Piaget’s name is associated with excellence, creativity, and daring innovation. As one of the most esteemed maisons in haute horlogerie and jewellery, Piaget has been crafting masterpieces since 1874. To mark its 150th anniversary, Piaget revives a true icon — the Polo 79. This watch, which redefined luxury in the late 20th century, is more than a timepiece, it is a statement of timeless elegance. Let’s have a look at this magnificent piece that just won the Iconic Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – 2024 Edition.
A Brief History of Piaget and the Polo Line
Piaget‘s journey began in the quaint Swiss village of La Côte-aux-Fées, where Georges-Edouard Piaget meticulously crafted high-precision movements. From its inception, Piaget embraced audacious design and technical innovation. By the late 1950s, the brand introduced ultra-thin movements, which would become its hallmark and a foundation for future collections like the Altiplano.
The 1970s brought a paradigm shift in watchmaking, with the rise of elegant sports watches. In 1979, Yves Piaget envisioned a creation that merged the worlds of luxury and sport. The result was the Piaget Polo — a watch that encapsulated the opulence of the jet-set lifestyle. Advertised as “the world’s ultimate sports watch,” it adorned the wrists of luminaries frequenting New York’s Studio 54 or Palm Beach polo fields. Its signature design — a seamless integration of case, dial, and bracelet in precious gold—embodied Piaget’s ethos: uncompromising elegance, even in the realm of activewear.
The Case: A Testament to Craftsmanship
The new Piaget Polo 79 retains the iconic design of its predecessor while embracing modern sensibilities. The 38mm case, meticulously crafted in 18-karat gold, is slightly larger than the original to suit contemporary tastes. Despite its robust construction, it retains the ultra-thin profile that defined the Polo line, ensuring comfort and wearability.
The polished gadroon and brushed block link motif flows seamlessly from the case to the bracelet, a design signature that gives the watch its sculptural allure. Piaget’s mastery in metalwork is evident here — the bracelet feels as if it were carved from a single piece of gold, embracing the wrist like a second skin. With a sapphire crystal case back, the new Polo 79 invites admirers to appreciate the marvel of its movement.
The Dial: A Study in Minimalist Elegance
The dial of the Piaget Polo 79 is a masterclass in restrained luxury. Eschewing ornate embellishments, it mirrors the clean lines and alternating textures of the case and bracelet. The dial’s layout is harmonious, with carefully positioned markers and hands that ensure optimal readability. Its understated elegance underscores Piaget’s philosophy of letting craftsmanship and design speak louder than ostentation.
The Movement: Ultra-Thin Brilliance
At the heart of the Piaget Polo 79 lies the Maison’s in-house self-winding 1200P1 movement. This ultra-thin calibre continues Piaget’s legacy of technical innovation, building on the advancements of its predecessors like the 9P mechanical and 7P quartz movements. The 1200P1 is a mere 2.35mm thick, yet it delivers precision and reliability befitting the Maison’s reputation. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement’s fine finishing—côtes de Genève, bevelled edges, and engraved rotor—exemplifies Piaget’s dedication to haute horlogerie.
The Icon Reborn
The Piaget Polo 79 is not merely a reissue – it is a renaissance. By honouring the original design while integrating modern advancements, Piaget has crafted a timepiece that resonates with both nostalgia and innovation. It serves as a reminder of the Maison’s pioneering spirit and its unwavering commitment to elegance.
I was charmed by the extraordinary display of craftsmanship: the original theme transposed with elegance on all the watch’s elements – case, bracelet and dial. A superb set of finishes applied to an iconic design – somewhat expected from a high-jewellery Maison and a movement that reminds all the watchmaking expertise – thin and beautiful.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the Piaget Polo 79 represents a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship, and contemporary appeal. Whether gracing a formal gala or a sunlit polo field, it remains a definitive expression of high life and haute horlogerie. After 45 years, the Polo 79 still holds the title of the “world’s ultimate sports elegant watch.”
Piaget Polo 79 Technical Specifications
Ref.- G0A49150 – limited production, 80.000€
Movement
- Calibre 1200P1 Manufacture self-winding ultra-thin movement
- Functions: Hours, Minutes
- Technical features: Balance stop, Index-assembly signed with a letter “P” for Piaget, Off-centered micro-rotor
- Power reserve (in hours): Approx. 44
- Frequency (vph): 21,600
- Frequency (Hz): 3
- Diameter (lines): 13.25
- Diameter (mm): 29.9
- Number of jewels: 25
- Thickness (mm): 2.35
- Number of components: 180
- Finishing: Blued screws, Circular Côtes de Genève, Circular-grained mainplate, Beveled bridges, Wheels with sunburst motif, Oscillating weight engraved with the Piaget coat of arms
Case, Dial, Bracelet
- Material: yellow gold
- Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 7.45 mm
- Weight: nearly 200 g
- Water resistance: 5atm
ABOUT PIAGET
Piaget epitomizes daring creativity – a quality that has continued to permeate through the Maison since its beginnings in 1874. From his frst workshop in La Côte-aux- Fées, Georges-Edouard Piaget devoted himself to crafting high-precision movements in a feat that formed the very foundations of our pioneering name.In the late 1950s, Piaget unveiled the ultra-thin movements that would later become the Maison’s trademark and the cornerstone of the Altiplano collection. As a true innovator of the watch and jewellery world, Piaget strongly believed in creativity and artistic values. £It is within the walls of our « Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire » where master artisans continue to harness rare skills that have been preserved and perfected from generation to generation, transforming gold, stones and precious gems into dazzling works of art. Through its pursuit of masterful craftsmanship, the Maison has created emblems of daring excellence channeled into its collections including Altiplano, Piaget Polo, Limelight Gala, Possession, Piaget Sunlight, Piaget Rose and Extremely Piaget.