2012/12/04 - Piaget the Altiplano Hard Stone Dials

 

Once upon a time there was Piaget…

Piaget is of course a story of time, but also of audacity and inspiration. Successfully merging time-honoured expertise and innovation since 1874, the Maison from La Côte-aux-Fées creates watches and jewellery that are renowned far beyond the confines of the Neuchâtel Jura mountains. A perfect combination for models destined to make their mark on their era, to inspire new trends, and to find their way unscathed through the decades.

A long history of ultra-thin horology

Loyal to its pioneering spirit, Piaget began designing and producing ultra-thin movements right from the start. The famous ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound 9P calibre, presented in 1957 and measuring a mere 2 mm thick, was to leave an indelible and historical imprint on the watch industry. Three years later, Piaget launched Calibre 12P, the world’s thinnest automatic movement at just 2.3 mm thick, and described by the influential Journal de Genève as a “milestone event in watchmaking history”. Thanks to their slenderness and their compact nature, these two mechanical calibres and their successors were to open up whole new vistas for Piaget designers, paving the way for all manner of bold creative moves including cuff-watches, coin-watches, shaped cases and hard stone dials.

The story continues…

After making their first appearance on Piaget dials in the 1960s, jade, lapis lazuli and opal were then used on watch bracelets from the 1970s onwards. This represented a revolution combining the nobility of hard stones with a broad range of colours and was perfectly in tune with the fashions of the time. Pure creative genius.

Today, Piaget is perpetuating its DNA in a legitimate and natural territory. While more firmly rooted than ever in the present and of course also looking resolutely to the future, the brand nonetheless continues to pay tribute to its heritage and to its bold spirit. Refusing to rest on its laurels, Piaget is introducing 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.

Talisman watches

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. Blue like the colour of the sky or the ocean, Lapis Lazuli is said to encourage harmonious relationships. The equally benevolent Malachite promises inner peace and hope. Alongside it, opaque Ruby radiates warmth and beauty. A dark red shade verging on burgundy, it is said to be as precious as wisdom. Healing and divine powers are ascribed to the highly symbolic Opal. Piaget also pays tribute to Jade and Turquoise. While the former – regarded as the “royal stone” in China – is seen as a symbol of goodness, beauty and preciousness; the latter increasingly popular stone is believed to bring good luck and protection.

These stones are extremely fragile and hard to cut, which means that working with them requires a combination of controlled gestures and considerable dexterity. The extreme finesse of the cut-out shapes represents a major technical feat and calls for highly experienced artisans. Each stone reacts differently to the cutting operations and will look different according to its thickness.

According to the personal equilibrium of each individual, the colour of a stone will inspire various feelings in the one who wears it, especially when the stones in question are entirely natural and thus unique. These are creations that will doubtless thrill collectors with a love of exceptional models crafted in harmony with watchmaking traditions – and many others besides.

An unmistakable signature style

These new models are available in three different sizes and equipped with Calibre 430P for the 34 and 38 mm models, or with quartz Calibre 690P for the 24 mm version. Clothed in a choice of white, pink-red or yellow gold, these new Altiplano watches boldly proclaim their difference. Fitted with black straps in alligator leather or in satin for the 24 mm formats, these watches may also opt for a colour block look. Finally, Piaget offers the possibility of choosing a model with a polished or gem set bezel. A chance to become your own designer.

Mingling vintage styling with contemporary codes, expressed through ultra-thin profiles, pure dials and baton-type hands, these treasures will delight both men and women – a complex challenge that has been perfectly met.

 

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Technical Specifications

Altiplano 38mm Stone Dial
Ref. : G0A37200

Ref. : G0A37202

Ref. : G0A37204

Ref. : G0A37205

Movement 430P

Altiplano 24mm Stone Dial
Ref. : G0A37206

Ref. : G0A37207

 

 

 

 

 

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