Piaget’s Polo collection has long been synonymous with elegance, luxury, and innovation. Last year, the brand made a bold move by resurrecting one of its most iconic timepieces—the Polo watch. With a design that paid homage to its roots, the Piaget Polo 79 returned in all its glory, crafted in yellow gold and embodying the opulence and distinct style that made the original so famous. Now, Piaget has released a more refined iteration of this model—the Polo 79 in white gold—a slightly more understated yet equally captivating version of the watch, which we’re taking a closer look at.
A Revived Classic
When the Piaget Polo was first introduced in 1979, it marked a significant departure from traditional watchmaking, with a bold, integrated design featuring horizontal gadroons. This opulent aesthetic, paired with a quartz movement, immediately caught the attention of high society and became a favorite among jet-setters and celebrities, including actress Ursula Andress. The Polo was a prime example of the elegant sports watches that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a fusion of sophistication and functionality. The model’s success led it to be the first Piaget watch to carry a specific name, cementing its place in the brand’s legacy.
Following its discontinuation in the late 1980s, the Polo made a comeback in 2001 with a modernized design. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that the collection underwent a major transformation. The watch embraced a cushion-shaped case, making it more in line with luxury sports watches of the era. The most recent iteration, the Piaget Polo 79, marked the revival of the original design, complete with the iconic gold case and integrated bracelet, but this time equipped with an ultra-thin automatic movement.
The New Piaget Polo 79 in White Gold
While the original Polo was largely known for its yellow gold finish, Piaget has now taken a more contemporary approach with the Polo 79, offering a striking white gold version. The new model retains the key design elements that made the Polo a standout in the 1980s, such as the horizontal gadroons that create a distinctive ribbed pattern across the case, bracelet, and dial. These signature details give the Polo 79 its unmistakable Piaget aesthetic—luxurious, elegant, and bold.
The case itself measures 38mm in diameter and is just 7.35mm thick, making it a sleek and refined presence on the wrist. The horizontal gadroons, which contrast with the brushed surfaces of the case, create a fluid, almost seamless design, making the watch appear as though it has been crafted from a single piece. The dial is equally refined, featuring a tone-on-tone minute track with pearl-like dots of varying sizes, paired with dauphine-style gold hands. The all-white gold design gives the watch a more modern and monochromatic look compared to the exuberant yellow gold version.
The bracelet, which seamlessly integrates into the case, tapers gently towards the triple folding buckle, offering a highly tactile and flexible fit. The modern construction of the bracelet is enhanced with screws that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, further emphasizing Piaget’s attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Movement and Craftsmanship
At the heart of the Piaget Polo 79 in white gold is the ultra-thin Caliber 1200P1 automatic movement. This remarkable movement, measuring just 2.35mm in thickness, was developed by Piaget to fit within the sleek case while maintaining impressive technical performance. It features an off-centre micro-rotor, which has been anthracite-coated in this version, adding a subtle contrast to the polished white gold aesthetic. The movement beats at a frequency of 3Hz and delivers a power reserve of 44 hours. The decoration of the movement is traditional Piaget, with a circular-grained plate, bevelled bridges, circular Geneva stripes, sunburst-brushed wheels, and blued screws—elements that showcase the brand’s commitment to fine watchmaking.
A Modern Twist on an Icon
While the Piaget Polo 79 in white gold may not come as a total surprise given the success of its yellow gold predecessor, it brings a fresh perspective to the iconic design. The white gold version offers a more restrained and modern look, with a monochromatic color palette that sets it apart from its more exuberant counterpart. The design remains faithful to both the original Polo and Piaget’s long-standing tradition of elegant, ultra-thin watchmaking, while introducing a more contemporary flair.
In many ways, the Polo 79 in white gold captures the spirit of the 1970s integrated sports watch category but places it firmly in the present. The fusion of gold, intricate detailing, and the extra-thin automatic movement demonstrates Piaget’s mastery of both design and craftsmanship, making this new iteration a worthy addition to the Polo family. Whether you prefer the boldness of yellow gold or the understated elegance of white gold, the Piaget Polo 79 remains a quintessential timepiece that exudes luxury and sophistication.
Conclusion
Piaget’s Polo 79 in white gold is a testament to the brand’s ability to modernize a classic while maintaining the essence of its original design. With its sleek, monochromatic appearance, the new white gold version offers a more contemporary take on the opulence and elegance that made the Polo so iconic. For those looking for a refined, ultra-thin sports watch with a legacy of luxury, the Piaget Polo 79 in white gold is an exquisite choice that blends history, craftsmanship, and modernity in perfect harmony.
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