Everyone loves a minute repeater, the most complex, practical, and expensive of the three major complications. However, due to its intricate construction, most minute repeaters are thick, usually exceeding 12mm in height.
Piaget, renowned for ultra-thin movements, unveiled this year at SIHH the Emperador Coussin XL, the first to combine automatic winding with a slim minute repeater, breaking the 10mm barrier for the first time: the movement is only 4.8mm thick, while the case measures just 9.4mm, setting two records for thinnest dimensions.
The 48mm 18K rose gold case is hollowed out to maximize resonance, connected to the movement via four fixed supports to ensure optimal transmission of the gong vibrations. The case consists of 69 individual components, with production alone requiring 1,400 hours.
The watch is powered by Piaget’s 1290P caliber, an ultra-thin 4.8mm minute repeater movement based on the 1200P. Its thinnest wheel measures just 0.12mm, and the thinnest component is 0.07mm. Both sides of the movement are hand-finished with exquisite details, visible through the sapphire caseback, including chamfered edges, sunburst patterns, and circular satin polishing of the highest standard.
Activating the repeater lever at 9 o’clock triggers the minute repeater function. Steel hammers and an integrated gong ensure optimal sound transmission. Considering the average human conversation is around 65 decibels, the 1290P guarantees a striking volume of at least 64 decibels, delivering pure musical quality. Hour chimes sound at G#, while quarter chimes ring at A#, producing a lingering, enchanting resonance.
Notably, the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters, exceptional for a minute repeater, making it safe for daily wear.
The Piaget Emperador series, launched in 1999, continues to push the limits of complex movements, reaching a new pinnacle this year, with a price of 98,500 $.
Piaget Emperador Coussin XL Ultra-Thin Minute Repeater
18K rose gold case, 48mm diameter, 9.4mm thickness, sapphire crystal front and back, Piaget 1290P caliber, 15 1/2 lignes, 44 jewels, 21,600 vph, 40-hour power reserve, brown alligator leather strap, 18K rose gold folding clasp, 30m water resistance, priced at 98,500 $.
