The Astrology of Horology Series:
Male Virgo 2010 (August 23 -September 22)
The sign of Virgo is associated with the virgin or maiden and exhibits traits associated with her. In males, these show up as creativity, refinement, preciseness and intelligence. The Piaget Altiplano is an excellent watch to satisfy the guy born under the sixth sign of the zodiac.
At a svelte 5.25mm, the Piaget Altiplano is so sleek that it slips around your wrist and hides under your cuff faster than a jaguar can zip up a tree in the Amazon. It presents a classy and polished face that shows just the essentials of time without any complications added on. And for the Virgo, that’s really all that’s necessary and wanted in his daily work situation.
The Virgo is a practical, no-nonsense person who doesn’t take kindly to a lot of frippery and needless excess. The Altiplano celebrates the posh art of simplicity and this analytical gentleman will appreciate that philosophy.
For the limited edition Anniversary edition, which presents time without seconds, (which might prove a slight challenge to the Virgo who likes to cross his T’s and dot his I’s,) the Altiplano offers two different precious metal options and dial colors. The inky black dial comes in a 43mm case constructed of white gold, while the pink gold case offers one in a dusky blue. Baton hands poise regally round a hand-guilloched dial. Some dial patterns are done by machine for expedience and less expense. Fastidious Virgo can rest assured this one was created by hand. I’m not sure if the writing along the perimeter of the dial signifiying the limited edition model will annoy Virgoes as excessive and unneccessary or they will nod their heads that the proper labeling has been done.
As the Virgo knows, simple doesn’t mean that you brush aside the details. In particular, simple relishes in the details and Piaget attended to them well. Seen through the exhibition back, the movement is treated to decorative flourishes of Côtes de Genève, a circular-grained plate with blued screws and bevelled bridges. The Piaget coat of arms swivels gallantly on the platinum oscillating weight.
Since Virgoes are very interested in history, they will appreciate Piaget’s longstanding roots in watchmaking, dating from 1874, as well as the historical nature of this specific model. Inside the Altiplano Anniversary Edition beats the record-breaking Calibre 1200P, the thinnest currently on the market. Known for its ultra-thin movements, Piaget developed the 1200P to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Calibre 12P and continue its legacy in wafer thin movement design. The Calibre 12P was introduced in 1960 with the distinction of being the thinnest self-winding movement at the time.
In addition to the Anniversary model, which is limited to 235 pieces in each metal, Piaget offers a non-limited Altiplano design in its lineup in the same case metals. The immediate distinction between the two is the small seconds dial at 4 o’clock and with this added feature, Piaget calls it the Calibre 1208P. This design caters to the Virgo who feels just a bit more at ease knowing which side of the minute he’s on. The price differential between the two is only about a thousand dollars, so the ever-diligent Virgo won’t anguish too much whatever his preference. (Price correction:) The limited edition with the blue dial and rose gold is priced at $21K and the white gold with black dial is 22K. Unlimited editions start at $19,900.
Those of you who have a relationship with a Virgo have no doubt experienced their skeptical side. With the Piaget Altiplano, picky Virgo can feel confident in having a beautiful timepiece with heritage, quality and one that stands in a class of its own—just like Virgo himself.
I can help you find your perfect watch match, no matter what your sign, whether you want to climb the corporate marketplace, dive to discover the Barrier Reef or dance under the stars on the Amalfi Coast. You can contact me at meehna@meehnagoldsmith.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Meehna Goldsmith's fascination with timepieces began with her parents' antique grandfather clock, whose harmonious ticks and chimes echoed throughout the house during her childhood. 
Both virgins and non-so-virgins need to know the time. This appears to be an excellent way to find it. So we can now thank Piaget for giving virgins the time. And Meehna for pointing the way.