Piaget celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Altiplano Collection with its new limited edition made from a sliver of meteorite.
Ahead of SIHH 2019 and for the first time in Piaget's Altiplano’s history, a model beats to the rhythm of the tourbillon. This new calibre perpetuates the rich watchmaking heritage nurtured by the Maison – particularly in the development of ultra-thin movements.
It also demonstrates Piaget’s capacity for innovation and creative interpretation of the finest horological complications. Developed to fit smoothly into the iconic watch case, the 670P ultra-thin mechanical manual-winding tourbillon movement measures just 4.6 mm thick. It is equipped with a patented stem-winding system featuring an intermediate wheel. It also has a new barrel increasing the power reserve to a comfortable 48 hours.
To accentuate the airy beauty of the flying tourbillon, whose three-bridge titanium carriage weighs a mere 0.2 grams, Fine Watchmaking teams up with Artistic Crafts. The flinqué enamel dial is born from the virtuosity of master-artisans capable of manually creating a guilloché pattern on gold, before delicately coating it with layers of transparent enamel. Three firing phases – timed to the nearest second and set to the exact temperature of up to 800°C – are then required to achieve this shiny glaze characterised by its absolute purity and transparency.
The hours and tourbillon epitomising the Piaget style are offset to form a subtle and discreet figure eight that symbolises eternity. The also offset sunburst guilloché motif is enhanced by the deep grey-blue shade of the dial. A past master in associating the art of watchmaking with that of jewellery, Piaget adorns the case, dial and buckle with a setting of baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds, thereby creating a fascinating radiance. The equally enchanting Fine Watchmaking finishing features circular Côtes de Genève, a mainplate and bridges circular-grained by hand, as well as handbevelled and drawn tourbillon bridges and carriage.
Bearing the historical Piaget logo like a signature in the hours counter, the Altiplano Tourbillon High Jewellery (reference G0A42204) also bears the anniversary collection inscription on its case-back.
With this Altiplano anniversary collection, Piaget is confirming its creativity that continues to drive the work of the fully integrated Manufactures in La Côte-aux-Fées and Geneva. The new watches born from this symbiosis between Fine Watchmaking and High Jewellery display a contemporary distinction that transcends categories. Through its uncluttered, minimalist design and its signature aesthetic, this anniversary collection spans the entire spectrum of supreme elegance.
Limited to just 28 pieces available and is priced at €122,000 / $111,300.
