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Piaget Hobnail - 18K White Gold

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A Masterclass In Texture And Form

In the 1970s, Piaget was the undisputed master of ultra-thin watchmaking, a technical advantage that gave them the freedom to create some of the era's most expressive designs. This reference 9123 is a perfect example of that confidence. Cased in solid 18K white gold, the watch is a study in texture, with a hobnail finish that flows seamlessly from the bezel directly onto the dial. This was not just a watch, but a piece of integrated design that showcased Piaget's dual mastery as both a high jeweler and a technical watchmaker.

A Unique Link To Tokyo's Ginza District

This example is distinguished by a specific piece of its history engraved on the caseback: “Building Ginza.” Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous luxury shopping and business district, a hub for international commerce and culture. The engraving strongly suggests this watch was originally a corporate gift or commemorative piece tied to a significant entity in this prestigious area. It gives the watch a unique and tangible provenance, linking it to a specific time and place in one of the world's most important cities.

Excellent And Unpolished Condition

The 18K white gold case is in great cosmetic condition and, importantly, remains unpolished. The hobnail texture on the bezel and dial is sharp and well-defined. Both the dial and the crystal are clean and free from any significant scratches or marks. The watch is fitted to an aftermarket grey leather strap. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.

The Ritual Of The Wind

This is a watch for someone who appreciates pure design and discreet luxury. It offers a sophisticated alternative to the more common rectangular watches of the era. Because it is a manual-wind timepiece, it asks for a moment of engagement each day. The ritual of winding the crown creates a physical connection between the owner and the machine, a quiet reminder of the craft and precision at its core. It works today for the same reason it did in the 1970s: perfect execution is timeless.

Key Specs

Reference: 9123

Model: Hobnail

Year: 1970s

Movement: Manual

Case Size: 25 × 29mm

Bezel: 18K White Gold Hobnail

Strap: Aftermarket Grey Leather

Dial: Silver Hobnail

Metal: 18K White Gold

SKU: 244

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!!!