Orchids make a great subject for these pieces...

Jul 15, 2010,00:38 AM
 

...because their shapes and colors lend themselves to the various enameling techniques that Piaget executes so well.  Thanks for reading!

Cheers,
Daos

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PIAGET Altiplano Saga: Part 3 – For Your Eyes Only – Enamel Altiplanos

 
 By: dxboon : July 13th, 2010-03:08
The expert craftsmen at Piaget do not leave us wanting when it comes to the quality of their enamel-work. While Piaget's artisans have mastered a plethora of horological arts, their facility in the labor-intensive techniques of traditional enamel-work des...  

Sign me up!

 
 By: respo : July 13th, 2010-07:20
Yes, for me the re-edition of the Piaget Altiplano 1957 with the "plain" grand feu enamel dial. Did you pick one up for me, Daos??? These Altiplanos are very tempting. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous images and information on these Piagets. Is this anothe... 

LOL!

 
 By: dxboon : July 13th, 2010-21:44
I think MTF got the last one! It's a beauty isn't it!? There are some fantastic Altiplanos out there for sure! You and I both seem to add pieces to our respective wishlists on a regular basis! Thanks for looking! Cheers, Daos

Great review Daos

 
 By: samwan : July 13th, 2010-23:42
A few years back, I hunted for the re-edition Altiplano to no avail but your article has re-ignited my desire.... Best Sam

I think the watch is simply breathtaking!

 
 By: dxboon : July 14th, 2010-00:15
I don't know what I like better -- the grand feu enamel dial, the hollow diamond-like hands, the Romans, or the Piaget logo on that watch (OK, it's got to be the old-fashioned logo!). The piece just reeks of sophistication! Thanks for reading my post! Che... 

one of

 
 By: aldossari_faisal : July 14th, 2010-02:27
the simplist yet most capturing enamel dials i've came across , Grand feu enamel for sure. . Faisal

I find the best enamel dials to be utterly fascinating!

 
 By: dxboon : July 15th, 2010-02:31
I love the depth that Piaget gets with their colors, and the creaminess of the grand feu enamel on the initial Altiplano pictured in my original post is so enticing! Ugh. I want one! Thanks for taking a look at the post! Cheers, Daos

Beautiful photos and writeup

 
 By: tee530 : July 14th, 2010-05:56
Thanks Daos for the compelling presentation. As an orchid grower, I'm particularly gratified that you sought to include the genus and species/grex of the orchids depicted! I'm intrigued by the design of the Roman numeral grand feu enamel dial. Only the 5,... 

Thank Piaget...

 
 By: dxboon : July 15th, 2010-08:35
...for providing the orchid species/genus info. They are very thorough! As MTF said about the numerals on his 1957 Re-edition Altiplano: "The tips of the hands circumscribe perfectly two circles; the inner hour 'circle' forms the base of the Roman numeral... 

oh my

 
 By: ArthurSG : July 14th, 2010-06:52
the re-ed altiplano... the first watch... if it looks as good in the metal as in the pic, resistance may be futile. boutique only? I hope not.

Released in 2007 as a Boutique Only edition of 50 pieces!

 
 By: dxboon : July 15th, 2010-08:38
It's spectacular, isn't it!? I love it too! I'm jealous of the lucky 50 who picked up the watch! Cheers, Daos

Oooops.. shows how much of a

 
 By: ArthurSG : July 15th, 2010-17:32
body copy person I am. I'm sure you mentioned a 2007 date but I thought it was a new release this year. 50 pcs.. definitely all sold I would imagine.

No worries, Arthur!

 
 By: dxboon : July 16th, 2010-07:22
I believe all 50 pieces have been sold, but it's nice to revisit this lovely timepiece! Cheers, Daos

Great post Daos!

 
 By: patrick_y : July 14th, 2010-22:04
Great post Daos! You know how much I love enamel work of all types. You probably didn't know that many of my family members are enamored with orchids. Thank you for the informative post about a favorite subject of mine. This message has been edited by pat... 

Orchids make a great subject for these pieces...

 
 By: dxboon : July 15th, 2010-00:38
...because their shapes and colors lend themselves to the various enameling techniques that Piaget executes so well. Thanks for reading! Cheers, Daos

Thanks for another great article Daos...

 
 By: Dino944 : July 15th, 2010-08:28
I had not previously paid much attention to the Altiplanos with flinqué enamel dials, but your article really opened my eyes both to the interesting technique used and the beauty these watches exhibit. The next time I am near a Piaget boutique I will have... 

Definitely take a look in person, Dino!

 
 By: dxboon : July 15th, 2010-08:42
I'm amazed by the combo of techniques -- first engraving the gold dial and filling the troughs with enamel, firing, filling, more firing; building that marvelous layer of translucent color, and then finishing with the glossy layer of clear enamel flux. Yo... 

Thanks Daos. Piaget certainly deserves a second look and your post is a reminder of that.

 
 By: SJX : July 15th, 2010-09:00
The simple Altiplano, no flowers please, is a beautiful watch. - SJX

Piaget continue to impress me.

 
 By: dxboon : July 15th, 2010-13:31
I love the orchid piece uniques, but I would really love to see a 38-40mm Altiplano with white enamel dial in 18K white gold case, with simple indices for every hour. The minute and hour hand (no second hand on this piece) would be blued by hand in the tr... 

1957 Enamel Altiplano re-edition

 
 By: MTF : July 15th, 2010-11:52
The current Mrs MTF's current 2nd favourite Piaget watch. But, I am hoping to convert her to another 'future classic'............. MTF...  

If this piece only makes the list at #2...

 
 By: dxboon : July 15th, 2010-13:33
...I would love to know what #1 is! The watch is amazing! You and Mrs. MTF are to be congratulated! Cheers, Daos

You're welcome!

 
 By: dxboon : July 16th, 2010-07:10
I love to see Piaget working in this challenging medium. MTF's Altiplano (1957 re-edition) is simply breathtaking! Have a good weekend! Cheers, Daos

Enamel Altiplanos

 
 By: pingtsai : July 16th, 2010-12:23
I've always loved white enamel dial watches...especially with black roman numerals. For some reason, the combination is so classic. I'm happy to finally own one I never knew what they were composed of or how they were made so thank you for the informative... 

So funny! I thought of O'Keefe too!

 
 By: dxboon : July 16th, 2010-14:16
Maybe it's the subject matter (floral depictions), but the paintings are also so evocative of O'Keefe's vibrancy and colors that it's easy to draw a comparison. Glad you read the article! I love YOUR enamel-dialed watch! ;-) Cheers, Daos