Piaget

I recently began a search for my ideal dress watch.  My wife would say it was another excuse to go watch shopping but she would only be partially correct.  After a recent black tie event I realized that every watch that I considered a "dress" watch was either too big, too thick, or too "outlandish" for these types of social events.  Without much thought my initial instincts told me that I would soon be adding a JLC, VC, or Patek to my collection.

I've ignored Piaget for a long time (mostly because I've always thought that ultrathin movements were to delicate for my lifestyle) but I was captivated by the PuristS report to the manufactory last year.  After a week of doing my own due dilligence I was convinced that I should take a closer look at the brand.  What caught my eye was the Altiplano XL, winner of the 2003 Geneva Grand Prix award as the best ultra thin watch of the year.

I distilled what I wanted in this ideal dress watch down to very PuristS qualities: a solid case back, a precious metal case, a dial with a classic yet modern design, no seconds hand, hand winding, and most importantly a valid pedigree.  I thought the Altiplano fit well and was an excellent alternative, or sleeper,  choice.

Do you think I made the right choice? 

The thin angled lugs with the nicely sized crown and a slightly curved sapphire crystal.  You definately get a nice and reassuring tactile sensation while winding the watch via the crown.

The solid white gold case back secured by six screws.  Not that it really matters but the Altiplano is water resistant to 30m.  Good enough for handwashing and perhaps the ocassional prankster pushing me into a pool.   The movement is the Caliber 430P: 18 jewels, 21,600VPH, and 40 hours power reserve.  This is the larger and newer derivation of the caliber 9P which placed Piaget into the Guiness Book of World records.

Even through the protective sticker (it's my personal compulsion to take off the sticker when wearing the watch, then replacing afterwards) you can tell the depth of the hand engraving on the Piaget emblem.

The white gold buckle's shape doesnot resemble any other detail on the watch.  I think has a very art deco design which complements the overall look of the watch.  Functionally the buckle is easy to secure and release.  It is extremely comfortable to wear.

The lugs elevate the watch sitting on a flat surface but even then the complete watch is less than two nickles thick. 

The Jaquet Droz was too big

The Peter Speake Marin was too thick.

 

The Vianney Halter was too loud.
 

The Altiplano is just right!

 

Cheers, Mike

Hi Mike

Thanks for the great review.    I am sorry if I missed it but what is the diameter.  Also, I am with you on a nice simple elegant dress watch. I really like the idea of deleting the seconds hand.  It just make the whole face simple and dignified.  I have the JLC ultra thin but this Piaget will give it a run for the money.  I will have to hunt one down and check it out in the flesh.

Thanks

Bill

Mastery of the "ultra-thin" has been a Piaget watch-word (pun intended) since their famous manual 9P and automatic 12P movements.

The Altiplano range is also known as their 'Elegant Line' in the Black Tie Collection. 

In 1998, this redesigned 38 mm diameter model ref. G0A29112 won 'Watch of the Year' awarded by a jury of Swiss industry professionals and 'Best Ultra-thin Watch' at the 2003 Geneva Horology Grand Prix. It has the 430P movement.  The XL is 40mm; this is Mike's watch.

In 2008, a new XL Altiplano with 40 mm case diameter and small seconds sub-dial at 10 o'clock won 'Watch of the Year' awards by two specialist magazines  -  'Montres Passion' and 'La Revue des Montres' - and the 'Grand Prix du Public' during the 'Nuit de l'Horlogerie' in Geneva. It has a 838P movement.

 

Regards,

MTF

 

This message has been edited by MTF on 2009-05-17 11:44:39

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My JLC is 1.38 mm thick and only 34mm.  I feel so insufficient. 

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Hi Mike

I dropped 20+ pounds (mediterranean diet - lots o wine and food and weight gain just avoid the big macs.)  since we last met.   I had no idea that showed through in my posts. LOL  :>

Hope to connect soon.

Bill

No message body

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You should consider the Chopard ultra thin dress watch as well. It has the same classic look you are looking for. Go to chopard forum for more information or ask Kong.

This is a great example.

Pedigree was an extremely important factor this time around.  I love Chopard and think the brand has made amazing progress the past few years but Piaget has always been known for their ultrathin movement. 

Here is another pairing.  As you can see I am already a bee keeper (thanks to my friend Kong's enthusiasm for the piece) and I considered it a "dress watch" but compare the differences.  Sorry for the quick pics

Right size, right look, but too thick (imho) for black tie events.

Best, Mike

its an endorsement! 

Great pics too, thx~

just to show that the mods really do love the brands showcased here

Best, Mike

approved !

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Congrats.

From one Altiplano owner to another,  Excellent choice and dial color

Is that the Platinum edition?

Cheers, Mike

The Piaget is both elegant and modern looking.

I especially like your version of white gold case with the silver dial.

Congratulations and regards,

Gerard.

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Here are my pics of the Altiplano but with the classic hands. One of the most beautiful simple watches. I hope to shoot a very special version of the Altiplano next week.

did not appeal to me.

 

It looks nice on your wrists though.

 

Cheers, Mike

I love the dial on this watch.  I think you made a fantastic selection.  Enjoy it!

Cheers,
Daos

I'm finding myself in more and more weddings as they fulfill their personal lives!

Didn't ever think I needed to have my own tuxedo...

 

Best, Mike

Piaget excels at such formal watches, along with JLC, AP, PP and VC.

- SJX

It was the PuristS' visit and the glowing personal remarks from friends that attended which tipped the balance.

Best, Mike

Jia Xian

              Perhaps the following dress watches also deserve consideration:

 

I nearly bought a Pt Santos similar to yours some months ago but refrained. It is a beautiful formal watch.

The AP is quirky and unusual but I like it. Furthermore it is technically significant since it is the first automatic tourbillion, brilliant at the time but more or less a technical dead end (hammer weight was not used again).

- SJX

Agree with you the Altiplano is a real classy watch- Congrats.

20 years ago I got this as a dress watch - the Georges Piaget Anniversary watch with the 9P

movement:

Manual ultra thin watch in platinum - a tempting morsel for Blunotte!

I think you've struck gold.  No doubt about it.