Comparison review Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P vs Calibre de Cartier Diver - which watch to pick

Feb 18, 2014,18:16 PM
 

With a bit of thinking time available whilst travelling, I am virtually "choosing" between two watches from SIHH 2014.

Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P and Calibre de Cartier Diver represent opposite ends of the spectrum for watches.

The former is the thinnest mechanical watch in the world and the latter is a sporty chunky diver-style timepiece.









At first glance, there is no apparent connection to consider them in the same shortlist.

They are linked by their importance to each brand for the future.


The Calibre de Cartier Diver is the first wave (sic) of what my Austrian colleagues call "sportive" watches to serve a large segment of customers who still want the heritage, quality and aesthetic of a Cartier embodied in a sporty watch. Like the Tank MC, this may be the next big thing for Cartier especially with the entry steel model.


The Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P is the NextGen of ultra-thin mechanical watches; a segment that Piaget dominated for decades. This is Piaget's answer to criticisms of being staid, old-fashioned, stuck-in-the-mud with a great history but reiterations of old models. This shows the old Piaget motto of "Technique in the Service of Aesthetic" can be realised for the 21st century.  If every gentleman needs at least one dress watch for high days and black tie functions, this is the ONE.


I am drawn to the technological advance and kudos of a world record holder in the Piaget but I already have dress watches...some from Piaget, even.


I have no diving watches because I don't ....er.....dive !  wink    Still, that is not the point.  I don't pilot racing cars, jet planes and space craft either but those specialised watches appeal to me too. In the case of the Cartier Diver, its appeal lies in the congruency with the rest of our (the current Mrs MTF and me) Cartier collection.....it fits the spot marked "sportive Cartier timepiece".


I could get both but that is cheating against the rules of engagement of this survey.

Dear forumners: As I go absent without Internet (AWOI), please write your vote and reasons for ONE choice to spend my meagre budget allocated to watches for 2014.  Which watch and why?

It would be interesting to see the different views from both fora.



I will read the replies when I get to my destination

Thanks for your help.


Regards,

MTF


This message has been edited by MTF on 2014-02-19 01:16:14


More posts: Calibre de CartierCalibre De Cartier DiverTankTank MC

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Of these two particular models....

 
 By: WHL : February 22nd, 2014-07:57
I would choose the Cartier for myself (though I'm not sure it would actually be my first choice when it comes to a dive watch, as I have a particular fondness for the new Omega Planet Ocean models). When it comes to Piaget Altiplano I want it with a tradi... 

Choice of Piaget Altiplano 900P and Calibre de Cartier Diver

 
 By: MTF : February 26th, 2014-23:30
Bill, Thanks for your vote and more importantly for the reasons to choose between the two watches. Most of the votes FOR the Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P watch were actually on the Cartier forum ! It was an "unfair" exercise, with hindsight, as people were ... 

Nice choices

 
 By: Dino944 : February 28th, 2014-10:53
Even as a fan of Cartier and recognizing that the Calibre and its variations are a great product, for me the decision would be quite easy. My vote would be for the Piaget. To me the Piaget is truly unique looking, and is a nice change in a world largely d... 

Eloquent vote for Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P

 
 By: MTF : February 28th, 2014-23:33
Dino944, Your impassioned plea for the Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P launched at SIHH 2014 is very compelling. The points made are a concise rebuttal for the initial "kerb" appeal when you drive past the Cartier Diver. My swing-o-meter is a swinging back to ... 

Well said

 
 By: shadowprince2000 : June 21st, 2014-15:01
I of bulky huge watches ruined the beauty that occured in 1960`s and 1970`s. My choice would be definitely ,not to forget that Cartier previously used Piaget movements.