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In 2008, Piaget continues to demonstrate its expertise in the field of mechanical movements by presenting a new complication calibre designed, developed and produced within its Manufacture for the Emperador Coussin Perpetual Calendar model, as well as by extending its star Altiplano collection, now available in a 40 mm version.

Reflecting its rich history, the latest decade has been one of intense creativity for Piaget in the area of mechanical movements, with no less than 17 such proprietary calibres emerging from its workshops over the past ten years. Even among the companies active at the very pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie, very few can match this degree of fertile inspiration and the year 2008 looks set to further boost this dynamic thrust.

The Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget has invested massively over the past few years in its two production sites in Plan-les-Ouates (Geneva) and La Côte-aux-Fées (Neuchâtel), in terms of both human resources and the equipment required to reinforce and implement its in-house manufacturing strategy.

All the mechanical timepieces by Piaget house a proprietary movement, and the proportion of these ‘home-made’ calibres within the overall range is constantly increasing. Testifying to patiently acquired expertise and representing authentic symbols of Fine Watchmaking, mechanical movements equip virtually all men’s watches, along with an increasing number of models in the Piaget ladies’ collections.

In light of the significant periods required to develop new mechanical movements, and even more importantly of the predominant share of manual work involved in crafting and finishing Piaget watches, production is inherently limited. This very fact gives it even more value in the eyes of connoisseurs who long to acquire new watch emerging from the workshops of the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget.

The four new major men’s introductions for 2008 forcefully reveal the identity, the know-how and the dynamism of a brand that has established itself within the ultra-select circle of full-fledged all-round players on the Fine Watchmaking scene.

Following on from models such as the tourbillon, the tourbillon relatif and the chronograph, Piaget is pursuing its quest for horological complications by presenting the new Manufacture Calibre 855P with perpetual calendar. Mechanically programmed to cope with the irregularities of our Gregorian calendar up until the year 2100, the perpetual calendar is one of the major complications of the watchmaking art, as well as one of the most widely used. Measuring 5.6 mm thick, the Manufacture Piaget Calibre 855P self-winding movement was designed, developed and produced entirely in-house. It displays the hours, minutes, small seconds at 4 o’clock, month and leap years at 12 o’clock, along with retrograde day of the week and date displays at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively. In addition to the latter retrograde indications, this Calibre 855P stands out from most ordinary perpetual calendars by the addition of a double-hand dual time-zone display appearing in a subdial at 8 o’clock. The self-winding Piaget Calibre 855P beats at a cadence of 21,600 vibrations per hour and is endowed with an approximately 72-hour power reserve.

Inspired by an historical Piaget model revived two years ago and distinguished by an harmoniously balanced play on shapes, the case of the Piaget Emperador Coussin Perpetual Calendar is entirely in tune with the aesthetic mood of the moment. The subtle architecture of the 46 mm case enables it to adapt to all wrists and imparts a particularly elegant profile. In line with Piaget’s determination to combine horological complications with user-friendliness, the case middle actually carries a mention of the function of each of the four correctors for the month, date, day of the week and second time zone. Subtly alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces on the case middle, bezel and inner bezel ring, the case of the Piaget Emperador Coussin Perpetual Calendar is fitted with a sapphire crystal back providing admirable views of the movement finishes. The plate and bridges are circular-grained, bevelled and drawn out with a file.

The decorative features such as circular Côtes de Genève and blued screws match the brand’s aesthetic signature codes, while the oscillating weight is adorned with the Piaget coat-of-arms. All the decoration and finishing, along with the casing up, are performed in Piaget’s La Côte-aux-Fées workshops which are entirely dedicated to horological complications. The complex nature of the movement powering the Piaget Emperador Coussin Perpetual Calendar explains its restricted annual production. The case of each timepiece is engraved with the year of production and the number of watches produced. A highly exclusive Haute Horlogerie model, the Piaget Emperador Coussin Perpetual Calendar is available in an 18-carat pink gold version on a brown leather strap complete with 18-carat pink gold pin buckle, along with a version in 18-carat white gold.

The introduction of a new more generously sized 40mm Altiplano case provides an opportunity for the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget to create a worthy stage-setting for both the mechanism and the watch exterior, two worlds that it is one of the rare players to fully master in-house. Shedding a unique light on the launch of this 40 mm-diameter case, the Altiplano case welcomes a “skeletonised” or openworked movement for the very first time. The Manufacture Piaget 838P hand-wound movement is given a light, airy touch by the essentially manual openwork featuring a decidedly contemporary design. This movement, of which the master-engravers have managed to preserve the essential elements, reveals fascinating glimpses of its meticulous finishes and the magic of its intricate gear trains.

Radiating from the centre of the small seconds at 10 o’clock, a hand-crafted guilloché sunburst motif lights up the entire dial with its 60 rays that extend over onto the inner bezel ring. The latter is a discreet grey that creates an elegant tone-on-tone effect with the rhodium-plated movement. The exquisite finesse of the engraving, chasing and decorative work on this Calibre 838P skeleton movement makes a perfect match for the refined elegance of the ultra-thin 18-carat white gold case. The latter’s sapphire crystal caseback enables one to admire the painstaking decorative work on the movement, thereby lending even greater depth and intensity to this mechanical sculpture. The Altiplano Squelette 40 mm comes on a black alligator leather strap, complete with 18-carat white gold pin buckle.

It single-handedly embodies Piaget’s identity and its acknowledged expertise in the realm of the ultra-thin. Loyal to its characteristic pure lines and well-respected classicism, the Altiplano collection is enriched with a model appearing for the first time in a 40 mm diameter. In keeping with these new dimensions, the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget has equipped this Altiplano watch with a state-of-the-art 12-lignes (12’’’) movement, Manufacture Piaget Calibre 838P. This ultra-thin hand-wound movement is a mere 2.5 mm thick. While the new model retains the aesthetic codes of the Altiplano collection – a slender, elegant case and an understated dial with simple or double transferred hour-markers and baton-shaped hands – it is distinguished by its 40 mm diameter, its small seconds at 10 o’clock and by a Piaget logo at 3 o’clock ensuring a perfectly harmonious overall effect. The white gold case is fitted with a sapphire crystal back enabling one to admire all aspects of the movement decoration, such as circular Côtes de Genève and blued screws which are the signature features of Piaget movements. The 40 mm Altiplano movement is also available in a pink gold version with a chocolate brown dial, and in a platinum limited edition.

Piaget achieved a master stroke 50 years ago by launching a model that succeeded in asserting itself through its original and subtle design: the Piaget Emperador. The latter is known for its rectangular case with softened angles, sides delicately curved towards the centre, and a cambered profile elegantly embracing the wrist. While it has evolved in step with its times, the Piaget Emperador model remains a symbol of ageless elegance – and modern design. Witness not a new model, but a best-seller revisited through a new design: the Piaget Emperador in 18-carat pink gold, incorporating the new codes of the collection. The silver-coloured dial reinterprets classicism in a refreshingly contemporary spirit by associating a sunburst guilloché motif with slender applied baton hour-markers in pink gold.

The majestic Piaget coat-of-arms at 12 o’clock now adorns all historically inspired models. Elegantly understated and more refined than ever, the distinguished face of the Piaget Emperador conceals Calibre 551P with small seconds at 10 o’clock and power-reserve display at 6 o’clock. Like all movements powering the brand’s masculine timepieces, self-winding Calibre 551P is designed, developed and produced by the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget. Its meticulous finishes, including circular Côtes de Genève and blued screws, are set fixtures on all Piaget’s proprietary movements. The new Piaget Emperador comes on a brown alligator leather strap with 18-carat pink gold folding clasp.