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Lot Essay
Piaget boasts historical expertise in the domain of ultra-thin mechanical watchmaking, having introduced the 9P calibre in 1957—the slimmest mechanical movement of its time at 2 mm. In 2021, Piaget unveiled the Altiplano Ultimate Concept (AUC), establishing a new benchmark for mechanical thinness with a total case thickness of 2 mm, including a 0.2 mm sapphire crystal. Piaget and Bulgari have engaged in a longstanding rivalry for supremacy in ultra-thin mechanical watchmaking, reminiscent of the competitive innovation found in Formula One engineering.
The Altiplano Ultimate Concept is a technical milestone in contemporary watchmaking, measuring an unprecedented 2 mm in total height and 41 mm in diameter. Crafted from a proprietary cobalt alloy (M64BC), the case doubles as the movement’s baseplate, a radical solution developed for mechanical integrity at extreme thinness. The timepiece features the 900P-UC manual winding calibre, displaying hours and minutes, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offering a 40-hour power reserve.
Innovative engineering is evident in every aspect—from the open-barrel slew-ring mainspring supported by ball bearings, to the balance wheel’s robust central shaft that obviates the need for conventional shock absorbers or a balance cock. Winding is accomplished through a singular “infinite screw” mechanism operated via a dedicated tool, replacing the traditional crown wheel system for enhanced shock resistance.
The Altiplano Ultimate Concept debuted as a concept-only project, requiring six years from inception to production. Notably, the structural demands of ultra-thin watchmaking necessitated exclusive use of cobalt alloy, marking the first application of this material in haute horlogerie.
This masterpiece earned five patents and secured the Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2020. Launch price exceeded CHF 400,000, and the record for the thinnest mechanical watch was maintained until Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Ultra was released.
The present piece is a one-off model in a rare brown shade of Piaget’s cobalt alloy, representing a unique and significant acquisition for collectors of advanced horological craftsmanship.
The Altiplano Ultimate Concept is a technical milestone in contemporary watchmaking, measuring an unprecedented 2 mm in total height and 41 mm in diameter. Crafted from a proprietary cobalt alloy (M64BC), the case doubles as the movement’s baseplate, a radical solution developed for mechanical integrity at extreme thinness. The timepiece features the 900P-UC manual winding calibre, displaying hours and minutes, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offering a 40-hour power reserve.
Innovative engineering is evident in every aspect—from the open-barrel slew-ring mainspring supported by ball bearings, to the balance wheel’s robust central shaft that obviates the need for conventional shock absorbers or a balance cock. Winding is accomplished through a singular “infinite screw” mechanism operated via a dedicated tool, replacing the traditional crown wheel system for enhanced shock resistance.
The Altiplano Ultimate Concept debuted as a concept-only project, requiring six years from inception to production. Notably, the structural demands of ultra-thin watchmaking necessitated exclusive use of cobalt alloy, marking the first application of this material in haute horlogerie.
This masterpiece earned five patents and secured the Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2020. Launch price exceeded CHF 400,000, and the record for the thinnest mechanical watch was maintained until Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Ultra was released.
The present piece is a one-off model in a rare brown shade of Piaget’s cobalt alloy, representing a unique and significant acquisition for collectors of advanced horological craftsmanship.