Piaget

MTF
[PuristS]
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SIHH 2011: PIAGET 1st Ultra-Thin Automatic Tourbillon Live Photos

SIHH 2011: Piaget launches it first Ultra-Thin Automatic Tourbillon watch - Live Photos

PuristSPro is thrilled to bring you live photos of the new Piaget Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic Ultra-Thin that we have kept under wraps to respect the official embargo.

Previously, the Press Release was posted: click here

There was a moment of stunned silence when the Piaget team revealed the SIHH 2011 novelty to hardened journalists and PuristS collector.

Why the Stunned Silence?

Was it the audacity of the aesthetic or technique, I wondered?  Or was it the fact that the usually conservative Piaget was actually 'cock-a-hoop' about their achievement? 

This is a company that usually hides it's fine movements under a closed caseback.  Even the exquisitely chased and engraved 9P movement (see below) was unseen by the owner of the special 1990s commemorative watch that contained it.

Engraved 9P movement seen only by the watchmaker servicing the watch

Apart from the sheer technical achievement of the thinnest automatic tourbillon wristwatch in the world, we were flabbergasted by the exuberant multi-level dial and showy winding rotor on the dialside.

Whilst the display of tourbillon cage is now 'de rigueur' in contemporary haute horlogerie, the exhibitionist rotor stopped us in our tracks. Although it is an understandable design motif, for the rotor balances the tourbillon cage on the diammetric, some commentators observed that "elegance is usuallly understated".

There are still many features of the Piaget elegance that are evident; from the subtle curves of the case and lugs to the dual surface finishing (satin and glossy) of the case.

The cushion shaped case called for a shaped movement and Piaget delivered a fine one, rather than taking the easier path of stuffing a round movement into a square case.

The crown is proportioned well and has just enough 'grip' provided for by the knurled edge, but not so much that it resembles a buzz saw

Even the crown displayed dual-textured finishing.

The power reserve indicator is discretely on the case back.

Compared with PIAGET Upstream for size

As there will only be 10 lucky (and wealthy) connoisseurs of each metal colour for the inaugural editions, this stunning watch will be rarely seen on-the-wrist.

No doubt, the launch editions will be sold out, especially in China and Asia. The rotor and tourbillon cage subtly form the lucky symbol '8' on the dial.

I feel very privileged on behalf of PuristS to actually wear one........... for but a fleeting moment in Time.

What do you think of it?

Regards,
MTF