Piaget Vintage Tonneau-Shape Ref. 13411
Dress Watch · Piaget (Richemont Group); Haute Horlogerie tier. Known for ultra-thin movements and jewelry-grade case fabrication.
Period: Vintage (1970s); identifiable by the integration of a tonneau-shaped cushion case with a minimalist dial and thin profile, characteristic of Piaget's mid-century aesthetic leadership.
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Piaget (Richemont Group); Haute Horlogerie tier. Known for ultra-thin movements and jewelry-grade case fabrication.
Movement
Ultra-thin Quartz; likely Piaget Caliber 7P or 8P, which was among the world's thinnest quartz movements of its era.
Dimensions
32mm diameter, 5mm thickness, 38mm lug-to-lug, 18mm lug width. It wears slightly larger due to the expanded width of the tonneau case corners.
Description
An exquisite example of Piaget's dominance in ultra-thin watchmaking. This tonneau-shaped timepiece balances 1970s geometric flair with timeless minimalist design. The understated grey dial focuses on legibility and proportion, while the 18k white gold case provides a luxurious weight that belies its slim profile. It is the quintessential 'tuxedo watch' for the discerning collector.
Key Features
Distinctive tonneau/cushion case shape, 'ultra-thin' profile, absence of seconds hand/date for symmetry, and the high-grade white gold material.
Dial Description
Matte charcoal grey/brown dial with printed white baton indices and a railway minute track. Simple leaf-style hands in white gold/silver. Two-hand time-only display with no date or seconds hand for maximum elegance.
Case Material
18k White Gold; fully polished finish on the bezel and case sides with integrated lugs.
Crystal Type
Flat Sapphire or Mineral glass; flush with the bezel, showing no visible chips or edge damage in current view.
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated bezel, part of the 18k white gold case construction; smooth polished finish with no markings.
Crown & Pushers
Small, low-profile push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, featuring fine knurling for grip, no crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Black alligator or crocodile leather strap with a matte finish and matching black stitching; fitted with a standard tang buckle (likely signed gold).
Caseback Details
Solid 18k white gold caseback, secured by screws; typically features Swiss assay hallmarks, 'Piaget' branding, and the reference/serial numbers.
Movement Type
Ultra-thin Quartz; likely Piaget Caliber 7P or 8P, which was among the world's thinnest quartz movements of its era.
Water Resistance
Non-water resistant; splash resistant only (30m rating when new). Leather strap and case construction are not intended for immersion.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; manufactured in La Côte-aux-Fées (movements) and Geneva (cases). In-house Piaget movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1985; based on the 'Swiss Made' dial marking without tritium indicators and the slim quartz profile.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era when quartz was a luxury technology, often more expensive than mechanical counterparts, housed in precious metal cases to signify status and precision.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the case shows light hairline scratches consistent with age but retains sharp edges. Dial appears clean without oxidation. Strap is an aftermarket replacement.
Value Estimate
$2,500 - $4,500 USD; value is heavily driven by the gold weight and the 'Piaget' brand prestige on the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 2-3 years; internal gasket checks for moisture protection. Avoid magnetic fields and extreme shocks to preserve the thin movement plates.
Similar Watches
Cartier Tortue (mechanical, different lug design), Patek Philippe Ellipse (more oval), Vacheron Constantin Patrimony (typically rounder).
Interesting Facts
Piaget holds numerous records for the thinnest mechanical and quartz movements in history, including the famous Altiplano line. In the 70s, they were the choice of celebrities like Andy Warhol and Jackie Kennedy.