The Gentleman Magazine Issue 6 | December 2017 | Page 6

ALTIPLANO 60TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION
When the Altiplano was first conceived and released in
1957, this record-breaking feat of slenderness revolutionized
the world of watchmaking. More than a show of technical
virtuosity, Altiplano defined a new set of aesthetic rules and a
brand of elegant classicism that endures 60 years later.
As part of the yearlong celebrations dedicated to this
watchmaking icon, Piaget puts an unexpected twist on a
timeless classic: the ultra-thin timepiece takes leave from its
owner’s wrist to become an original pocket watch. Set on a
blue calfskin string to match its Piaget blue dial, the limited
edition Altiplano 60th Anniversary Pocket Watch makes an
original companion for the watch collector, the style maven
or the classic dandy.When displayed on a specially designed
marquetry stand, the legendary Altiplano is more than a watch;
it becomes a piece of art, a timeless expression of elegance.
While resolutely discreet and never ostentatious, the Altiplano
somehow always makes a statement of style. Attached to a blue
calfskin string, the pocket watch balances classic sophistication
with a touch of contemporary audacity. Delving back to the
design codes that put the legendary watch on the map in
1957, the Altiplano 60th Anniversary Pocket Watch takes its
inspiration from the very first ultra-thin watches of Piaget in
the late 50’s.
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The captivating blue of the sunburst dial is somewhere between
cobalt and midnight blue. The rich deep shade of blue is
paired with white gold slim single hour-markers and the slim
baton-type hands that are typical of the Altiplano collection.
Reinforcing the perfect proportions of the watch, a fine blue
cross once used in the earliest versions of Altiplano, gives the
face its understated and balanced elegance.
The historical Piaget logo that decorates the dial is a reminder
of the first Piaget Altiplano and the ultra-thin watchmaking
traditions nurtured by the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie
where each piece is developed, produced and decorated. Inside
the slender case is an equally slender 1200P movement, the
ultra-thin self-winding mechanical movement at just 2.35mm
thin. The sapphire case back reveals the duality of Altiplano:
pure simplicity on the outside, sophisticated complexity on the
inside.
The beautiful finishes of the watch exemplified by the circular
Côtes de Genève, bevelled bridges, circular-grained mainplate
and blued screws can be admired from the back. An homage
to the creativity of the Altiplano, the pocket watch can be
transformed into a beautiful table clock when placed in the
centre of an elegant blue marquetry stand punctuated by sleek
markers.
, Security in Motion”