Altiplano Gem-set Skeleton 40 mm

Altiplano gem-set skeleton © Piaget

While mastery of ultra-thin movements remains the preserve of a handful of great watch manufacturers, “skeletonising” or openworking this type of calibre is a truly outstanding exception. The Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget unites under one roof the entire range of professions involved in watchmaking and jewellery-making, a rare degree of integration that already enabled it in 2005 to present a watch-industry first in the shape of an ultra-thin movement that was not only openworked but also gem-set: Calibre 600P. Compounded by the fact that this movement was also the world's thinnest shaped tourbillon movement, such an impressive achievement certainly deserves due praise. In 2010, a year when it is offering a stunning display of its mastery of ultra-thinness, the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie has chosen to illustrate its twofold legitimacy as a watchmaker and a jeweller by introducing a new ultra-thin gem-set movement: Calibre 838P.

Gem-setting an ultra-thin skeletonised movement is an extremely complex task, since it requires modifications of its fundamental structure. Each part to be set, whether a plate or bridge, must be just thick enough to accommodate the jewelling while remaining sufficiently rigid – all the while maintaining the extreme overall slenderness of the movement. Such a feat would be impossible without the close cooperation of each profession within the Manufacture, starting with the gem-setter, watchmaker and movement developer. A dedicated reinforced solid gold mainplate had to be developed in order to support the gem-setting which was naturally to be extensive as possible.

The result is truly spectacular: 0.48 carats of full-cut diamonds, meaning no less than 174 stones set into a single movement measuring just 3.10 mm thick. The calibre is finished in compliance with the signature codes of the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget: sunburst guilloché bridges, bevelling, circular graining and hand-drawn mainplate and bridges, blued screws, circular satin-brushed wheels. The finished result is harmoniously integrated within the case thanks to a flange set with 144 diamonds totalling 0.91 carats. Crafted in 18-carat white gold with a bezel set with 72 diamonds totalling 1.01 carats, this watch is available exclusively from Piaget boutiques.

TECHNICAL DATAS