High time: The Piaget Altiplano celebrates 60 years
The luxury watchmaker has named 2017 "the year of the Altiplano", and it kicks off the festivities with two chic releases
Piaget watches have always been about unostentatious glamour, coupled with horological sophistication. In 1957, the brand introduced the Altiplano, and its ultra-slim silhouette, purity of dial and refined style won it a place in watchmaking history. Marking the 60th anniversary of the launch, Piaget has declared 2017 the year of the Altiplano and unveiled a limited-edition collection.
Historically, Piaget has always been involved in the pursuit of the slimmest timepiece, creating technical innovations that not only result in superior performance and reliability, but that also have – no small feat – the ability to be housed in an ultra-slender case. In doing so, Piaget created a new horological design lexicon.
Named for the high-altitude plateau of the Andes cordillera, the Altiplano reflects the region's pure and natural beauty in its restrained grace and discreetly refined architecture. The Altiplano's perfect ergonomics are matched by its alluring aesthetic, which has evolved through the decades. Always attractive and graceful, it is dressy yet casual, which is a siren call to those with a love of jet-set glamour, as epitomised in the 1960s – when it was presented as "the watch of the international elite" – by the iconic French actor Alain Delon, and today with Piaget’s international ambassador, the actor Ryan Reynolds.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Now, six decades on, two models – one hand-winding at 38mm (£16,100), the other self-winding at 43mm (£21,500) – have been launched, and will be added to during the year. Inspired by the iconic model's history, they have a white-gold case and feature a plain, polished bezel, slim baton hands, and chic sunburst dial in the historical Piaget blue, an intense shade between cobalt and midnight. They are contemporary with a nod to the past, debonair and sexy, luxurious and unpretentious. These timeless timepieces are charismatic and charming, still eliciting the glamour of a more romantic era, with a modern disposition.
Joanne Glasbey is watch editor for The Times
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 timely cartoons about climate change denial
Cartoons Artists take on textbook trouble, bizarre beliefs, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Kris Kristofferson: the free-spirited country music star who studied at Oxford
In the Spotlight The songwriter, singer and film-star has died aged 88
By The Week UK Published
-
The Chagos agreement explained
In Depth Ceding the islands to Mauritius could allow China to gain foothold in the Indo-Pacific, experts have warned
By The Week UK Published
-
Five top new women's watches
The Week Recommends From dancing diamonds to reconfigured classics, these models were recently revealed at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
Five high-end watches that tell a story: from Cartier to Bulgari
The Week Recommends These limited-edition watches from top watchmakers imbue classic designs with a fresh sense of creativity
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
Wandering star: Audemars Piguet’s new Code 11.59 Starwheel watch
feature Engmatic and alluring, this timepiece has a suitably spiritual backstory
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
Built for adventure: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Bamford Limited Edition
Speed Read George Bamford explains his second collaboration with Swiss watch brand
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Well timed: inside the new Audemars Piguet museum
Speed Read Swiss watch brand celebrates past and present in architectural marvel
By Jessica Bumpus Last updated
-
High time to have a ball: Dior Grand Soir Plissé Précieux
Speed Read A new haute couture timepiece by Dior
By Felix Bischof Last updated
-
The all new Hermès Cape Cod Martelee
Speed Read Parisian luxury brand introduces a modern classic
By Felix Bischof Last updated
-
Ten of the best luxury watches for everyday wear
The Week Recommends These classic timepieces are reviving the sporty category with verve and ingenuity
By Alexandra Zagalsky Last updated