This model featured the new, Piaget 12P calibre which was the thinnest automatic movement in production. Model reference 12303.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1961. The 12P movement was launched in 1960, and you can read more about it on Piaget’s website here.
CONDITION
Making ultra thin movements is not easy now, but back in 1961 the skill set had to be even greater. Unlike most automatic movements that have a weight on the rear of the movement, adding height, Piaget used a microrotor. This was first invented by Universal Geneve just five years earlier, but Piaget solved the problem of a small rotor having not enough weight to spin effectively by using a very dense metal for the rotor. Piaget are not known for holding back (their current cheapest watch is £10,100, and for a gold automatic you will need at least £22,900!) so for the rotor they used solid 24k gold. Everything is beautifully finished as you would hope from such a high end brand. The crown is not signed, but the example in the Piaget book shown on the photo wasn’t either. The buckle is a gold plated later replacement. The dial has marks around the edge, and a scratch near 3. The leather strap is a Piaget original and used, but could be swapped for a new leather OEM strap if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 35.2 mm
Width without crown 34.0 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 38.9 mm
Case Thickness 4.8 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
