one of the most skilled manufacturers of high-end quartz calibers. And the fact that this watch comes with signed strap, signed buckle, and its original papers does not hurt at all.

The Fine Print

Maker: Piaget
Model: Beta 21
Reference: 14501
Year: 1970s
Case No: 227618
Material: 18k white gold
Dimensions: 45mm length, 39mm height; 10mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire
Lume: N/A
Caliber: Quartz caliber Beta 21, internal XP4 denomination at Piaget
Bracelet/Strap: Piaget-signed black leather strap, with Piaget-signed white-gold buckle
Lug Width: 22mm
Box/Papers: With original papers and traveling pouch

What we Love and What You Should Know

Piaget owns a similar example in its Museum, and we dare say that this one is at least as worthy to be there - and not only because it comes with the original papers, and what is likely the original strap. Indeed, the white-gold case still presents marked steps and deep engravings on the caseback, indicating that it was likely never polished before. The dial does not show any imperfections, with clean painted Roman numerals in the style of the dressy watches that Cartier previously commissioned from Piaget. The blued hands show some light aging, and the unsigned crown appears to be correct for this reference, as it can be found on several other reference 14501. The Beta 21 caliber works without any issue, and the lack of hacking seconds hand and date window enhances the clean design. This example shows that Piaget embraced modernism while retaining strong principles about elegance in design.