Patek Philippe vs. Piaget: China Limited Editions

GLau · 2022-11-24T17:44:26Z

Compare the Patek Philippe 6000R with the Piaget Altiplano China LE. GLau's review sparks debate on design, hidden signatures, and date mechanisms.

GLau

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

29 replies3587 views6 photos

GLau, a respected member of the WatchProSite community, recently attended a Piaget/Phillips event showcasing a limited edition Piaget Altiplano. He seized the opportunity to compare this new release with his own Patek Philippe 6000R, a 10th-anniversary edition from 2015. GLau's post invites fellow collectors to weigh in on the design merits of both timepieces, particularly focusing on the aesthetics of their dials and unique features.

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Hi All,

I attended a Piaget/Phillips event for the Piaget China 🇨🇳 LE of which 20 pieces were made and already sold in China. This remaining piece with number 00/20 will be auctioned off by Phillips in Hong Kong during the auction on November 28 to 29th.

Naturally the watch to wear for this fun event was my 6000R for the 10th year anniversary which happened in 2015.

The green dial of this Piaget Altiplano is very lovely and the “hidden” word Altiplano as the hour marker is quite neat.

What do you think of both ?

Credit: SJX

About the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 6000

The Patek Philippe reference 6000 was introduced in 2005 as a distinctive Calatrava model. It features an off-center dial layout and a date indication around the periphery, setting it apart from more traditional Calatrava designs. This reference offered a contemporary interpretation of a classic dress watch, appealing to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe with a unique aesthetic while retaining the brand's horological standards.

This reference is housed in a 37 mm case, available in 18k white gold or 18k rose gold. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 25 meters. The watch is powered by the self-winding caliber 240 PS C, which provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back.

The 6000 series appeals to collectors interested in Patek Philippe's modern production that deviates from conventional layouts. Its design, with the off-center time display and pointer date, offers a different character compared to other Calatrava models. The reference was produced until 2009, making it a relatively short-lived model within the brand's catalog.

Specifications

Caliber: 240 PS C

Case: 18k White Gold or 18k Rose Gold

Diameter: 37 mm

Dial: Black or Silver

Water Resist.: 25m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The perceived misalignment of the date on the Piaget Altiplano is likely due to the date change mechanism engaging around 11 PM, a common occurrence in mechanical watches.
The 'hidden' Altiplano signature on the Piaget dial may not be intended as a subtle, integrated design element like Cartier's hidden signatures, but rather a more overt design choice.
The star motif on the seconds sub-dial of the Piaget Altiplano and the execution of its 'hidden' signature were critiqued as less refined compared to other brands, with a strong preference for the Patek Philippe 6000R's overall design.
The Patek Philippe 6000R, often seen in its white gold version with a black dial, is highlighted as a desirable reference, with GLau's rose gold version being particularly appreciated.
The red stitching on the black strap of the Patek Philippe 6000R is a notable aesthetic detail that enhances the watch's appeal.

The Discussion

patrick_y

Nov 24, 2022

That looks awful!

First the date on the Altiplano is mis aligned and by quite a bit. Secondly, the star on the seconds sub-dial looks lame in my eyes. And third, the hidden signature isn't done well nor as discretely as Cartier. The font is too open, whereas the font on the Cartier is tighter and thus looks more like a solid line at a distance. Give me the Patek Philippe 6000 any day of the week!

MCG (Markus)

Nov 24, 2022

Well to be honest, the pics are badly taken (sorry to say so)… maybe because of the device, maybe because of the lighting conditions.

So it difficult to say much… Regarding the date: Date at 11, simply means, that it begins to change for midnight. 💡 The wotd Altiplano is probaly not meant to be hidden (as for Cartier), it is simply a design aspect… 😉

patrick_y

Nov 25, 2022

Ahhh! Good point!

You're right, the date change might be taking place! Good point! Definitely hard to take good photos of watches sometimes. I still use an iPhone X! I have to be very steady when I take my photos. I don't know what camera was being used here. But you're probably right regarding the date disc - the misalignment is probably caused by the fact it's about to change due to being at 11PM. Good observation!

FabR

Nov 24, 2022

I wanted to avoid commenting publicly on this new thread, but your reply gets a big +1 on all counts....it's a close call between the star and the date for who takes the cake! ;-)) Definitely not worth the (usual) advertisement across multiple fora.

Thanks as always for providing your honest and valuable feedback on my forum Patrick, and have a great Thanksgiving!

patrick_y

Nov 25, 2022

Grazie a mille FabR!

A happy Thanksgiving to you too! The supermodel dog is going to be super happy! Yes. I find this Piaget a hideous piece. I'm not sure your supermodel dog would even eat this Piaget if it were left in the bowl! Bone appetito to our four legged supermodel!

FabR

Nov 27, 2022

😂Many thanks my friend, and yes, she's a smart and intellectually honest dog that only eats what she likes....what did you think?? ;-)))) But she DOES indeed have a great taste for watches! Ha!😂😉