Piaget continues its long-standing exploration of ultra-thin watchmaking with the new Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon ref. G0A51540, now enriched by the addition of ornamental stone decoration within its record-setting 2 mm profile.
First unveiled in 2024 with a blue interpretation that demonstrated the Maison’s ability to unite extreme thinness with contemporary design (read our previous coverage here), the concept now evolves into a warmer and more expressive execution combining technical complexity with decorative craftsmanship.
At the heart of the watch is the Piaget manufacture calibre 970P-UC, an ultra-thin hand-wound movement integrated directly into the case architecture.
As with the earlier calibre 900P, introduced in 2013, there is no traditional separation between movement and case: the caseback itself serves as the movement’s mainplate, a solution that saves vital space while preserving rigidity.
This construction remains fundamental to achieving the extraordinary overall thickness of just 2 mm.
The 41.5 mm case is crafted from deep brown treated cobalt alloy, a material selected for its favourable ratio of strength to thinness. Its rigidity is particularly important in a watch where every component must operate within microscopic tolerances.
The hours and minutes are displayed on the familiar off-centre dial, while the flying tourbillon is positioned at 10 o’clock.
A seconds scale engraved on the tourbillon ring provides a discreet running indication. Integrating all these functions within such limited vertical space remains one of the most remarkable aspects of the watch’s engineering.
The latest interpretation introduces ornamental stone to the bridges and dial elements, requiring a level of assembly precision beyond conventional finishing.
Stones are mounted on components that form part of the movement itself, meaning cleaning operations must be carried out without damaging the delicate surfaces.
Piaget notes that this process requires the use of a 0.15 mm needle, the finest employed by the manufacture.
Reference G0A51540 combines brown tones with pink gold-coloured accents and honey-hued tiger’s eye stone, creating a rich visual identity that contrasts with the technical austerity often associated with ultra-thin watchmaking.
In keeping with Piaget’s historical affinity for hardstone dials, the Maison also offers bespoke possibilities with a choice of four case colours and four ornamental stones: tiger’s eye, blue sodalite, jade or onyx, alongside additional personalisation options.
Energy is supplied by a skeletonised barrel inspired by the crosshair motif of earlier Altiplano models.
Piaget explains that the construction has been designed to deliver the additional power required by the tourbillon regulator, approximately 25% more than a comparable movement with a fixed regulating organ.
The crown is integrated into the case band and operated via a dedicated stylus tool incorporating gear reduction and torque control, allowing winding and setting without compromising the thinness of the profile.
Despite its extreme construction, the watch offers water resistance to 2 ATM and is fitted to a brown calfskin strap with polished mesh pattern and Kevlar core, secured by a cobalt alloy pin buckle.
Engraved on the back beside the sapphire aperture beneath the tourbillon is Piaget’s long-standing motto: “Always do better than necessary,” a phrase that aptly reflects the philosophy behind this remarkable creation.
The price of the new Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon ref. G0A51540 is provided on request. piaget.com
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