Piaget Altiplano Chronograph Double slimness record in major complication mode

Dubai, February 10, 2015: On the occasion of the 25th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Piaget presents a new ultra-thin hand-wound chronograph in its iconic Altiplano collection. For the first time, this line with its pure, contemporary attributes is hosting a major horological complication. And since good things always come in pairs, the Piaget Altiplano Chronograph model sets a new record in the ultra-thin field – a demanding art in which the Maison has consistently excelled since 1957. With its 4.65 mm movement and its 8.24 mm case, this newcomer to the Altiplano range will set a new crowning touch to the already impressive array of Piaget timepieces distinguished by legendary slenderness.

A modern-day embodiment of sheer purity and elegance, the apparent simplicity of the Piaget Altiplano Chronograph expresses the timeless understatement of the Altiplano collection. For the very first time, this emblematic line from the Manufacture welcomes a major complication, a newcomer to the range of 37 Piaget in house movements and one that is cherished by all authentic Haute Horlogerie connoisseurs: the hand-wound chronograph. While this fine watchmaking classic is generally reserved for timepieces featuring traditional lines, the Manufacture Piaget has opted to house it in a case displaying a slender, understated and contemporary design. With its 25 ultra-thin movements holding 14 world records for their thinness, Piaget is a past master in the art of extreme thinness, as through this new 883P hand-wound chronograph calibre it once again demonstrates peerless expertise in the development of ultra-thin movements endowed with major complications. The calibre and case thereby set a new double slimness record, at just 4.65 mm for the hand-wound flyback chronograph movement, and a slender 8.24 mm for its precious receptacle.

The latest addition to the range of movements entirely developed by Piaget is named 883P and stems from the automatic 880P movement that is one of the thinnest on the market. It is precisely this patiently acquired expertise that now enables the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget to introduce hand-wound flyback chronograph that is the thinnest in the world in terms of both its ultra-thin calibre and case. Two years of development went into bringing to life this twin feat, developed in La Côte-aux-Fées, the birthplace of the Manufacture Piaget. The in-house watchmakers and developers sought to achieve extremely slim executions all around, whether for the cannon-pinion (0.12 mm), the barrel staff (0.115 mm), the chronograph gear finger (0.06 mm), as well as for the finesse of the dial, of the hand fittings and of the glass fastening. The end result is an 883P calibre endowed with a 50-hour power reserve and driving displays of the hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock, along with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a 24-hour dual-time indication at 9 o’clock. It is also distinguished by its flyback function serving to reset the chronograph hands to zero simply by pressing them and then automatically restarting a new timing cycle. Moreover, the chronograph is controlled by a column-wheel responsible for coordinating all its phases, and by a vertical coupling-clutch system ensuring perfect precision. This finely crafted movement visible through the transparent case-back features the aesthetic refinement of finishes performed in keeping with the noblest watchmaking traditions: circular Côtes de Genève, a circular-grained mainplate, bevelled bridges, sunburst wheels and blued screws.   

Modernity and tradition mingle harmoniously within this new creation with its timelessly understated character. Housed within an ultra-thin case with sharply defined lines, the Piaget Altiplano Chronograph displays the apparent simplicity of a studied sophistication permeating every detail. This is because developing a timepiece with a deliberately pared-down aesthetic inherent in the Altiplano line, while simultaneously taking on the challenge of a complication whose very functions call for an elaborate display, is a token of rigorously well-mastered expertise. This impressive limpidity shines in all its splendour on a dial featuring a sunburst satin-brushed finish, with slender baton-type hands sweeping over slim alternating single and double hour-markers – the style signature of Altiplano models. The quest for purity is reflected in the counters that are not hollowed as is usually the case, but instead appear on the same level as the rest of the dial. These evanescent elements accentuate the smoothness of a face characterised by uncluttered elegance and perfect readability. The slender and discreetly refined elongated chronograph pushers blend seamlessly into the curves of a streamlined ultra-thin 41 mm-diameter case. Ensuring perfect comfort on the wrist, the taut lines of the Piaget Altiplano Chronograph are extended by an alligator leather strap fitted with a pin buckle. Available in pink gold or white gold set with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds (approximately 1.8 carats), this new chronograph is bound to appeal to a dynamic clientele with an equally self-assured penchant for classicism.