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Piaget 9297 Tank - Diamond Pave Dial

Details

A Survivor Pave Execution

Piaget was the primary authority on jewelry-focused horology during the 1970s and this reference 9297 is a clear example of that expertise. The primary draw here is the half pave dial. This layout utilizes a precise diamond setting across the dial surface to create a distinct contrast with the champagne sunburst finish. It is a deliberate design choice that offers more visual depth than a standard dial without the intensity of a full pave set. This configuration is rare and represents Piaget at the height of their creative era.

Texture And Material Contrast

The case design complements the dial with a full hobnail finish across the 18k yellow gold surfaces. This texture gives the gold a depth that catches light differently from every angle and serves as the perfect frame for the diamond-set dial. Many brands attempted this style during the decade but few achieved the level of integration seen here. It remains a cohesive piece of design where the dial and the case texture feel like they were developed as a single unit. It is a specific look that defines high-level 1970s Swiss manufacturing.

Untouched Gold And Original Hardware

This watch is in very good condition and shows an honest history. The case displays beautiful oxidation which is a clear sign that the gold has been left untouched by harsh polishing over the years. The hobnail texture remains crisp and well-defined across all edges. The half pave dial and the diamonds are clean with no visible flaws or degradation. It is increasingly difficult to find these examples with the original strap and matching gold Piaget buckle still intact. The manual wind movement is running strong after passing our test bench.

A Significant Seventies Silhouette

This piece works because it leans into the glamorous aesthetic of the 1970s without feeling dated. The combination of the textured gold and the diamond markers provides a presence that is both luxurious and refined. It is for the collector who wants a rectangular watch with more character than a standard polished tank. It carries the weight of a jewelry piece while functioning perfectly as a reliable dress watch. It is a specific and high level execution of the brand’s golden era.

Key Specs

Reference: 9297

Model: Tank (Hobnail Case / Half Pave Dial)

Year: 1970s

Movement: Manual

Case Size: 24x28mm

Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold (Hobnail)

Bracelet: Original Strap & Buckle

Dial: Champagne Sunburst / Diamond Half Pave

Wrist Size:

Metal: 18K Yellow Gold

Weight:

SKU: 89

History

Georges Edouard Piaget founded his manufactory in La Côte-aux-Fées in 1874, and for decades the company's reputation rested on its ability to produce movements of exceptional thinness — calibers that other high houses bought and put in their own watches. When Piaget began producing watches under its own name in the late 1950s and 1960s, it brought that ultra-thin expertise directly to the dial.

The Altiplano is Piaget's flagship ultra-thin collection, a direct expression of that founding expertise. The Grenade is a bold gem-set cocktail watch — all pave diamonds, colored stones, and sculptural bezels — occupying the space between watch and jewel without apology. The Limelight Gala, produced from the 2010s onward, is the modern heir to that cocktail tradition: an 18-karat white gold round case set with diamonds, a slim quartz movement, and a leather strap. All three collections reflect the same dual mastery that Piaget has always commanded: the thinnest movements in the world, in cases worth wearing.


What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!