Now, are there a few things to consider when buying this Piaget? Certainly. First, 43mm is a large watch, no matter how thick it is. The Altiplano is expertly built to sit on any wrist well, but you can’t away from pure physical presence. 43mm is a large watch, certainly for one considered by most to be a “dress watch”.
Second, its $20,000+ price tag puts it squarely in the same range as a 5120 from Patek Philippe and other similar Calatrava models. Going head to head with Patek is a dangerous game as resale on any Patek is sure to be stronger than literally every other brand in the world. In this range you are also looking at the Saxonia collection from A. Lange & Söhne and a few options from Vacheron Constantin. These three brands are unquestionably more “watch guy” brands than Piaget, by pure general perception. While the Altiplano is equal to all of the watches mentioned here in terms of quality and finishing, and in some cases vastly superior, there are several people who do not see Piaget for who they really are – a truly world class manufacture. And if you don’t believe me, do I have to show you this again?
The fact that Piaget isn’t often listed among the Pateks and Langes of the world can work to your advantage. I’ve found that many real watch guys would much rather be wearing a piece that doesn’t attract too much attention, but has a story to tell should someone ask. The Piaget Altiplano 43mm automatic has two official stories to tell, one for each record it broke, and then a third when you turn the watch over.
Pros & Cons