Countries :

WATCH REVIEW Piaget Altiplano or blanc

Editor's opinion
75.5 / 100
The genuine extra-thin watches within the watch making landscape are rather rare. Review of this white gold Altiplano, Piaget's icon that hides a dash of expansiveness under a very classic appearance.
Straight to the Point

Piaget Altiplano or blanc

Ref.: G0A33112
$12,300.00 US retail price August 31st, 2010
Pros
  • excellent comfort
  • originality
  • manufacture’s movement
Cons
  • waterproof only to water scalding
  • the Piaget’s signature at 3 o’clock that some will find a little too obvious
  • the lack of bevel regarding the movement.
Technical specifications
Brand Piaget
Model name
Altiplano or blanc
Reference
G0A33112
Case material
White gold
Case diameter (without crown)
40 mm
Case diameter (crown included)
42 mm
Caliber
Piaget 838P
Base Caliber
Manufacture
Functions
Hour
Minute
Second
Crystal
Dual-face crystal with anti-reflective coating
Power reserve
62h
Transparent back
Yes
Lug width
21 mm
Length from lug to lug
44,27 mm
Case thickness
6,81 mm
Strap material
Alligator
Clasp type
Pin buckle
Clasp material
White gold
Total weight
65 grammes
Retail price USA at August 31st, 2010
12,300.00 $
Editor's opinion 75.5/100
Comfort (/15) 15
Movement (/20) 13
Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) 4
Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) 5
Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) 1
Power reserve (/2) 1
Complications (/5) 2
Finishing (/20) 16.5
Dial finishing (/6) 5
Case finishing (/6) 5
Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) 1.5
Crystal quality (/4) 3
Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) 2
Functionality (/20) 12
Diurnal legibility (/5) 5
Night legibility (/4) 0
Water resistance (/3) 0
Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) 3
Clasp : quality and safety (/4) 4
Additional items (/10) 4
Limited edition (/3) 0
Watch delivered with several straps (/2) 0
Quality of the watch box (/1) 1
Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) 2
Goodies included (/1) 0
Understandability of the brochure (/1) 1
Value for money (/15) 15
  • When to wear it ?
  • For the Cannes Festival!
  • Piaget: A brand to be (re) discover

    The brand Piaget is more known for its jeweler’s creations rather than for its watches.
    Which is a shame for a manufacture that started in 1874 by producing watches movements.

    Even if it is not well known by the general public, Piaget is not a “jeweler that draws watches” but is really one of the “most famous” Swiss manufactures.

    Besides, the firm holds a real statecraft regarding the ultra-thin watches, with notably the world’s thinness record gained in 1957 thanks to the 9P caliber (2mm thickness).

    A classical yet not boring watch

    The problem with smart watches, is that their sobriety makes them look similar to each other.
    Hence a kind of “boredom” that can be felt with this kind of model.

    This is not the case with the Altiplano which strong point is to succeed keeping a touch of originality while remaining conformed to the “codes” of the category.

    As it is required for a “smart” watch, its 40 mm diameter is reasonable (considering what is done these days!).
    But its large dial’s openness allows it not to look too small and emphasizes its thinness.

    With a 6,81 mm thickness on the center (and much lesser on the edges), the visual effects are striking!

    Wearing this extra-thin Altiplano is by the way quite surprising: because of its thinness and its lightness, you don’t feel the watch around your wrist!

    This feeling may surprise some. But the comfort is unequalled!

    The movement: Cal. Piaget 838P

    The 838P caliber only measures 2,5 mm thick (to the contrary to 5 mm thickness for a standard manual movement)
    Its finishing is nice with gorgeous flamed blued screws, rounded “Côtes de Genève” and a beautiful engraved logo.

    The “industrial” side remains nevertheless a little bit present: in particular, the bevel could be a little improved.

    The dial

    The black rhodium hands and markers are uncluttered to the utmost.

    But the little second, swerved at 11 o’clock (a position that is not really common for a little second), debauches a little the whole and avoids the overdose of classicism.

    Another “eccentricity”, the logo, at 3 o’clock revitalizes the dial and allows showing the “signature” at the edge of the sleeve.

    This originality gives a pleasant balance to the dial but can displease those who do not want to put forward the brands they wear.

    What to remember

    This Piaget Altiplano is an endearing and very recommendable timepiece: classic without being too much conservative, it offers very high-level watch making performances while being sold at a “competitive” price (lower of several thousands Euros compared to the majority of its direct competitors).

    Leave a comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Related Piaget articles
    Editor's opinion
    70 / 100

    WATCH REVIEW Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph

    Editor's opinion
    70 / 100

    WATCH REVIEW Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph