PIAGET ALTIPLANO
Medium-sized model in 18 carat pink and white gold set with 72 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.5 carats) and equipped with the new mechanical ultra-thin Manufacture Piaget 450P movement (thickness: 2.1 mm). White mother-of-pearl dial, stylized silvered or gilded Arabic numerals, small seconds counter at 10 o'clock set with 28 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.1 carats). Cadence of 21,600 vph, 40-hour power reserve, circular Côtes de Genève decoration, rhodium-plated bevelled bridges, white or beige satin strap, 18-carat white or pink gold pin buckle.


Piaget has cultivated its role as a ‘manufacture’ since its creation in 1874. Originally a supplier to other prestigious brands, it changed direction at the beginning of the 20th century and developed its own creations. However, in the last decade Piaget has been particularly creative both as far as mechanical movements are concerned and in aesthetics – an area the brand has excelled in since the early 1900s.
Typical of this abundant creativity is the Calibre 850P movement. Conceived, developed and produced by the ‘manufacture’, this particular Calibre is a mechanical self-winding movement with hours, minutes, seconds, date and second time-zone indications.
Representing the latest generation of Piaget movements, this complicated movement meets today’s needs in the world of haut de gamme timepieces. Larger in volume (12'''calibre, 4 mm thick), it is equipped with two barrels, has a 72-hour power reserve and beats at a cadence of 21,600 vibrations per hour, the natural frequency of traditional haute horlogerie. The movement is wound by a bidirectional oscillating weight engraved with the Piaget emblem.
In the same creative vein, Piaget also unveils its new ultra-thin Calibre 450P, a mechanical hand-wound movement indicating hours and minutes, in addition to an off-centre small seconds sub-dial at 10 o'clock (9''' calibre, 2.1 mm thick).
Both Calibres are beautifully finished with circular-grained plate, bevelled bridges, blued screws and a circular Côtes de Genève decorative motif.




PIAGET EMPERADOR CUSHION SHAPE
Large model in 18 carat pink case equipped with the new mechanical self-winding Manufacture Piaget 850P movement (thickness: 4 mm). Silvered dial, ‘grain d'orge’ guilloché centre, black Roman numerals, second time zone at 7 o'clock, large date at 12 o'clock and small seconds at 5 o'clock. Cadence of 21,600 vph, 72-hour power reserve, brown alligator leather strap, 18-carat pink gold folding clasp.

PIAGET EMPERADOR CUSHION SHAPE
Large model in 18 carat white gold case set with 136 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.6 carats) and equipped with the new mechanical self-winding Manufacture Piaget 850P movement (thickness: 4 mm). White mother of pearl dial set with 123 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.4 carats), black Roman numerals, second time zone at 7 o'clock, large date at 12 o'clock and small seconds at 5 o'clock. Cadence of 21,600 vph, 72-hour power reserve, black alligator leather strap, 18-carat white gold folding clasp.


These mechanical movements are direct descendants of the renowned calibres with which Piaget made its name and included several world firsts: the 9P and 12P which later evolved to become further benchmark Calibres such as, for example, the 430P, 500P and 551P.
Having made major investments in research and development and fine-tuned its manufacture in every department, Piaget continues to prove that it has all the mechanical and creative credentials and resources to continue to produce authentic innovations – not to mention beautiful timepieces.


Source: Europa Star April-May 2006 Magazine Issue