Complications
MTF's third installment on Piaget's complicated movements, focusing on chronographs, is a foundational read for understanding the brand's horological capabilities. This article highlights Piaget's integrated manufacturing and its mastery of ultra-thin complications, particularly the Caliber 880P. It provides crucial context for appreciating Piaget's position as a serious haute horlogerie manufacturer, especially for those interested in the technical aspects of their sporty models like the Polo.
Piaget is one of the rare fully integrated Haute Horlogerie manufacturers.
In-house, Piaget has created 35 movements, including 11 complications in the last 14 years.
Piaget has mastered 4 of the 5 classic major complications: Automatic Tourbillon, Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar and Minute Repeater, with the added complication of being ultra-thin.
This series of articles will trace the Piaget Path through Complicated Movements.
The iconic Piaget Polo collection was launched in 1979.
Easily distinguishable by the seamless integration of case and strap, set off by the interplay of polished godrons and satin-brushed surfaces, the Piaget Polo created quite a stir when launched.
[The entire Polo philosophy can be summed up in one sentence: the Piaget Polo was a watch bracelet rather than a mere wristwatch] - Yves G. Piaget.
The 880P was the first Piaget in-house, automatic chronograph movement when introduced in 2007.
It was a significant movement that could fit in a Piaget Polo case. In keeping with the Piaget Founder's motto: "Always do more than is necessary", Piaget decided to add fly-back and 2-time zone functions.
Why was it significant?
Look at all the functions that you get and how thin the 880P movement is -- only 5.6mm -- Piaget was now equipped with a base for sporty watches to attract the younger, metrosexual or urbane gentlemen.
Actually, many ladies like it as it is not too extreme nor aggressive.
The power reserve is pretty good despite the ultrathin movement because of 2 spring barrels: at least 50h even with the chronograph function switched on.
The 2013 revised Polo now features a new case with a more pronounced curve. This improved design draws its inspiration from the sleek, technical style of the Polo FortyFive.
The 880P movement operates the Piaget Chronographs. This extra-flat self-winding movement with a vertical coupling clutch has a range of complex features, including a flyback function, calendar and second time zone in 24-hour format, while its two barrels guarantee a 50-hour power reserve in chronograph-activation mode.
In 2009, the 880P movement was also used in the new Polo FortyFive Chronograph with a sportier, sexier, curvy Titanium case.
Manufacture Piaget 880P mechanical self-winding chronograph movement
Movement thickness: 5.6 mm
Casing diameter: 12Â? lignes (26.80 mm)
Number of jewels: 35
Cadence: 28,800 vph (balance with screws)
Approximately 50-hour power reserve (double barrel)
Finishing: circular Cotes de Geneve, circular-grained mainplate, bevelled bridges, blued screws
Limited variants of the Polo FortyFive Chronograph include the Marcos Heguy Limited Edition and the Piaget Boutique 2010 open-work dial Edition below.
With the automatic Chronograph movement, Piaget achieved one of the classic pillars of haute horlogerie.
PIAGET Path through Complicated Movements series
Piaget Complicated Movements: part 1 – Tourbillon hand wind (Click the following URL link):
piaget.watchprosite.com
Piaget Complicated Movements: part 2 – Tourbillon automatic (Click the following URL link):
piaget.watchprosite.com
Piaget Complicated Movements: part 3 – Chronograph (Click the following URL link):
piaget.watchprosite.com
Piaget Complicated Movements: part 4 – Perpetual Calendar (Click the following URL link):
piaget.watchprosite.com
An On-the-Wrist Review of the Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph can be found at the following LINK:
I had no idea how extensive the in house movement capabilities at Piaget are. And as we know, moving forward, this self dependence will prove huge for the brand.
Of course it is "more simple" than the 880P since it doesn't have the permanent second hand but I love this movement and the watch which uses it! And it still displays the second timezone! Thanks Melvyn for your post! Fx
Michael, We are all learning all the time. I first heard about Piaget through my collection of Cartier watches that contained Piaget movements finished with Cartier decorations. Although Piaget also makes spectacular gem-set or enamel decorated haute horlogerie watches today, they did not make loud announcements about their history as a watchmaker from the start of the company in 1874. They supplied movements and components to most of the "well-known" brands and built their reputation on the mas
The initial plan was to show the original model of each movement family first. Later, we may delve into the sub-type movement family members.... ;) I'm going to need your photos for those reports. Regards, MTF
Thanks for making us know more about this incredible horology bravehearts. Best, Bülent...
bulentvural93, There is so much more to discover about Piaget. Please join in to share any information you discover. Maybe your dealer or friends can remember old stories from your country? Regards, MTF
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