In a move that marries heritage with contemporary elegance, Piaget has reintroduced the iconic Piaget Polo, a watch that encapsulated the luxury and spirit of the 1980s, as the Piaget Polo ’79. This launch not only commemorates the Maison’s 150th anniversary but also reaffirms Piaget’s position at the forefront of luxury watchmaking.
The Piaget Polo, first introduced in 1979, was heralded as a marvel of modern design, its case and bracelet merging into a singular, fluid aesthetic all crafted in exquisite yellow gold. This watch was more than a timepiece; it was a statement, advertised as ‘the world’s ultimate sportswatch’. The Piaget Polo mirrored the decade’s lifestyle shift towards a blend of elegance and active living, perfectly capturing the essence of its time.
Fast forward to the present, the Piaget Polo ’79 emerges, showcasing a respectful nod to its predecessor while seamlessly integrating advancements in watchmaking technology and design aesthetics. The new edition stays true to the original’s luxurious ethos, featuring the signature polished gadroon and brushed block links that extend from the bracelet across the case to the dial, presenting a unified visual experience.
The original models were powered by the pioneering 7P Calibre, celebrated as the thinnest quartz movement worldwide at its launch. This legacy of innovation continues with the Piaget Polo ’79, which houses the ultra-thin 1200P1 in-house self-winding calibre. Visible through a crystal back, this movement represents the pinnacle of Piaget’s engineering, measuring just 2.35 mm in thickness while ensuring a 44-hour power reserve.
Adjustments have been made to suit modern tastes, including an enlargement of the case to 38mm, enhancing the watch’s presence on the wrist while maintaining its classic elegance. This model, executed entirely in 18-carat gold, reaffirms the luxury and exclusivity that the Piaget Polo, one of the best gold watches, has stood for over the decades.
Yves Piaget, at the time of the original launch, emphasized the brand’s response to their clientele’s evolving lifestyles. The Piaget Polo was a testament to this adaptation, offering a luxury watch that didn’t compromise on functionality, capable of transitioning from high-profile events to the dynamic arenas of sport.
Today, the Piaget Polo ’79, among the most expensive watches, is priced at CHF 68,500 (before taxes), reflecting its standing in the luxury watch market. This piece is not merely a watch but a piece of Piaget’s history, a tribute to its 150-year legacy of combining tradition with innovation. With the Piaget Polo ’79, Piaget continues to cater to a clientele that values elegance, precision, and a sporty lifestyle, ensuring this iconic timepiece remains as relevant today as it was over four decades ago.
