Piaget Altiplano Hard Stone Dials
Once upon a time, Piaget …
Piaget is a story of time, of course, but also of daring and inspiration. Combining ancestral know-how and innovation since 1874, the House of La Côte-aux-Fées creates watches and jewelry whose reputation extends far beyond the peaks of the Neuchâtel Jura. A perfect combination, for models destined to mark their era, inspire trends and span the decades.
Extra-flat, a long history
True to its pioneering spirit, Piaget has been designing and manufacturing extra-flat movements from the outset. Introduced in 1957, the famous hand-wound extra-flat 9P caliber – just 2mm thick – would leave an indelible and historic mark on watchmaking. Three years later, Piaget launched the 12P caliber, the world’s thinnest automatic movement (2.3 mm thick), hailed as “an event destined to go down in watchmaking history” by the influential Journal de Genève. Thanks to their slimness and compactness, these two mechanical calibers – and their successors – will open up unprecedented perspectives for Piaget designers, paving the way for all manner of creative daring: cuff watches, coin watches, shaped cases and other hard stone dials.
The story continues …
First appearing on Piaget dials in the 60s, these Jade, Lapis Lazuli and Opal stones were then used on watch straps from the 70s onwards. A revolution that combined the nobility of hard stones with a vast chromatic range, in perfect harmony with the fashion of the time. Pure creative genius. Today, Piaget perpetuates its DNA on a legitimate and natural territory. More than ever anchored in the present and, of course, looking to the future, the brand never forgets to pay tribute to its heritage and bold spirit. Without ever resting on its laurels, Piaget is today releasing new numbered editions of its iconic Altiplano line, inspired by the hard stone dial watches of the time. These small masterpieces of goldsmithery are equipped with a 430P movement, the successor to the legendary 9P caliber for the 34 and 38mm versions. At 2.1 mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest calibers in its category.
Talismanic watches
While all the stones chosen by Piaget today have, in the past, been convincing for their beauty and originality, they are just as seductive for their energy, which is so specific to crystals. A stone’s color is determined by the part of the light spectrum it reflects. Each color therefore corresponds to a different vibration, from the most soothing to the most energizing. Knowing that interpretations sometimes differ from one culture to another, Piaget leaves the stones free to let their instincts speak for themselves, seduced by the idea that each gem holds its own secrets, superstitions and beliefs. Blue like the sky and the ocean, Lapis Lazuli is said to promote harmony in relationships. Equally benevolent, Malachite promises inner peace and hope. Alongside it, ruby root radiates warmth and vitality. Dark red tending towards burgundy, it is said to be almost as precious as wisdom. Highly symbolic, Opal is said to have healing and divine powers. Piaget also pays tribute to jade and turquoise. While the former – regarded in China as “the royal stone” – is seen as a symbol of the good, the beautiful and the precious, the latter – increasingly in vogue – brings luck and protection.
Fragile and difficult to produce, working with these stones requires mastery and dexterity. The extreme finesse of the cuts is a technical feat requiring highly experienced craftsmen. Each stone will have a different appearance depending on its thickness. Each stone reacts differently to cutting. Brightness, color, transparency and intensity change with thickness. The use of natural stones allows each dial to be unique. Pieces that should make the hearts of collectors beat – lovers of unusual pieces in the purest watchmaking tradition – but not only…
A distinctive and differentiated look UnUnA distinctive and differentiated look
Available in three sizes, these new models are equipped with the 430P caliber for the 34 and 38mm versions, and the 690P quartz caliber for the 24mm version. Dressed in a choice of white, pink or yellow gold, these new Altiplano models assert their distinctiveness. Supplied with black, alligator or satin straps for the 24mm sizes, the watches can also opt for a color block look by adorning themselves with a strap in the same color as the dial. Piaget also offers a choice of models with or without bezels.
Combining vintage style and contemporary codes – ultra-flat profiles, pure dials, baton hands – these treasures will delight men and women alike. A complex challenge, but one that has been perfectly met.
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
