Swiss luxury watch brand Piaget creates history by announcing the world’s slimmest hand-wound flyback chronograph wristwatch from its iconic Altiplano collection. This exceptional mechanical marvel will be unveiled on the occasion of the 25th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Jan 2015.
For the first time, this line with its pure, contemporary attributes is hosting a major horological complication. 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. 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.
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. The 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.
The Piaget Altiplano Chronograph is secured with 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.
Technical details
Model: Piaget Altiplano Chronograph Size: 41 mm
World’s thinnest hand-wound flyback chronograph timepiece: 8.24mm
References
G0A40030: 18K pink gold watch, Alligator leather strap, 18K pink gold ardillon buckle
G0A40031: 18K white gold watch. Bezel set with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.8 cts), Alligator leather strap, 18K white gold ardillon buckle
Functions
H &Mn, small second at 6’, chronograph with flyback function and 30min counters at 3’, 2nd time zone at 9’
Movement
Piaget 883P – World’s thinnest hand-wound fly-back chronograph movement: 4.65mm
Power reserve: approx. 50 hours
Frequency: 28,800vph/4 Hz
Number of jewels: 30
Number of components: 240
Finishing: Circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained main-plate, bevelled bridges, engraved main-plate with the Piaget coat-of-arms, blued screws
