FrX,
I agree the Piaget style was initially a mystery to me.
Then, I read through the history (patrimony) of the company from family owned through the quartz 'crisis' that Piaget rode by finding a niche customer....the rich jet-set.
For them, quality and function were important. Since the function of luxury was also beauty, the integration of gem setting technique was logical. I was surprised to find that dedicated Piaget jewellery is actually a LATE side busiiness from watchmaking.
There is a wide range from the iconic Piaget Polo case through the Polo FortyFive and to the Emperador and Emperador Coussin shapes; with the 2012 Gouverneur case most recent. Of course, along the way there have been Square Altiplano, Dancer, Protocole, Limelight, Magic Hour and other fancy shapes.
The common theme is (as Daos B says)..."elegance".
The Altiplano is unlike the other lines; it is for everyone. Why?
I think every gentleman needs at least one dress watch for the penguin-suit (tuxedo) evenings. As the thinnest dress watch range in the world, the Piaget Altiplano automatic or handwind are 'de riguer'....end of debate.
More than one Altiplano has been 'stolen' by the "woman behind the man", well, at least the ones 40mm or less in diameter.
Regards,
MTF