Piaget's New Polo and Emperador

Since 1997, Piaget has launched 19 manufacture movements. For 2009 Piaget unveils two new mechanical complication movements designed, developed and produced at the brand’s facility in La Côte aux Fries. The new calibres 835P (regulator) and 860P (large moon phase), power the new Emperador coussin models. Piaget also introduces 4 sporty watches to celebrate the iconic Polo's 30th anniversary. Piaget Emperador coussin regulator The new Piaget Emperador coussin regulator is available in two 18-carat pink or white gold versions measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and fitted with a sapphire crystal case-back. A satin-brushed midnight blue or charcoal grey dial is guilloché-worked at 12 o’clock for the retrograde seconds, while the rim of the case-back is engraved with the year, the number of watches produced and the “Regulator” indication. The Piaget Emperador coussin regulator is powered by Calibre 835P, an ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movement measuring 3.92 mm thick. Designed, developed and produced by Piaget, Calibre 835P is equipped with a large balance with screws and a large barrel providing a power reserve of around 65 hours. Piaget’s watchmakers miniaturized the regulator mechanism and added retrograde seconds. Every 30 seconds, or 2,880 times a day, the seconds hand jumps quickly and accurately from the 30 position to the 0 position before starting over again. The mainplate is circular-grained and the bridges are bevelled. The decorative elements also include circular Côtes de Genève and blued screws. Click the image to view a larger version...

Piaget Emperador Coussin Large Moon This new model features a 46.5 mm-diameter case with an oversized 12mm diameter moon-phase display at 6 o’clock. The moon-phase indication is provided by a mobile mask that gradually uncovers the white gold moon disc, before covering it up again. According to Piaget, this display principle reproduces the natural interplay of the sun and the earth in relation to the moon. Inside this timepiece features the new Calibre 860P, a self-winding movement designed, developed and produced by Piaget. In addition to its approximately 72-hour power reserve, the movement features circular Côtes de Genève motifs, a circular-grained mainplate, bevelled bridges, and blued screws. Available in 18-carat white or pink gold, the case of this Piaget Emperador coussin moon phase model is fitted with a sapphire crystal case-back. Each model bears an indication, engraved beneath the case, of the year of production and the number of watches produced.

Piaget Polo 45 To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Polo’s introduction, Piaget unveils 4 new sporty watches equipped with the manufacture’s 800P and 880P movements. The Piaget Polo FortyFive models are made of titanium, a first for the brand. Piaget reinterprets the original design in a 45mm grade 5 titanium case that is watertight to 100 metres. The case is curved to help ensure a good fit. The sapphire case-back reveals the movement which is designed and developed entirely in-house. In addition to its chronograph and flyback functions, the 880P calibre displays the hour and minutes, along with small seconds at 6 o’clock, the date at 12 o’clock and a second 24 hour time zone at 9 o’clock. This 5.6 mm thick self-winding mechanical movement has two barrels and a large screw balance, and offers a 50 hour power reserve when the chronograph mode is engaged. The chronograph mechanism features a column wheel and vertical coupling-clutch. The other movement, the self-winding mechanical 800P, displays hours, minutes and seconds in the center and the date at 6 o’clock. Its two barrels provide a 72 hour power reserve. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hertz). For an in-depth look at these new Piaget Polos, see Mark Bernardo’s article “30 Rocks” in the February 2009 issue of WatchTime.