When we think about an ultra-flat timepiece, we immediately associate our thought to the Piaget Altiplano; the most famous specimen from the Piaget manufacture. This watch immediately became an icon of elegance and discreet wearability, its thin case and its simple lines make it an evergreen that has remained faithful to its roots throughout the years and that, still today, would suit every person looking for a pleasant balance.
This timepiece dates back to 1957 and it was the very first watch model that revolutionized the world of watch-making and, still today, it is extremely contemporary; its aesthetic purity and classicism hide within them an extremely thin mechanic caliber.
This year, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Altiplano, Piaget proudly celebrates its long history by launching a female watch model that combines high-class jewelry-making with haute-horlogerie; the Piaget Altiplano White Gold Diamond Ultra-Thin Tourbillon. On this timepiece, elegance meets sophisticated mechanics to bring us a precious timepiece revealing, as its heart, one of the most sought-after complications; the tourbillon.
This complex component might look fascinating in the eyes of the real connoisseurs of haute-horlogerie mechanisms as it represents running precision and movement stability alike, but, for the precision mechanics engineers that created it, it actually embodies a real challenge, as its crafting involves the insertion of this specific complication that, generally speaking, takes up a good share of the size of a “slim” case. It is quite commendable how this Piaget in-house built 670P movement could fit in a case that is only 4,6mm thick.
The enameled dial with its “guilloché” motif comes in an elegant blue/gray shade and, if you have a special eye, you will notice that the off-center hours and minutes and the beautiful cage of the tourbillon located at 2 o’clock, shape up a number “eight”; the symbol of eternity.
The round-sized case measures 41mm in diameter, it is made of 18–carat white gold and its glowing looks are due to a case-middle (including the lugs) and a bezel embellished with 48 emerald–cut diamonds (about 2,51 carats) and 265 brilliant–cut diamonds (about 2.42 carats). To top it all, the crown is also enriched with a brilliant–cut diamond (about 0.09 carats).
The folding buckle positioned on the black alligator leather strap makes is easier for a woman to put on and remove the timepiece without having to worry too much about dropping it. In line with the preciousness of this watch, the buckle is also equipped with 24 brilliant–cut diamonds with 0.05 carats.
The Piaget Altiplano White Gold Diamond Ultra–Thin Tourbillon sports the ultra-flat mechanic 670P movement with a manual winding, whose balance wheel runs at a frequency of 21,600 oscillations per hour and that guarantees up to 48 hours of power reserve. Please keep in mind that this timepiece is also waterproof, although I doubt that you will ever have to make use of this feature.
The case-back made of sapphire glass allows the user to fully view the movement and to appreciate the care used to set-up and decorate the different components. Once again, to show us that this is a precious timepiece, Piaget adorned the non-visible border of the case-back that touches the wrist, with some brilliants.
Needless to say, the Piaget hallmark is also present on this watch to highlight the high level of this manufactory; it is a masterpiece of watch-making and jewelry-making that only comes in a 38–piece–limited–edition, each one of these timepieces is branded with an individual number appearing on the case-back.
If you are a refined woman, who prefers a “minimalist” style and loves sporting something special with a very high mechanic level (but without showing off too much), then the Piaget Altiplano White Gold Diamond Ultra-Thin Tourbillon represents you in all of your essentiality.
(Photo credit: Horbiter®)
Mirella Codeghini @Horbiter®
