Altiplano 38mm

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Altiplano 38mm - SIHH 2016 : Piaget
2 minutes read
Piaget’s rose is reinterpreted in three new models from the talented hands of two independent artisans.

This graceful, feminine watch portraying an open bloom is a fitting homage to Yves Piaget, who was known for his love of roses. Now a well-known motif in the Piaget universe, the rose is transformed once again. Earlier this week at the SIHH the company, which is based in La Côte-aux-Fées, unveiled three new variations of its iconic ultra-thin model, the Altiplano 38 mm, with a floral design. These masterpieces of artistic craftsmanship use the novel technique of marquetry combining wood and mother-of-pearl inlays, as well as gold engraving, a technique already familiar to Piaget’s craftsmen. Two experts came together to create the stunningly intricate workmanship for these fascinating timepieces.

Gold engraving is perhaps the more familiar technique, although it still requires a high degree of expertise. Dick Steenman was in charge of this part of the process. The goal was clear: to bring out the beauty of the complete rose and its individual elements. But sketching out rose petals using a scribe was never going to be easy. Sculpting the petals is quite an art: every petal has to be worked together with those around it in order to retain the sense of perspective, drawing the eyes from the outside to the centre. Precision is key. The finished watch has a 38 mm diameter 18 karat rose gold case, with a bezel set with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted on a white alligator strap. Fitted with a Piaget 430P ultra-flat hand-wound manufacture movement, this timepiece is available in a limited run of eight.

Piaget Altiplano

The new marquetry techniques feature both wood and wood and mother-of-pearl worked together. The aptly named Rose Saneuil was responsible for producing all 36 watches (each model is available in a limited edition of 18). 

Both the wood marquetry and the wood and mother-of-pearl models are also equipped with the Piaget 430P ultra-flat hand-wound manufacture movement. Like their sister watch, their cases are in 18K gold, white gold this time, set with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds. The balance wheel vibrates at 21,600 vph and its functions focus on the purely essential hours and minutes. The pale pink bird’s-eye maple, pink and light red sycamore and white mother-of-pearl combine to create a dial of transcendent beauty. 

Piaget Altiplano

It takes between 25 and 30 hours to create just one of these dials, which gives an idea of the brand’s commitment to excellence. These watches capture the beauty, fragility and delicacy of a rose, which today has become synonymous with Piaget. 

Piaget Altiplano

 

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