Charlie St. Cloud
Last November, Piaget introduced the 700P movement in an Emperador Coussin XL case. This movement is special because it has a mechanical escapement but also a microgenerator connected with a quartz regulator. Presented at SIHH 2016 for the first time to the world press, this new product is a surprise as well as an achievement for Piaget. The concept appeared first in 1972 when Piaget developed the concept of this movement.
Inside the movement, a mechanical gear allows the rotor to turn 319.8 times per minute. This process produces electricity that is transmitted to the quartz regulator. The device controls the whole system by ensuring that the speed of the microgenerator has it always turning at the same speed.
The other new watch that amazed us is the 900D, an evolution of the 900P introduced last year, which is the thinnest mechanical movement on earth at only 3.65 mm in height for the whole watch. The 900D is the jewelry version of it entirely set with baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds. The challenge here was to manufacture the bridges and all the areas intended for gem setting in white gold. Even the screws have a diamond on top of them; special tools were developed to handle this delicate process.
Finally, Piaget always exhibits very subtle and refined métiers d’art watches, and this year the elegant Altiplano models presented marquetry roses with thin parts cut in wood and mother-of-pearl. Another version also presents the “Yves Piaget rose,” but this time sculpted out of solid gold. It is just gorgeous.
