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PIAGET Altiplano Saga: Part 7 – Quantum of Solace – Special Altiplanos and Updates

PIAGET Altiplano Saga: Part 7  – Quantum of Solace – Special Altiplanos and Updates

The previous article in the PIAGET Altiplano Saga series (Part 6) introduced the new 1200P movement series and 43mm diameter Automatic Altiplano - the current world's thinnest automatic movement and complete watch.

That was not the end of the Altiplano saga as Piaget continued to introduce new variants and novelties.

The name of the Rose....

Enamel Miniature Painting

Representing a generous and sensual cross between a peony and a rose, this watch was inspired by the Yves Piaget rose. Crafted in grand feu enamel (fired at over 800°C) using the enamel miniature painting technique, the 40th anniversary of the Yves Piaget rose was celebrated in 2012. Piaget the jeweller of watchmakers displayed its masterly touch.

The graded shades of colours confer an incomparable radiance on this jewellery-watch. To achieve such a strikingly brilliant appearance, the artist uses the Geneva technique (transparent enamel placed under a protective flux). Eighteen separate firings in the oven and four weeks of work were required to perfect this dial.

A bezel set with 78 round diamonds totalling 0.7 carats and a soft pink satin strap provide an admirable showcase for this glowing bloom.
Equipped with an ultra-thin Manufacture Piaget 430P movement, the Altiplano Rose is issued in a limited numbered edition of six watches, all delivered with a certificate from the enamel artist.

Altiplano Cadran Broderie - Piaget Rose motif
 

This Altiplano model has a 38-mm diameter white gold case set with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds (about 0.7 carat).

The world's first precious metal thread embroidered dial is unique.

The watch contains a Piaget 430P ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movement and is offered with a black satin strap and white gold pin buckle.

The name of the Dragon and Phoenix....

It is no coincidentce that Piaget created this noble  'Dragon & Phoenix - 龍和鳳凰' Collection, as the Chinese name of Piaget, 伯爵 is related to Chinese word for nobility - "尊貴".

For 2012, Piaget created many variations from simple painted dials to exquisite cloisonné enamel and bejewelled masterpieces.

The name of the Stone....

Back in the 1960s, Piaget used stone as structural components and not just decoration. After making their first appearance on Piaget dials, jade, lapis lazuli and opal were then used on watch bracelets from the 1970s onwards.

Piaget introduced new numbered editions of its iconic Altiplano line. Freshly emerged from its workshops, these models are inspired by the vintage watches with hard stone dials: miniature jewellery masterpieces equipped with a 430P movement, the descendant of the legendary 9P calibre, for the 34 and 38 mm versions. At just 2.1 mm thick, it is one of the thinnest calibres in its category. 

Hard Stone and Talisman Dials  

While all the stones chosen today by Piaget have in the past enchanted admirers by their beauty and their originality, they also appeal because of the specific energy of the crystals.

The colour of a stone is determined by the part of the light spectrum that it reflects. Each colour thus corresponds to a different vibration, ranging from the most soothing to the most energising.

Given that interpretations sometimes differ according to cultures, Piaget leaves the stones free to express their instincts, convinced by the idea that each gem conceals its own secrets, superstitions and beliefs.

The name of the Movement....

The 1200P series automatic movements are the current world's thinnest automatic movements in the world's thinnest serial production watches.

The 1200P family has been expanded to allow Piaget to maintain the position of world's Master of the Ultrathin.

Altiplano automatic Skeleton

Altiplano automatic Skeleton was introduced in 2011 and received with great applause .

The skeletonisation was designed into the movement from the start so everything could be crafted aesthetically and functionally; instead of an afterthought fenestration exercise.

The unique balance bridge of the 1200S movement (held by 4 screws) is specific to this model.

To top it all, it is a 38mmm diameter watch; the size that Altiplano fans and PuristS had been asking for since the 43mm first model.

ONLY Watch 2011

 

Piaget contributed a piece unique black version of the Altiplano handwind Skeleton (black case and movement) to the ONLY WATCH 2011 charity auction.

Altiplano automatic Skeleton Black

 

The follow-up Altiplano automatic Skeleton Black was introduced at the SIHH 2013 show, featuring a black finish 1200S movement in a pink gold case.

ONLY Watch 2013

 

Piaget contributed a piece unique black version of the Altiplano automatic Skeleton Black coated white gold case to the ONLY WATCH 2013 charity auction.

Altiplano automatic Date

 

The first Altiplano with Date display was launched in 2013 with a perfect 40mm diameter case that fits well under a shirt cuff.

The aesthetic of the Altiplano Date is calculated to ensure an aura of elegant understatement.

New 1205P movement

Some may baulk at the added "complication" of a date display, and for those, there are already many date-less Altiplano watches.

"The definition of luxury is the choice it affords."; the new watch affords that choice.

Altiplano automatic gem-set Skeleton

The most recent production Altiplano variant for 2013 may also be the most dazzling.

Marrying Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie, the Piaget Altiplano automatic gem-set Skeleton watch dazzles with its 1200D movement.

The mainplate AND functional parts are FULLY set with gemstones.

It is a level of expertise exclusively mastered by the Manufacture Piaget, combined with another double ultra-thin record: 3 mm for the movement and 6.10 mm for the case.

This piece exemplifies why Piaget is the Jeweller of Watchmakers.

PIAGET Altiplano Saga series:
 

Part 1 - The World is Not Thin Enough – Manual 9P movement:
piaget.watchprosite.com   

Part 2  – GoldenEye – Automatic 12P movement:
piaget.watchprosite.com
  

Part 3 – For Your Eyes Only – Enamel Altiplanos:
piaget.watchprosite.com
  

Part 4 – From La Côte-aux-Fées, With Love – Diamonds Are Forever (Exceptional Altiplanos):
piaget.watchprosite.com

Part 5 – The Living Daylights – Skeleton Altiplanos:
piaget.watchprosite.com

Part 6  – Never Say Never Thin Again – Automatic 1200P/1208P movements
piaget.watchprosite.com

Part 7  – Quantum of Solace – Special Altiplanos and Updates

piaget.watchprosite.com

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