In a glamorous ode to its storied past, Piaget unveils the Piaget Polo ’79, a reincarnation of the iconic watch that defined the opulence of the 1980s, marking a significant milestone in the Maison’s history – its 150th anniversary. Known for its elegance and precision, Piaget revolutionized the luxury watch industry in 1979 with the original Piaget Polo, a watch that mirrored the changing lifestyles of its elite clientele who demanded both luxury and functionality in their timepieces.
WATCHES
As the world leaned into a more active lifestyle towards the dawn of the 1980s, Piaget’s clients sought timepieces that could seamlessly transition from elegant soirées to the dynamic world of sports without sacrificing sophistication. Yves Piaget, understanding this evolving demand, introduced the Piaget Polo, a watch that combined the ruggedness required for sports with the unparalleled luxury of a Piaget watch. Waterproof and shockproof, the Piaget Polo became synonymous with the luxury sportswatch segment, embodying the essence of the elite Piaget Society.
We really had to answer to this particular demand of our customers who are used to getting just dress watches. But now our customers like to do more and more sports. That’s part of the evolution of our lives today. They want to be exquisite, even in sport. They want to wear a better watch, even in their sports. So we created this sport line which is waterproof, shockproof.
explained Yves Piaget at the time.
Crafted from full gold, the Piaget Polo was a masterpiece that seamlessly integrated the timekeeper and bracelet into a singular aesthetic vision. Its design, featuring alternating polished gadroon and brushed block links, flowed effortlessly from the bracelet to the case and dial, creating a piece that was as much a work of art as it was a functional object. Advertised as “the world’s ultimate sportswatch,” the Piaget Polo became an emblem of 1980s glamour, equally celebrated in the elite polo clubs of Palm Beach and the vibrant nightclubs of New York.
Fast forward to today, the Piaget Polo ’79 reemerges with a reverence for its original design, infused with subtle updates to appeal to contemporary tastes. The new incarnation forgoes the quartz calibre of its predecessor in favor of the ultra-thin 1200P1 in-house self-winding calibre, visible through the crystal back of a slightly enlarged 38mm case. Executed entirely in 18 carat gold, the Piaget Polo ’79 remains a paragon of luxury and exclusivity, paying homage to the pioneering spirit of Piaget.
As Piaget celebrates 150 years of exceptional watchmaking, the Piaget Polo ’79 celebrates the brand’s enduring legacy and its commitment to blending tradition with innovation. The relaunch of this iconic timepiece is a statement of Piaget’s ongoing evolution in the luxury watch industry, ensuring the Piaget Polo ’79 is as much a part of the zeitgeist today as it was over four decades ago.
Piaget finally doing something cool, there is really not much that one can do with a watch but this… the design team needs a bonus!
not easy to make a gold watch look good! this is actually sublime 😍