Piaget established its watchmaking workshop in La Côte-aux-Fées, Switzerland, its birthplace, in 1874. As a manufacture brand with integrated production, it has specialized in high-precision, ultra-thin watches, undertaking numerous developments. The company's achievements, still recounted today, include the ultra-thin manual-winding movement "Cal.9P," measuring just 2mm in thickness and released in 1957, followed three years later by the ultra-thin automatic movement "Cal.12P," a mere 2.3mm thick. Both movements were registered in the Guinness Book of Records for their slimness, earning global recognition. This year, 2010, marks the 50th anniversary of the latter, Cal.12P. Introduced as an anniversary model is the new "Piaget Altiplano," powered by the "Cal.1200P," the successor to Cal.12P. We asked Frank Touzet, Piaget's Watch Marketing Director, about this commemorative model and the essence of Piaget's watchmaking.

A New Frontier in Ultra-Thin Watches: The New Model Equipped with Cal.1200P

"While the Cal.12P is a renowned movement, a testament to Piaget's achievements, the Cal.1200P is also a movement born to become another legend. The Cal.1200P, an automatic movement with a micro-rotor, reflects the current trend for larger watch sizes. Although the watch diameter is a generous 43mm, the movement's thickness has increased by only 0.5mm from the 12P to 2.35mm (the watch's overall thickness is 5.25mm). The power reserve, initially 42 hours, was ultimately extended to 45 hours. We also offer models with the Cal.1208P, featuring a small seconds complication, but we intend to continue challenging ourselves with various creations based on our beloved Cal.1200P."


Touzet emphasizes that Piaget's mission is to seek "beauty" in the movement itself, just as it does for the case and dial. The development of this movement took approximately three years.
"The new Piaget Altiplano is a beautiful watch, featuring a three-layered, three-dimensional dial. The thinner the movement becomes, the more creative possibilities open up for watch design. Slimness is a crucial element that influences design. The most challenging aspect of this new creation was, undoubtedly, achieving the overall balance between the case and the movement. An elegant watch must not only be visually appealing but also comfortable to wear. While the concept of larger sizes aligns with current trends, this watch, despite its generous dimensions, remains thin, allowing it to fit perfectly even on the wrists of men with slender arms."

Piaget's Watchmaking: A Fusion of Beauty and Practicality

Touzet expresses a particular fondness for the "Piaget Altiplano" collection among Piaget's offerings. He shared that he plans to purchase the new limited edition model this year, reflecting his deep affection for the collection. During the interview, Touzet was impeccably dressed, wearing the popular "Piaget Polo FortyFive" model launched last year. He revealed that this watch, with its titanium case and rubber strap, is also one he wears daily and cannot part with.

"The Piaget Polo FortyFive is also a watch whose sporty-chic design suits any occasion. What I particularly appreciate, much like the Altiplano, is its practicality – it fits discreetly under a shirt cuff when worn with a suit. Recently, our diamond models have also been very well-received, and surprisingly, younger individuals in their 30s are also showing interest inJewelry Watchesare popular. The Piaget Polo Forty Five with diamond setting (pictured) and the gold bracelet models of the Altiplano are also drawing attention."


Touzet concludes that Piaget watches are cherished across eras and generations precisely because they embody both practicality and beauty.

"In two years, we plan to unveil a ladies' collection inspired by archives from the 1970s and 80s. Moving forward, we aim to focus on watchmaking that further emphasizes our identity as a high-end watch manufacture. We are also considering minute repeaters, though I cannot yet say when (laughs). When we do release them, we want them to be "beautiful watches" worthy of the Piaget name, creations that stand apart from the rest. Creating new watches always feels like raising a child. With this year's Altiplano, I feel as though my child has finally left the nest."

PIAGET Customer Desk
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