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As we have often been led to believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, I am pleased to offer you the following "words" from Piaget. Presenting the Altiplano Gem-set Skeleton:
Piaget Altiplano Gem-set Skeleton
This Piaget boutique exclusive is further evidence of the Manufacture's dual excellence in both watch- and jewelry-making. To realize this incredible showpiece for the company's prowess in both disciplines, Piaget assembled a team of in-house gem-setters, movement designers, and watchmakers to develop an openworked dial with plates and bridges that were to be as extensively jeweled as possible without sacrificing a signature element of the Altiplano -- the jeweled movement had to be thin. Achieving this goal was no easy task, and required the dedication of every profession within the Manufacture. In my opinion, the results are spectacular, even if you aren't a fan of gem-set watches. First of all, the gem-setting, as is de rigueur for Piaget, is amazing. Check out the polish on the diamond settings alone.
Notice how each prong is polished to a mirror-like sheen.
Gem-setting the ultra-thin Manufacture Caliber 838P required that each part to be set, whether a bridge or plate, had to be thick enough to maintain its rigidity and allow for jeweling, while still retaining the slenderness of the movement overall. A dedicated reinforced solid gold mainplate had to be developed by Piaget's team of gem-setters, movement designers, and watchmakers expressly for these purposes.
The end result? No less than 174 fully cut and finished diamonds are set into a movement that is only 3.10 mm thick. This same movement is finished using Piaget's signature decorative elements: sunburst guilloche bridges, bevelling, circular graining, blued screws and satin-brushed wheels. The whole is then seamlessly integrated into a case flange set with 144 diamonds, and a bezel set with 72 more diamonds. The bezel alone houses over a carat in diamonds. I work in Hollywood and awards season (Oscars, Golden Globes, etc.) is upon us. To me, this perfect mix of jewelry and horology is ideal for the red carpet, cocktail party, awards dinner, and all special occasions when telling the time is perhaps not as important as making the most of the time you have.
 The 40 mm Piaget Altiplano Gem-set Skeleton.
I have yet to see this watch in the metal, but judging by the design of its hand-drawn mainplate and bridges; the transparency of its openworked dial, and knowing the quality of gems that Piaget uses in its watches, I have no doubt that this piece will be a glittering explosion on the wrist. |
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发表于 2010-1-19 09:56
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