Piaget Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition

Energetic, always in motion, this flagship sign of the Chinese astral calendar celebrates freedom and lightness. In this spirit, the Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition breaks the mold under the impetus of enamel artist Anita Porchet. This is a limited edition of 18 pieces set with baguette-cut diamonds, which enhance this celestial theme cherished by the Maison since 2012.

From a long line of limited series dedicated to the signs of the Chinese zodiac, the Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition watch comes to life at the highest degree of the Métiers d'art emblematic of the Piaget Maison. It is thus located at the confluence of exceptional know-how, between setting, hand-engraving and enameling.

The finesse of the 830P hand-wound caliber, the elegance of a signature Altiplano case in white gold, the rarity of a limited edition of 18 pieces... This elaborate ensemble is placed under the aegis of the Maison's signature Extraleganza. A delicate and unique union of excellence and extravagance, which has animated all Piaget creations for more than 150 years.

Curved enamel

The heart of the Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition beats in its dial and captures all eyes. The white gold base is first hand-engraved in the Piaget workshops. Under the burin, the drape is revealed, in relief, which will serve as a backdrop for the horse. The dial is thus partitioned to receive enameling according to the technique of the same name.

Its upper parts are also finely hand-engraved, a goldsmith's work bearing the name of Palace decor, following an alignment of strokes that Piaget has been carrying high since the 1960s. They are finally set with undulating lines of brilliant-cut diamonds. Its hollows are filled with a grand feu enamel in shades of blue, gray and white, from which bursts of light stand out.

The Altiplano case, here chosen in 41 mm diameter, is surrounded by a setting of white diamonds, baguette cut. Its horns are traversed by a line of brilliant-cut diamonds which accompany its gentle curve while a last gem, rose-cut, adorns the crown.

Living sculpture

In relief, a plane even higher, it is a horse in full jump that emerges in three dimensions. Also made in cloisonné enamel, it is animated by a play of shadows and light. In shades of blue to white, the tension of the muscles, the reflections of the coat, the details of the neck are alive, precise, dreamlike.

Each of the 18 dials in the Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition series is the work of Swiss enameller Anita Porchet. Celebrated among her fellow artisans, she has faithfully accompanied Piaget in its most prestigious creations for many decades. She brings her delicate touch, her sense of interpretation and her unparalleled mastery of enamel, more specifically cloisonné enamel, which is one of the artist's specialties. This technique combines the depth of the color specific to any enameling and the precision of the details thanks to the separation of the different color zones by a partition made of gold threads.

Heartbeat

Under this ever-changing dial, Piaget has concealed and installed one of its finest and most proven watchmaking creations. Reflecting the Maison's signature expertise, the 830P caliber is the ideal vehicle to animate the Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition watch. Its ultra-thin architecture has been the specialty of the Piaget manufacture in Côte-aux-Fées since the 1950s. With a thickness of 2.5 mm, it is still one of the thinnest hand-wound mechanical movements, while displaying a power reserve of 60 hours. A true rare specimen to wear on the wrist.

Technical specifications

Piaget Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition

Reference: G0A50545

Limited edition of 18 pieces

Case

• Material: 18-carat white gold
• Diameter: 41mm
• Thickness: 8.3mm
• Baguette-cut & brilliant-cut diamonds, rose-cut diamond on the crown
• Water-resistant to 30 meters

Dial and hands

• Paillon and cloisonné enamelworkby Anita Porchet
• Brilliant-cut diamonds

Movement

• Calibre: 830P
• Manufacture ultra-thin hand-wound mechanical movement

Functions/Indications

• Hours and minutes

Strap and buckle

• Blue alligator leather strap

MSRP: TBC

For more information, please visit piaget.com