I’ve long sung the praises of Piaget for their uncanny ability to capture the look and feel of specific eras with an exceptionally high level of execution in the process. Their jewelry, and even some of their watches, are like small time capsules, evoking all the emotion of a mid century aesthetic. This ability was on full display last year with their GPHG winning Hidden Treasures watch, and this year they are bringing back the original Polo sport watch first released in 1979 in celebration of the maison’s 150th anniversary. It’s the original sport chic watch that played no small part in defining the look of the ‘80s. This is the new Polo 79.
The Polo has seen continuous evolution since its inception in 1979, and today houses modern sport watches that encompass time and date references all the way up to extra flat perpetual calendar references. It’s a well rounded, well matured collection that can serve as an entry point to the brand’s timepieces, as well as a cornerstone of a collection. In returning to the collection’s roots with the Polo ‘79, they have come full circle to embrace not only the foundational design language, but also highlight their abilities in working with precious metals, which this watch most certainly does.
The Polo 79 is rendered entirely in 18k gold, and weighs an eye watering 200 grams as a result. What immediately impresses about this watch is just how it’s been constructed as a continuous pattern that is maintained even through the dial itself. There is some serious intricacy in how this watch has been constructed to maintain its ‘second skin’ like quality around the wrist while retaining the polished and brushed transitions seamlessly. The result is a visually arresting watch that appears uniform throughout, and despite its heft, a silk like presence in hand and on wrist.
There’s one feature that Piaget always leaned into with the Polo to ensure its svelte like quality on the wrist, and this is thin movement. The Polo has made use of extra flat quartz movements like the 7P and 8P, as well as mechanical calibers like the 9P, all created to be as thin as possible. Piaget has developed their share of iconic ultra-thin movements, including the 1200P1 that appears in this Polo 79. This micro-rotor movement measures a mere 2.3mm in thickness, which can be seen through an exhibition caseback of the now 38mm case (a notable bump from the 34mm original) that measures 7.3mm in total thickness.
This watch is more than that, though. The Polo 79 captures an elusive vibe thanks to the careful attention that Piaget has paid to its execution. It will likely be a polarizing release, with stark reactions to its unadulterated ‘80s look, which I suggest is a very good thing for a watch like this. The Polo 79 has an MSRP of $73,000 (200 grams of mostly gold), so it will likely be a rare sight, but will hopefully signify a return to the design for steel based references. Here’s hoping. Piaget