Master of ultra-flat watchmaking
Over the decades, Piaget has earned a huge reputation as a creator sophisticated timepieces with ultra slim movements. When other companies are looking for compact solutions, they often turn to Piaget. The 12P calibre developed in 1960 was the flattest automatic movement in the world at the time – a miniscule 2.3 mm high. But this hasn't been the sole focus of the company's attention. It has also expanded its portfolio into the realm of fine jewellery.
From 1964, Piaget launched several dress watches with dials made of semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, onyx and tiger's eye. While the movements of the Piaget watches continue to be manufactured in La-Côte-aux-Fées, in 2001 a new factory was opened in Plan-les-Ouates near Geneva to handle the jewellery aspect of the business. Here over 40 skilled watchmakers and goldsmiths work together under one roof in the pursuit of meticulous craftsmanship.
As the new millennium dawned, Piaget continued to be as innovative as ever. In 2002, the company introduced its first tourbillon movement, the 600P. With a height of just 3.5 mm, this was another record-breaking accomplishment. In 2009 the wafer-thin 12P from the 1960s finally met with a worthy successor. A mere 2.35 mm, the 1208P is the thinnest automatic movement of its kind. It became the basis for the most ultra flat automatic watch ever, the Altiplano 43 mm (height: 5.25 mm). For its 140th birthday, the company once again outdid itself with the launch of its thinnest manual wind watch, the Altiplano 900P (total height: 3.65 mm). Again and again, Piaget proves that there is no technical challenge it cannot master.