Introduction
Piaget's reputation for ultra-thin watchmaking stretches back to the development of the legendary calibre 9P in 1957 and automatic calibre 12P three years later. These exceptionally slim movements allowed the manufacture's designers considerable freedom, resulting in some of the most elegant and unconventional dress watches of the second half of the 20th century. Piaget also became particularly celebrated for its use of hardstone dials, transforming materials such as lapis lazuli, malachite, tiger's eye and onyx into remarkably minimalist displays.
The ref. 12406 brings these two strands of Piaget's identity together particularly effectively. Its compact 32mm 18K white gold case surrounds a striking lapis lazuli dial, whose natural variations ensure that no two examples are precisely alike. Devoid of conventional hour markers, the uninterrupted stone becomes the dominant feature of the watch, complemented by a simple handset and discreet white gold case. Elegant, unusual and unmistakably Piaget, it is an excellent example of the manufacture's distinctive approach to precious materials and ultra-thin watchmaking.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Piaget
Dimensions
32mm
Model
Altiplano
Movement
Automatic Piaget Calibre 12P
Reference
12406Circa 1970s
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1970s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18k White Gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Blue lapis lazuli
THE DIAL
Cut from lapis lazuli, the deep blue stone dial is almost entirely free of ornamentation, allowing its naturally occurring colour and mineral variations to provide the visual interest. With no conventional hour markers to interrupt its surface, the dial captures the bold simplicity that made Piaget's hardstone watches so distinctive.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 32mm 18K white gold case has a softly cushion-shaped profile, with a smooth bezel and restrained proportions that keep attention firmly on the lapis lazuli dial. The cool tone of the white gold is particularly effective alongside the intense blue stone, producing an understated contrast.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The 18K white gold case is in excellent condition, with only light surface marks. The case back retains its brushed finish, with a still-legible hallmark and crisp reference and serial number stamps. There is some wear to the screw heads. The lapis lazuli dial is in excellent condition. There are some minor marks on the surface of the dial, and some natural veining visible on the surface, most notable on the edge at 10 o'clock. The white gold hands remain clean. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and an 18K white gold Piaget pin buckle showing light surface scuffs.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
Few manufacturers are as closely associated with hardstone dials as Piaget, whose extraordinarily creative watches of the 1960s and 1970s turned naturally occurring materials into an important part of the manufacture's design language. Combining a rich lapis lazuli dial with the comparative restraint of white gold, this ref. 12406 is an especially elegant expression of that tradition.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
