Piaget Altiplano Scrimshaw Dial Guide

quattro · 2025-10-05T14:19:48Z

Explore the Piaget Altiplano Scrimshaw, featuring unique fossilized mammoth ivory dials with traditional scrimshaw engraving. Discover collector insights.

quattro

WPS member · Piaget forum

30 replies2216 views21 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, delves into the intricate artistry of the 2014 Piaget Altiplano Scrimshaw. His original post meticulously details the traditional scrimshaw technique applied to fossilized mammoth ivory dials, offering a rare glimpse into a unique horological craft. This exploration highlights Piaget's commitment to exceptional métiers d'art and invites collectors to appreciate the nuanced beauty of these limited-edition timepieces.

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The Piaget Altiplano Scrimshaw, launched in 2014, features a dial made from fossilized mammoth ivory that is then engraved with a map of the Eastern Hemisphere using traditional scrimshaw techniques.

Coming from the Inuits and other tribes in the colder parts of North America, scrimshaw is a special type of engraving involving very fine engraving on ivory that varies in depth and is then inked to result in various textures and colors.

The 38 mm Altiplano case comes either in white or pink gold with an in-house 400P (or 430P) ultra-thin calibre.

Does this engraving technique appeal to you? And the timepieces?

Best, Emmanuel

Ref. G0A39150 (white gold)

A finished scrimshaw dial next to the raw mammoth ivory blank

First step: engraving latitude and longitude

Engraving the compass rose

Inking the compass rose

Removing excess ink

Finished dial

Richard Maier's work bench

Richard Maier

The watch

credit: Hodinkee, Piaget and Horologium

Ref. G0A39151 (rose gold)

credit: Hodinkee (1) & Bonhams

Key Points from the Discussion

The scrimshaw dial's aesthetic appeal is often preferred over enamel versions, with the white gold case offering a more striking contrast that enhances the dial's intricate details.
Many contributors expressed a desire to see the Piaget Altiplano Scrimshaw in person, acknowledging its status as a fine example of wearable art and a unique application of the scrimshaw technique in horology.
The ability to maintain various degrees of shading through the scrimshaw engraving and inking process is particularly impressive, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship involved.
The design choice to omit a moonphase complication is seen as beneficial, allowing the scrimshaw dial to remain the focal point without distraction.
The discussion raises a question about the suitability of a display caseback for the Altiplano Scrimshaw, considering the aesthetic value of the dial versus the movement's visual appeal.

The Discussion

ArmisT

Oct 5, 2025

This falls into category of rare materials AND rare/historical handicraft!

Impressive how they maintain the various degrees of shading using this development method. Thanks for another amazing post.

quattro

Oct 5, 2025

Yes, rare material and craftsmanship, and both quite appealing!

Thank you for the kind words. Best, Emmanuel

bruckner4

Oct 5, 2025

These pieces have teeth, quattro!

Real beauties...

quattro

Oct 5, 2025

Aha, yes they do! ;-)

I'm glad you like them. Best, Emmanuel

KMII

Oct 5, 2025

Both the technique and the timepieces massively appeal 👌🏻🙌🏻

Not sure I would have chosen these hands but both watches are beauties 😊👍🏻

quattro

Oct 5, 2025

Because of the black ink, I think white gold case and hands work best here.

And in white gold, the needle hands almost disappear and let you admire the dial. What kind of hand would you have chosen?

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