Press release
Since its renewal in February 2009, Louis Golay has been working relentlessly towards writing a new page in a history that began in 1887 – the year when Louis-Auguste Golay, a promoter, pioneer and merchant in the Joux Valley (Switzerland) ventured into trading in precious stones and then cultured pearls, while developing special ties with Japan.
Audacity and tradition
The pearl lies at the very heart of the creations that Louis Golay has been creating and marketing since its inception. And if one were to single out a single company that has achieved the feat of sublimating the full potential of pearls in its 2010 collection, Louis Golay would be the name that springs to mind. “Through our jewellery collections, we wished to testify to our deep-felt attachment to pearls, while reinventing their ornamental vocation” explains Roman Büchi, brand designer and CEO. “In this respect, we offer products that are not only traditional – in that they feature a gem that has been greatly sought after since ancient times, the pearl – but also both contemporary and innovative due to their characteristic creative audacity.” Louis Golay has developed the technique of pearl marquetry work and is indeed the only company to master this exclusive skill.
Gifts from nature
Initially selected according to their shape and their lustre, the pearls are then patiently assembled according to size and colour criteria. The largest pearls measure almost one centimetre in diameter. Their colours range from shimmering white, through chocolate tones creating warmer shades, and on to jet black. Considered by some as the fruit of heavenly dew, they are said by others to crystallise the tears of pagan divinities. Whatever the case, it takes between two and three years of culturing to perfect the pearls that Louis Golay selects with infinite care, often then marrying them with precious stones. Like diamonds, the pearls are finely cut and thus magnified before being set into a solid 18-carat gold mounting. “Within the poetic language inherent to Louis Golay, each piece of jewellery is a tribute to the ocean and its creatures”, says Roman Büchi.
« Pearls of Time »
After creating a sensation with its six jewellery collections, Circles and Magic Circles, Crown, Pearls on the Rocks, Chandeliers and Lampions, and loyal to its determination to set pearls off to their best advantage, Louis Golay is once again launching a set of original creations – this time of a horological nature. The new Pearls of Time watch collection is being presented in a world-first preview at Baselworld 2010. The casebands, bezels and dials form harmonious compositions that give rise to truly original adornments. Pearls and diamonds shine and sparkle on these precious timepieces, endowing them with inimitable radiance and brilliance. Moderation is a virtue that definitely cannot be attributed to creations by Louis Golay, where jewellers and watchmakers are united by a shared passion for their crafts that they revel in expressing through enchanting excesses!
Technical specifications
Pearls of Time watch collection
Reference: 80001
Polished steel case
Caseband and crown adorned with 18 pearls
Flinqué white dial
Satin strap with dainty pin buckle
Quartz movement
Hour and minute functions
Reference: 80002
Polished steel case
Caseband and crown adorned with 18 pearls
Bezel set with 50 diamonds (1.3 carats)
Flinqué white dial set with 8 diamonds
Satin strap with dainty pin buckle
Quartz movement
Hour and minute functions
Reference: 80003
Limited series of 25
Case in 18-carat white gold
Bezel, caseband, lugs and crown set with 448 diamonds (2.9 carats)
Caseband adorned with 17 pearls
Dial paved with 92 pearls and set with 4 diamonds
Satin strap with dainty pin buckle in 18-carat white gold
Self-winding Louis Golay movement
Hour and minute functions
