Bulgari, established in 1884 by Sotirios Voulgaris in Rome, initially gained renown for its exquisite jewelry creations. The brand ventured into watchmaking in the early 20th century.
Piaget, founded in 1874 by Georges-Édouard Piaget in La Côte-aux-Fées, Switzerland, began as a manufacturer of high-precision movements. By the mid-20th century, Piaget had evolved into a creator of ultra-thin calibers setting records for thinness. The brand also became known for integrating jewelry artistry into its timepieces, exemplified by the Piaget Polo watch introduced in 1979.
Bulgari and Piaget collaborated during the 1970s and 1980s when Bulgari sought to expand its presence in high-end watchmaking. At the time, Bulgari was focused on design and branding, while Piaget was renowned for its expertise in ultra-thin movements and Swiss craftsmanship. This partnership allowed Bulgari to incorporate high-quality Swiss-made movements into its watches while maintaining its bold Italian aesthetic. Piaget, in turn, strengthened its reputation as a movement supplier for prestigious brands. Their collaboration contributed to Bulgari’s evolution from a jeweler dabbling in watches to a serious watchmaking brand with in-house capabilities.
