Many people dream of really thin mechanical watches. I've even had people tell me how awesome it would be to have this ultra wafer thin watches. For me the idea wasn't super appealing in theory, and then I finally got to experience some ultra thin mechanical watches and the desire turned on like a light a switch. Most thin mechanical watches are manually wound, which sort of defeats the point for me - as what I really want are automatic watches.
Piaget presents the Altiplano 43 mm Calibre 1208P model. Designed to become part of the brand collection, whereas the model dedicated to the anniversary of Calibre 12P will remain an exclusive limited edition, this version has nonetheless been treated to the same meticulous finishing of both its movement and its exterior. Tapering lugs, a slender bezel, a pure dial, a calibre finished according to the aesthetic signature codes of the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget: the entire range of features translates the understated elegance that is the keynote of this ultra-thin timepiece. The oscillating weight is crafted from 22-carat gold, while a small seconds display at 4 o’clock enlivens the dial and makes the record 2.35 mm slimness of Calibre 1208P even more remarkable.
Piaget has always been a "thin is in brand" stressing broad watch cases that barely lift of your wrists. They have been doing this for decades, especially appealing since they are a "real" watch maker that creates their own movements. One of the best parts of the ludicrously thin 5.25mm watch is that it has a sapphire exhibition caseback with a view into the new Piaget caliber 1208p hand-done movement. It is an homage to the 50 year old classic Piaget 12p movement that was a previous ultra thin movement by the brand. The finishing and decoration of the watch is outstanding. You can see the circular style polish strips, blued steel screws, and gold micro-rotor. Because the watch is wider at 43mm, the movement looks sized like a flat Waterman cracker. You see this attractive minimalist dial with a subsidiary seconds hand, and then pure watch making glory on the backside. It just all feels almost impossible.
As luxury watches go, these fit an interesting and important niche. Classy, formal, and dressy are all terms you could use to describe where a watch like this fits from a genre perspective. Still, Piaget sort of has its own niche. While their designs are fashion forward to the extreme. When it comes down to it they are split between watch engineers curious about pushing the technical envelope and creative types that continue with passion to make watches that move you. Like the anti-Breguet, Piaget has worked hard to make minimalist modern style a classic look. While from a terminology standpoint this is a paradox.
With the Altiplano 43 mm watch equipped with the new Calibre 1208P – just as with the anniversary limited-edition model and its Calibre 1200P – the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget is setting two new records: that of the thinnest mechanical self-winding movement on the market at 2.35 mm; and that of the thinnest watch in its category, measuring a mere 5.25 mm. A far cry from vintage or retro styled models, it is instead a great modern-day classic expressing a powerful new statement of Piaget’s supreme mastery in the realm of ultra-thin expertise.
Piaget Altiplano G0A35130
- Large model 43 mm
- 18-carat white gold case
- Silver-coloured dial, black baton hour-markers, baton hands
- Manufacture Piaget 1208P ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement
- Functions: Hour, minute, small seconds (at 4 o'clock)
- Movement thickness: 2.35 mm
- Casing dimensions: 13 ¼ ’’’ ( 29.9 mm diameter)
- Number of jewels: 27
- Frequency: 21,600 vph
- Approximately 40-hour power reserve
- Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained plate, bevelled bridges, blued screws, sunray-brushed wheels, 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight engraved with Piaget coat of arms
- 18-carat white gold pin buckle
- Black alligator leather strap
No comments:
Post a Comment