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Piaget Atiplano Ultra Thin Platinum, early 2000s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Piaget (maker)
Date
early 2000s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
platinum
Dimensions
Case 34 mm
Stock no.
40991742
Credit line
Dealer listing, Analog/Shift (40991742)
Catalogue title (original)
Piaget Atiplano Ultra Thin Platinum (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (stock number 40991742), this is a wristwatch by Piaget, made in Switzerland, dated early 2000s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: platinum. Recorded dimensions: Case 34 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

There’s arguably nothing more classic and appealing than a simple dress watch. Though to be fair, when we say “simple,” we mean “uncomplicated” — not unattractive! Piaget, specialists in ultra-thin watchmaking, made (and continue to make) some of the very best in the world. Stunning dials, integrated bracelets, avant-garde case shapes — the Geneva-based firm has done it all - and with a flair that few competing houses have been able to match. Take this handsome Altiplano Ultra-Thin, for example: Housed in an exquisite 34mm platinum case with a signed crown, sapphire crystal, and a polished bezel, it features a non-luminous salmon toned sunburst dial with relief-engraved crosshair detailing, printed ‘stick’ indices, and a blackened ‘pencil’ handset - simple and perfect, bit with that little bit of extra zhuzh that only Piaget can swing! Powered by the manually-wound Piaget Calibre 430P visible through a sapphire exhibtion caseback, this watch dates to the early 2000s and comes paired to a black alligator leather strap with a signed, platinum pin buckle, as well as inner and outer boxes. With its attractive colorway, stylized ‘Piaget’ signature, and near-perfect proportions, this is a timeless design that looks as if it could have been made 60 years ago - or yesterday. All of which makes this lovely piece the perfect dress companion for just about anyone. Try it and see what we mean!

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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