What does it feel like to hold the thinnest tourbillon watch in the world? Surprisingly... heavy? And no, I don’t mean in terms of physical weight (the piece is two millimetres thin, roughly the width of a coin), but there’s certainly something remarkably grand about touching and feeling a piece that is powered by so much horological ingenuity. The Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon is exactly the timepiece you expect when a Maison is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The piece is a poetic continuation of Piaget’s last record-breaking release in 2018, and the latest iteration not only revisits those world-first dimensions, but is able to accommodate the 25 per cent additional power required by the tourbillon. It’s easy for a piece like this to feel complicated; taking away from the elegance the Maison is known for. But watching the Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon be passed from wrist to wrist, the design was seamless.
It’s always fascinating to observe how Maison’s celebrate milestone moments. On the one hand, Piaget is making history and defining the future of watchmaking with pieces like the Altiplano, but the watchmaker’s anniversary year hasn’t solely focused on looking forward. Earlier this year, and presented again at Watches & Wonders, the Piaget Polo 79 made a triumphant and very pleasant return – maintaining much of the original design albeit with a few subtle updates. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing one of the original releases of the 1979 up close, you’ll know that the entirely 18 carat gold creation makes an impact.
The Piaget Polo narrative continues with a charming duet in the Piaget Polo Date. At 42mm and 36mm respectively, the release takes ‘couples dressing’ to new heights – a movement in the watch industry I am more than happy to partake in, and a sentimental touch that Yves Piaget himself loved to create around. A presentation and seamless blend of both the past and future, Piaget struck the perfect chord.
Editor's notes:
The Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon is a watch that’s made to be worn. It’s not only a reminder of the unfathomable craftsmanship and history that went into its creation, but a devotion to the spirit of Maison Piaget – a watchmaker that is always searching for the next challenge.
When the Piaget Polo 1979 debuted at the World Cup polo tournament in Palm Beach on the wrist of Swiss actress and Bond girl Ursula Andress alongside Yves Piaget, it sent the world into a frenzy. Advertised as ‘the world’s ultimate sports watch’, it refused to compromise on luxury. It’s no wonder Andy Warhol was known to have two in his collection.
