Piaget | SIHH 2015 Geneva Salon Report | PIAGET

PIAGET | Piaget

Pursuing Thinness Since the Brand's Inception

Piaget's Aesthetic: The Pursuit of Adult Elegance

Originally, watches were a contest of technical prowess through case thinning. Piaget continues to inherit this tradition and beauty of timepieces. To date, they have developed 25 ultra-thin movements, 14 of which have set the "world's thinnest" record in various categories. In 2014 alone, they introduced the "world's thinnest hand-wound wristwatch." Now, in 2015, they have set new world's thinnest records for a "hand-wound flyback chronograph" and an "automatic skeleton tourbillon." Their forms are simply breathtaking.

Text by KAWADA Akinori

"Piaget Altiplano" Chronograph

An Elegant Chronograph Holding Two World Records

This watch holds two records simultaneously: for the hand-wound flyback chronograph, the "case thickness" is 8.24mm, and the "thickness of the internal movement (mechanism)" is also a world's thinnest 4.65mm. Chronographs are difficult to make thin due to the numerous gears and levers required for the stopwatch mechanism. However, Piaget's technical team tackled this challenge anew, re-examining the design of each individual part.

For instance, the thickness of a part called the chronograph gear finger is a mere 0.06mm – so thin you might wonder if it's "the thickness of paper." Witnessing the form of this watch, born from such meticulous work, one feels it embodies the very essence of an adult timepiece.

Case | 18K Pink Gold
Diameter | 41mm
Thickness | 8.24mm
Movement | Hand-wound (Cal.883P)
Functions | Flyback Chronograph, Small Seconds, Dual Time Display
Strap | Alligator
Water Resistance | 3 bar
Release | September
Estimated Price (incl. tax) | ¥3,996,000

"Piaget Emperador Coussin" 1270S

Automatic Winding Mechanism and Carriage Coexist on the Dial Side

The more extra mechanisms a watch has, the thicker the movement and the watch itself become. A tourbillon, like a complication, and an automatic winding mechanism are prime examples; when combined, achieving a case thickness under 10mm is extremely difficult. However, this watch boasts a case thickness of 8.85mm, the world's thinnest in this category. The automatic winding mechanism employs a micro-rotor, virtually integrated with the main plate. The tourbillon leverages technology cultivated from the watch's predecessor, the "1270P," with miniaturization and weight reduction taken to the extreme.

Furthermore, the movement is skeletonized to the very limit that ensures its rigidity. Key components of the watch, including the carriage, can be admired at a glance. This offers an unparalleled pleasure for watch enthusiasts who appreciate intricate mechanisms.

Case | 18K White Gold
Diameter | 46.5mm
Thickness | 8.85mm
Movement | Automatic (Cal.1270S)
Functions | Tourbillon
Strap | Alligator
Water Resistance | 3 bar
Release | Undetermined
Estimated Price (incl. tax) | ¥29,052,000

Tradition

A Bracelet Like Woven Gold Fabric

Piaget is also a prestigious jeweler that captivates the hearts of many women, and this watch is a shining example of that. The oval case draws inspiration from Piaget's 1960s ladies' watches, boasting a feminine and elegant aesthetic. The attached bracelet features Piaget's signature "Palace" finishing technique. The surface of the already finely linked bracelet is finished to resemble "fabric," and the bracelet is directly soldered to the case. Adorned with a bezel of individually prong-set diamonds, the supple, golden bracelet graces the wrist. Its appearance is that of a jewel-like artistic creation in itself.

Case | 18K White Gold with Diamonds, 18K Pink Gold with Diamonds
Size | 22 x 27mm
Movement | Quartz (Cal.50P)
Strap | 18K White Gold, 18K Pink Gold
Water Resistance | 3 bar
Release | Undetermined
Estimated Price (incl. tax) | ¥7,776,000 (White Gold), ¥7,560,000 (Pink Gold) (Exclusive to Boutiques)

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http://www.piaget.jp