New Watch! • 13 Feb 2019
New Altiplano Watches from Piaget
The Altiplano is one of Piaget’s oldest and most beloved collections. It made its debut in 1957 and celebrated its monumental 60thanniversary just two years ago in 2017. The model draws its name from the high-altitude plateau of the Andes cordillera, and its design serves to honour the natural splendour of the area. The Altiplano’s timeless construction has remained largely unchanged over its impressive history. Its slim silhouette and refined style make it the quintessential dress watch. Yet, it remains just casual enough for everyday wear. At this year’s SIHH, Piaget unveiled three new limited edition Altiplano timepieces. Each one celebrates an iconic area of the brand’s expertise: ultra-thin watchmaking, exceptional gem setting, and experimenting with new materials.
Piaget’s history is inextricably linked with one of the technical cornerstones of horology: ultra-thin movements. Over the years, the brand has notched a number of milestone records in this area, many of which have been debuted in the Altiplano collection. The latest manifestation exemplifies this expertise through the limited edition 41mm Altiplano Tourbillon, produced in just 28 pieces. Piaget’s ultra-thin hand wound tourbillon 670P movement is housed in an impressive 4.6mm thick case. The breathtaking flying tourbillon function is prominently showcased on the dial at the two-o’clock position. Its design draws upon a celestial theme reminiscent of the rotation of the planets. Piaget also integrates gem-setting and new materials into this one-of-a-kind model. It features a blue meteorite dial surrounded by a diamond set bezel.
The technique of gem setting remains a key area of focus for Piaget. This blend of superior watchmaking and precision work with precious stones is epitomized in the limited edition 36mm Altiplano High Jewellery model, produced in just 88 pieces. For the first time, the brand uses baguette-cut diamonds to accent the Altiplano’s classic proportions. The baguette cut is known for its discretion and refinement. In the Altiplano High Jewellery, the shape serves to frame the watch dial and mark out the dial quarters, both of which highlight the blue sunray-brushed dial. This particular hue has become iconic for the brand and has come to define the maison through the decades.
Finally, Piaget continues to expand its work with innovative materials and focus on hard stones with the limited edition 40mm Reference G0A44051, produced in 300 pieces. This version of the Altiplano showcases a handsome grey meteorite dial with pink gold indexes. Measuring just 3mm thick, the model houses the brand’s ultra-thin self-winding calibre 1203P movement, which boasts a 44-hour power reserve.