Piaget
ALTIPLANO 9200
25 x 15 · Manual · 1970
Up for grabs is a downright stunning Piaget square watch from their Altiplano line, circa 1970-1980s, marked reference 9200. This particular watch was produced in 18kt yellow gold, and fitted with a factory coral and oxyn and bezel. The watch itself remains in excellent vintage condition, appearing unpolished (with original import sticker on the back), and free of any cracks in the dial or bezel. Additionally, the watch comes fitted on its original integrated Piaget bracelet, fitting an approximate 7.25″ wrist; the bracelet has developed a lovely and rich patina from lack of use.
Specifications
$16,500Available
Questions about this piece? Call +1 (917) 828-1306 or visit us at 36 West 47th Street, W8-9, New York City.
Winding & servicing
- Wind the watch once daily, ideally at the same hour and with the watch off the wrist so the crown stem is not stressed at an angle.
- Stop winding the moment you feel resistance. Forcing a fully wound mainspring is the single most common cause of avoidable damage.
- Plan a full service every 5–7 years.
Daily wear
- Avoid operating the crown or pushers while the watch is wet, and always ensure the crown is fully pushed in (or screwed down) before contact with water.
- Remove the piece before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, using a sauna or hot tub, and before contact sport or manual work. Sudden temperature change and impact are the two things a fine movement tolerates least.
- Keep it away from strong magnets — laptop speakers, tablet covers, handbag clasps and induction hobs are the usual culprits. Magnetisation shows up as a watch suddenly running fast, and is easily reversed by a watchmaker.
Cleaning
- Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, dry microfibre cloth after each wear to lift skin oils and dust before they build up in the joints.
- For a metal bracelet, occasional cleaning with lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a very soft toothbrush will lift grime from between the links. Rinse, then dry thoroughly — only ever with the crown fully closed.
- Gold is a soft metal and will pick up fine hairline marks with wear. This is normal and part of the character of a worn piece; a professional polish can reduce them, but every polish removes a little material, so it is best done sparingly.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, solvents, or commercial jewellery dips at home on a watch — they can strip lume, degrade gaskets and damage set stones.
Storage
- Store in a dry place at stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight — prolonged UV fades dials and ages strap leather.
- Keep pieces separated in a lined box or soft pouch so cases and stones cannot rub against one another. Diamond is hard enough to scratch virtually anything it shares a drawer with.
- Retain the original box, papers and any accessories supplied. They materially affect the value should you ever sell or trade the piece.
Water resistance
- Water resistance is a seal condition, not a permanent specification. Gaskets harden and shrink with age, so a rating stamped on the case back decades ago tells you little about the watch today.
- Have the case pressure-tested annually, and always after the case back has been opened for any reason.
- Vintage pieces should be treated as not water resistant regardless of their original rating.
