Piaget Altiplano Skeleton High Jewellery Métiers d’Art

Piaget has built a strong reputation in watchmaking that intertwines with the fashion landscape, leaving a memorable moment—especially for their skill in crafting ultra-thin movements and luxurious high jewellery pieces. The Altiplano collection is a prime example of these strengths, showcasing slim proportions and versatile designs. The latest model, the Altiplano Skeleton High Jewellery Métiers d’Art, takes this expertise to new heights. A limited edition collection, the watch combines a skeletonised, gem-set movement with stunning cloisonné enamel artistry.

The design itself is striking, with two contrasting elements that come together seamlessly. On one side, the crescent-shaped area between 1 and 9 o’clock features vibrant Grand Feu cloisonné enamel. Crafted by enamel artist Anita Porchet, this section introduces vivid colour and intricate detail. The other side reveals the open skeletonised movement, set with sparkling gemstones. Together, these two elements balance artistry and technical brilliance.

The bezel continues the theme with a gradient of baguette-cut sapphires and diamonds. The stones transition from deep blues at the edges to light, translucent hues, ending with bright white diamonds. This gradual colour shift complements the dial’s contrasting features. The 40mm white gold case has straight, diamond-set lugs, a blue sapphire crown, and an exceptionally thin profile of 7mm. Despite its intricate decoration, the watch is only slightly thicker than Piaget’s classic skeleton models.

At the core of this watch is Piaget’s calibre 1201D. This ultra-thin automatic movement, crafted in white gold, is just 3mm thick. Its sweeping bridges are adorned with diamonds and blue sapphires that mirror the bezel’s gradient design. Even though part of the dial is covered by enamel, the movement underneath is fully decorated. If the enamel-covered section were lifted, the diamond-set bridges of the main plate would be visible. The movement operates at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and offers a 44-hour power reserve.

The cloisonné enamel work on this watch is crafted by Anita Porchet, one of the leading artists in this field. Using thin gold strips to outline the design, compartments are formed and then filled with enamel. The vivid colours—shades of blue, green, and purple—are achieved through multiple firings at high temperatures. Each step demands precision, and the polished surface adds richness and depth to the dial. In keeping with the colour theme, the hour and minute hands are a deep shade of blue, adding subtle harmony to the overall design.

The case back bezel is set with brilliant-cut diamonds, and sections of the skeletonised movement allow glimpses of the reverse side of the enamel artwork. These touches add another layer of complexity to the watch, rewarding the wearer with intricate details from every angle. The Altiplano Skeleton High Jewellery Métiers d’Art is a limited edition of just eight pieces.