Piaget

Dear forumners,

Now that the dust has settled, and before the official PuristSPro SIHH 2010 Report, I am interesed to hear what YOU think of the PIAGET introductions this year?

Not just from the regular posters but everyone that checks in.

Even if you wish to keep your opinon private, at least post your country in the title box with (nt) so we can do a country count! 

 

Regards,

MTF

This message has been edited by MTF on 2010-01-27 00:34:36

My opinions already posted but I wanted to start the country count!

 

MTF

I thought it was a good showing by PIAGET for things to come in 2010.  The FortyFive are too big for my small wrists but the Altiplano skeleton is still my favorite.  I know that PIAGET has a history of watchmaking and desire to reclaim that position, but curious to why they keep releasing so many bejeweled pieces?

-MW

Altiplano .... is THE Piaget for me ... .

Filip

(We don't like to think of ourselves as part of the USA)

I like the new automatics conceptually, and the new movement is quite nice looking, but I think 43mm is way too big fo that

A

aaron,

I guess youse guys didn't get along with anyone....see Founding Fathers vs George and how to spoil a tea party. 

But you have good taste in watches.....

Regards,

MTF

 

I like the new Polo FortyFive changes.  I was hoping that there would be a complication expansion to the Polo FortyFive line-up, so I hope maybe next year we'll see a Polo FortyFive perpetual or something of that sorts.  Also, I was hoping to see the Polo FortyFive w/ different case materials, whether PVD/DLC coated case, ceramic case, tantalum case, etc.

The blinged out watches I'm not really interested in but I guess Piaget has a huge customer base who likes these watches.  From a watch standpoint, I hope we see more horologically oriented watches w/ not as much avant garde design and less jeweled watches.

Cheers,
Anthony

and I "still" like the forty five.

nt

I like the red on the dial as well.

i like women's line a lot more as they r simply exquisite but i would only considering them for a grand gift to the significant one

The new Polo is a step forward but i feel they r still more of trying to impress than a completely matured model. having said that, of all the polo chronos the old gold chrono set up is the best of the breed IMO.

Cheers,
Ed~

lien,

Ahh....sigh.  Quote: "The new Polo is a step forward but i feel they r still more of trying to impress than a completely matured model."

I guess that for a 136-year old company, a 30-year old model may be immature. 

Thanks for feedback.

 

Regards,

MTF

Hi MTF,

     The new Polo i m referring to the 45, is very well made, a new dandy sport watch.

but then i learned a bit more about Piaget here and now, big dial tag advertising its a fly back/second time zone and now with heavy paints, skeletonized dial works...seem a bit desperate to impress.

its like a young gal in a phase drastically changing her dress code from last yr hence my expression

Cheers,
Ed~








 

I love the new regular production 43mm Altiplano.  I also think the 2010 Polo FortyFive is very promising.  It's going to get a second look from me for sure.

Cheers,

Daos

I was very impressed with Piaget's Altiplano offerings this year.  I particularly like the anniversary model and the 43mm with 1208P movement.  For many years I was sure the only Piaget I'd want to get would be an Emperador...but now I think I'd much prefer something from the Altiplano line.   I've been been "Seduced by the dark side of the Force!"

Best regards,

Dino

   Seduced by Force?

 

Enigmatic title: explained.

I don't know why but every time I see that Wookie, I think of Nanook of the North (1922).  And every time I think of Nanook.....Canadians!

 

Regards,

MTF

But originally from New Zealand. Konnichiwa... and Kia ora!

Oh and BTW, I really like the new Polo Forty-5 Chrono. IMO, it's the best looking Piaget they've ever released. Hope to see more like it in future.

No message body

Best,

Michel

My opinion of Piagets' introductions this year could be summed up in one word: Extraordinary.

I have always been a fan of ultra thins and I am really glad about Piagets' new 1200P and 1208P movements. Aesthetically, I am deeply impressed by the new Altiplano 43mm and the Double Jeu. I am really curious to how they achieved the required rigidity in a case so wide in diameter yet so thin in profile.

IMO, 2010 has brought an extraordinary range of new watches from all watch companies but I find that JLC and Piaget are the standouts.

I'm biased, of course!

MTF

Altiplano for me.

Regards,
ED-209

I have always liked the 'ultra-thin' watches (although I don't own one) and applaud Piaget for maintaining the tradition of producing them.

I like the hand wound versions, both the good old 38mm version and the newer 40mm version with the offset seconds. I was reminded just how nice these watches are when I saw them at the Salon des Belles Montres last November.

I was therefore really looking forward to seeing the new automatic 'Altiplano'.

Having read the reports, seen the photos and looked at the brochure (a friend kindly brought back for me), I have to say that I think the movement looks fantastic and is a credit to them, that the design is very clever (the different levels for the hands to keep it thin), and it looks very nicely made, BUT.......it's too big at 43mm!!!!!!

I thought the essence of ultra thin was to be no bigger than necessary - this is.

I'd never really noticed the 45 before but have to say the new look has made it a very attractive watch to my eye.

Otherwise the jewellery stuff is'nt really my thing.

Just a few thoughts.

Vernon.

emphasise the thin movement. 

They can't really do 38mm because this is a large diameter movement (1208P).

We can only plead as fans for the real deal......40mm.....40mm....40mm........

 

MTF

Atiplano suits my taste.  When I am getting older, I favour simpler stuff.

Regards

Ling

 

 

Overall I think Piaget is still on top of it's game, but personally there where a couple of things that have a certain impact on me as a consumer. Please forgive my direct and very personal opinion and keep in mind that I have yet to see most of them in real life.

Starting with the Altiplano's; 43mm is way too large for an ultrathin watch. Blancpain did something like this a couple of years ago with their Villeret time only. Makes the watch look like a saucer that misses it's cup. Also the spacer has to be too large. I liked the way Piaget handled that since it didn't really bother me, but smaller is nicer. Also disliked the word automatic on the dial. Too big, too prominent and it does not add anything.

The diamond version is quite stunning. I love the diamond setting on the bridges!

The Altiplano Double Jeu was never my favorite because I dislike the crowns on two different heights. The 24 hour dial is too plain. It reminds me of a Russian Vostok that was made for the Russians polar explorations. This is not a bad thing because it is very legible, but I would love to see a more jazzed up version; black dial with red numerals would add some more character. Also think I would prefer black hands, since a 24 hour dial already takes a bit more time to read and sink in, the silver hands are too difficult to spot.

I love the FortyFive but this is too much for me. Very busy and the truly interesting parts of the movement still stay hidden. Think the gold tone parts of the movement are out of place and this watch takes time to read. Same goes for the FortyFive automatic, although that one maintains it's easy to read nature.

White looks great on many magnificent cars, but on watches I think it still looks cheap. Fortunately my wife agrees with me. But when I'm not mistaken there is also a black model, so no further complains.

The Emperadors are stunning, beautiful design, simple, elegant, yet very powerful. Hands on the cloisonne enamel dial are a no no for me. Love the hands on the other one though and think that they will suit the first one perfectly aswel.

The last three ladies watches are what Piaget is all about to me! Absolutely superb!! Elegant, playful yet never a toy. One request; make the Magic Hour also in a men's version!!!

Martin

Martin,

Magic Hour for Men....hmm....there's a thought.

I did ask about the feaibility of a mechanicl movement Magic Hour and it is impossible with current in-house Piaget movements, due to the twisting case action.  I don't see them making a backside winding crown soon.

The 43mm Altiplano seems theoretically big but was purposely designed that way to make full use of the large diameter movement (13+ lignes) as well as emphasise the flatness.  Your comment about saucer witout the cup is exactly the response they were trying to achieve!  I'm still holding out for a mythical 40 mm version in future YEARS.

The words on the dial of the new automatic Altiplano are also on purpose, to pay tribute to the original 12P version in 1960.

It is a Swiss tradition to print 'Automatic' and 'Swiss made' on the dial. It also distinguishes this model from the regular non-automatic Altiplano. "What? Automatic and still less than the thickness of 2CD boxes...wow!", is the impression they were trying for. 

Thanks for your input, which must be read by folks at Piaget.

Regards,

MTF