STONE SAVVY

n the early ’60s, a generation found expression for their growing nonchalance in colour and individualism. We have them and Piaget to thank for the growing popularity of stone dials. Towards the end of the decade, Piaget led the way in a splash of colour by unveiling watches with dials of opal, malachite and lapis lazuli, to name a few. The watches took the industry by storm with their technicolor dials — they fit in well in the midst of bold ’60s fashion as hemlines shortened and hair buns loosened. They also showed a watchmaker’s