Piaget Altiplano automatic ultra-thin watch

The Swiss watch making brand is well-known for its in-house ultra-thin automatic calibers. Entering the business of hairbreadth-thin movements in 1957, the manufacture continues its journey with the new Piaget Altiplano automatic wrist watch, which is presented in a white gold case and is powered by their newest Calibre 1208P self-winding movement that features their signature off-centered micro-rotor with gold oscillating weight.

Being only 2.35 mm thick, the movement is almost 30 millimeters in diameter (perhaps, Piaget’s engineers needed more real estate for the micro-rotor, which is made of 22-carat yellow gold.)

Of course, the movement is not so large as to demand such an impressively sized case whole 43 mm in diameter. Perhaps, the Swiss engineers deliberately increased the body’s width in order to change the timekeeper’s proportions making its 5.25 mm of thickness look like the sharp edge of a razor blade.

Also, the increased dimensions of the case allowed for a larger dial that now has enough breathing space to nicely position the small seconds indicator without making the minimalistic dial look unnecessarily cluttered.

Traditionally, all three hands are stick-shaped, as are the hour markers, and lack any amount of luminous substance whatsoever. However, being essentially a dress watch, the Piaget Altiplano doesn’t really need nighttime legibility. It is not a pilot’s watch, after all.

Although in its press release Piaget calls its new movement “the thinnest” on the market and uses the word “record” six times, I may remind you that the Calibre 1208P in only 0.1mm thinner than Audemars Piguet’s Calibre 2120/2802 self-winding movement with its full-fledged perpetual calendar complication.

The Piaget Altiplano can only display hours, minutes and seconds.

Well, at least it will be much less expensive, I suppose.

UPDATE: It is reported that Piaget Altiplano in a white gold case will be offered at a recommended retail price of $21,500, which makes it quite affordable considering its industry leading thinness and the level of craftsmanship that it offers.

Photos: Piaget

Piaget Altiplano automatic ultra-thin watch specification

Price range: N/A
Movement: Calibre 1208P, in-house, automatic, 21,600 vph, ultra-thin
Complications: N/A
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Stainless steel
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire glass
Case size: 43 mm
Case height: 5.25
Dial: Silvered
Hands: Black
Strap: Black leather
Crystal: Sapphire