A Closer Look at Piaget’s 1270D Movement

In a rare unveiling, an elegant watch captures attention with its captivating fusion of emeralds and diamonds, complemented by a remarkably intricate movement bearing the signature ‘Piaget’. The spirit of bold creativity, a hallmark of Piaget since its establishment in 1874, continues to define the Maison. Originating from the inaugural workshop in La Côte-aux-Fées, Georges-Edouard Piaget dedicated himself to crafting high-precision movements, laying the foundation for the pioneering reputation of the brand.

During the late 1950s, Piaget introduced ultra-thin movements that later became the trademark and cornerstone of the Altiplano collection. As an innovator in the world of watches and jewelry, Piaget championed creativity and artistic values.

Deep within Piaget’s High Jewelry workshops, master jewelers breathe life into exquisite sets of jewelry, seamlessly transitioning between precious watches and Swinging Sautoirs. This tradition dates back to 1959, when Piaget embarked on the path to High Jewelry. The master gem-setters’ workbenches, known for crafting jewelry, also bear witness to the signature watch movements that have brought fame to the Maison.

A standout among these movements is the renowned 1270D: a decadent reinterpretation of the initial automatic tourbillons that adorned Polo Emperador watches, including the 1270P and the skeletonized 1270S. The devil, as they say, is in the details. The architecture of this movement, conceived and executed in La Côte-Aux-Fées’ manufacture, is entirely adorned with diamonds. Setting the diamonds on the visible angles and flanks of the tourbillon requires an additional forty hours of meticulous handwork on top of the hundred hours already dedicated to the movement and case. This intricate process demands extreme precision to avoid distorting the precious materials.

The breathtaking craftsmanship extends to the final stage of enclosing the movement in this unique piece, ensuring a perfect fit of shapes. The watch’s dial is dominated by the mesmerizing oscillating weight, adorned with a cascade of trapeze-cut emeralds. Adding to the enchantment is the signature letter ‘P’ on the flying tourbillon, serving as a seconds marker.

Available in versions set with diamonds, sapphires, and now emeralds, the 49 mm-diameter Piaget Polo Emperador Skeleton High Jewelry watch joins the architectural lineage of the Altiplano 910P. It introduces a stunning new complication to the Maison’s iconic Piaget Polo, bearing witness to Maison Piaget’s distinctive history marked by the seamless marriage of fine watchmaking and jewelry-making expertise.