To commemorate the 60th anniversary of its first extra-thin wristwatch that was launched in 1957, Piaget launched a series of anniversary watches in 2017, including the flagship Altiplano Tourbillon High Jewelry watch, powered by the cal. 670P caliber that’s a mere 4.6mm tall.

Piaget has since continued the series with additional variants featuring exotic dial materials, such as last year’s Altiplano Thin Meteorite. And now Piaget unveils the Altiplano Tourbillon Infinite Blue, a trio of limited-edition, high jewellery tourbillon wristwatches decorated with the infinity symbol rendered in diamonds.

Initial Thoughts

The race to produce the thinnest wristwatch ever reached its zenith in the 1970s and 1980s, after which tastes shifted in the new century towards ever-larger watches, particularly with the rise of luxury-sports watches. But some watchmakers, notably Bulgari and Piaget, have continued to slim their watches. In that context, the Tourbillon Infinite Blue does not do anything revolutionary, but take takes a tried-and-true formula and elaborates on it with a high level of execution.

Baguette diamonds on the bezel and dial, brilliant-cut diamonds on the case band and lugs of the Ref. G0A45044

Like many other modern-day extra-thin watches, the largish diameter of 41 mm is necessitated by the movement’s architecture, which sees the components are spread out, instead of stacked up as in a conventional movement. The size and thinness of the bezel means that the watch will feel larger than it is, perhaps a shade too large for a formal dress watch.

Then again, with the extravagant diamond setting lavished on the new models, it is clear that these are watches are meant to be seen. Though the look is not for everyone – and they are prohibitively expensive for most – the new watches smartly utilise the off-centre dial layout of the Altiplano Tourbillon and elevate it into high art.

Diamonds galore

All three references have different diamond settings but share the same specs: a 41 mm case in 18k white gold that measures 7.05 mm high. The form is classic Altiplano, which means it has a high-polish finish, straight, sharply-faceted lugs, and a gently sloped bezel. And it has a display back that reveals the cal. 670P, a manual-winding movement with a power reserve of 48 hours.

The dial is a metallic navy blue with a sunburst finish that radiates out from the cannon pinion. And the flying tourbillon at two o’clock is done in the traditional Piaget style, with the cage incorporating the Piaget logo.

Ref. G0A45045 showing extensive gem-setting in a recurring infinity loop

Encircling the two elements is a white gold frame resembling a figure-of-eight that’s set with brilliant-or baguette-cut diamonds. To match the gem-set case and dial, the straps are fitted to an 18k white gold folding clasp that is also set with 24 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 0.05 carats.

The first of the three (G0A45043) is a limited series of 18 and has a bezel set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds. The infinity symbol on the dial itself comprises an additional 50 brilliant-cut diamonds, for a total gem weight of 2.28 carats, including the diamonds  in the crown and buckle.

The priciest of the trio, the second model (G0A45044) is limited to eight pieces, and the only one set with baguette-cut diamonds. Both the infinity motif on the dial and the bezel are decorated with 48 baguette diamonds, which have been affixed with invisible settings. Additionally, the caseback, case band, and lugs are decorated with 265 brilliant-cut diamonds for a total gem weight of 6.03 carats.

The final model (G0A45045) is limited to 18 pieces. In addition to having a brilliant-cut diamond-set bezel, the lugs are also diamond set. The dial takes the figure-of-eight motif and transforms it into a radiating wave composed of 179 diamonds. In total, the G0A45045 is set with 3.39 carats of diamonds.

Left to right: Altiplano Tourbillon Infinite Blue refs. G0A45043, G0A45044, and G0A45045

Key Facts and Price

Piaget Altiplano Tourbillon Infinite Blue
Ref. G0A45043, limited edition of 38
Ref. G0A45044, limited edition of 8
Ref. G0A45045, limited edition of 18

Diameter: 41 mm
Height:  7.05 mm
Material: 18k white gold
Water-resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 670P
Functions: Hours, minutes, and flying tourbillon
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Manual
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Alligator

Availability: Already at boutiques and retailers
Price:
€122,000, or 204,000 Singapore dollars (ref. G0A45043)
€197,000, or 330,000 Singapore dollars (ref. G0A45044)
€147,000, or 246,000 Singapore dollars (ref. G0A45045)

For more, visit Piaget.com.