page transition image
Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Piaget Cushion 9251 - 18K Yellow Gold, Van Cleef & Arpels Dial

Trade In
Details

A Meeting Of Two Icons

A dual-stamped dial from two of the world's most significant jewelry houses is a rare event. This Piaget, retailed by Van Cleef & Arpels, represents a unique intersection of high horology and high jewelry from the 1980s. While Piaget was mastering the art of the ultra-thin, elegant dress watch, Van Cleef & Arpels was the arbiter of Parisian style. A watch bearing both names is not just a timepiece; it's a historical marker of a partnership between two giants. The cushion case, a classic Piaget silhouette, becomes something more with the addition of the VCA signature.

The Power Of A Retailer Stamp

The "Van Cleef & Arpels" signature on the champagne dial elevates this Reference 9251 into a collector's piece. During this era, only the most prestigious retailers were permitted to co-brand dials, a practice that has since all but vanished. It signifies a level of trust and mutual respect between the manufacturer and the jeweler. For a brand like Piaget, already a master of its craft, to share dial space is a testament to the power and influence Van Cleef & Arpels commanded. This watch was sold to a specific clientele, one that understood the significance of both names on the dial.

Honest Gold And A Clean Dial

The watch is in overall good condition. The 18K yellow gold case is showing honest signs of use on the front and appears to remain unpolished. The champagne dial has been well-preserved and the important Van Cleef & Arpels signature remains crisp and clear. The caseback displays a natural and attractive tarnishing, a common and desirable characteristic for gold that has aged authentically over decades. The watch is fitted with a leather strap. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.

For The Discerning Collector

This is a watch for someone who appreciates horological history. It moves beyond brand and model into the more rarefied world of retailer-signed dials. The elegant cushion case is perfectly proportioned for a classic dress watch, while the dual signature provides a constant point of interest. It’s a subtle but powerful statement, a piece that speaks to a deep knowledge of both watchmaking and jewelry.

Key Specs

Reference: 9251

Model: Cushion "Van Cleef & Arpels"

Year: 1980s

Movement: Manual

Case Size: 26x31mm

Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Cushion

Strap: Leather

Dial: Champagne "Van Cleef & Arpels" Double Stamp

Metal: 18K Yellow Gold

SKU: 682

History

Piaget's identity as a manufacturer is inseparable from the pursuit of thinness. The brand's commitment to ultra-thin movements began in 1957 with the calibre 9P — a manually-wound movement measuring only 2mm in height that held the record for the world's thinnest movement at the time of its introduction. The calibre 12P, introduced in 1960 as an automatic version, was similarly record-setting at 2.3mm. These movements defined the technical proposition that Piaget would build its reputation on across the following decades: that the highest expression of watchmaking was not complication but reduction, and that producing a movement of maximum capability in minimum space required a level of craft that no other approach could match.

The watches built around these ultra-thin calibres were designed to allow the movement to be appreciated rather than concealed. Cases were kept as thin and as geometrically simple as possible, with dials that emphasized texture and material rather than the display of additional functions. The yellow gold case with a guilloché or stone dial became the characteristic execution of the Piaget dress watch during the 1960s and 1970s, and the combination of precious metal construction with the demonstrably thin movement created a proposition that was technically rigorous and aesthetically complete simultaneously.

Among collectors, the vintage ultra-thin Piaget dress watches occupy a position of significant interest that has grown as the market has broadened beyond sports references. The stone dial examples — lapis lazuli, malachite, onyx, and turquoise among the most sought after — represent a category of watch that no other manufacturer produced with comparable consistency or variety. These dials are cut from natural material and are therefore unique by definition, making each individual example a one-of-a-kind object. The collector who values the combination of technical mastery and material beauty will find the vintage Piaget catalog to be one of the most rewarding areas of the entire market.

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!!!