Piaget Polo 79 Watch Review
The Piaget Polo 79 is the epitome of glamour with its 18-carat gold dial, case and bracelet ensemble. It captures the spirit of the 70s and 80s while at the same time incorporating the Piaget 1200P1 calibre, an up-to-the-minute self-winding movement fitted with a gold micro-rotor. US-based Meehna Goldsmith, a self-confessed admirer of Piaget’s work, shares her thoughts on this new model.
Luxury Sports Watches of the 1970s
When characterising the 1970s, thoughts of bell bottoms, leisure suits, the rise of the personal computer and disco probably come to mind. But the 1970s were also a notable decade in the horological world. Audemars Piguet was brought back from the brink of obsolescence in 1972 by the introduction of the Royal Oak, kicking off the luxury sports watch craze.
The Polo designed by Yves Piaget
In 1979, Piaget debuted its own entry into the category with the Piaget Polo. As Piaget sponsored the Polo World Cup in Palm Beach during that time, the moniker Polo for the model was apropos. However, the brand upped the ante by creating the watch and integrated bracelet in 18-carat gold instead of stainless steel favoured by other maisons. Designed by Yves Piaget, the Polo united his love of equestrian sports with the elegance and style synonymous with the Piaget brand. If you were around in the 1980s, you’d find the watch gracing the wrists of the glitterati in country clubs and hip dance venues, such as the renowned Studio 54 and Regine’s.
Piaget Polo – waterproof and shockproof
The Piaget polo was defined by its alternating polished gadroon and brushed block links with the pattern repeated on the dial, giving the illusion of the timepiece being constructed of one piece. Despite its refined and luxurious appearance, the Polo was far from delicate; it was waterproof and shockproof, earning its sports watch title. Moreover, its svelte profile wrapped round the wrist in an elegant fit.
Piaget ultra-thin movements
Piaget achieved this slim silhouette by using ultra-thin movements, a specialty of the house. While the first Polos contained the 7P, the thinnest quartz movement at the time, later models employed the hand-wound 9P, introduced in 1956 and standing just 2 mm in height. Since the Polo model was such a hit, Piaget expanded the line with different iterations, including round and square cases, gem-set, time only, bi-colour gold and perpetual calendars. Some even came on a leather strap.
Piaget Polo 79 GOA49150 – paying homage to the original
On the occasion of the Polo’s 45th birthday, Piaget has introduced the Polo 79, paying homage to the original crafted in 18-carat gold but with subtle updates. Back in 1979, the case size measured 34 mm, too small for today’s tastes. The Polo 79 scales up to a very wearable yet modern 38 mm.
Piaget 1200P1 calibre
Since mechanical movements are the choice of collectors and de rigueur for Haute Horlogerie, the Polo 79 now houses the ultra-thin 1200P1, a self-winding calibre conceived and built in-house, like all of Piaget’s calibres. Piaget is a fully-fledged Manufacture and jeweller. In fact, Piaget was originally a movement specialist before expanding its expertise into other areas.
The Piaget 1200P1 calibre, endowed with a gold micro-rotor, can be viewed through the sapphire caseback. Note how the inclusion of a micro-rotor contributes to the thinness. Instead of riding above, it’s integrated at the same level as the movement. Finishing includes the traditional decorations of perlage and Côtes de Genève.
Piaget Polo 79 dial
The Polo 79’s dial is a study of elegance and simplicity. The alternating gadroon and polished block links provide the backdrop for the 18-carat gold dauphine hands. Little beads of 18-carat gold subtly mark out 60 minutes round the dial, while Piaget’s centred logo, positioned between 11 and 1 o’clock, brings the composition together.
Piaget Polo 79 – closing thoughts
Legions of collectors jostle with one another in the pursuit of a Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. However, they should give pause for another equally desirable sports watch with its own character and equally impressive lineage. The Piaget Polo 79 proves a delightful alternative with its distinctive design cues and runway model profile. It’s perfect for the individual with style and taste who wants to stand out from the usual luxury sports watch crowd.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Piaget Polo 79
- Reference: GOA49150
- Case: 18-ct yellow gold, diameter 38 mm, height 7.45 mm, water resistance 5 ATM (50 m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes
- Movement: Calibre 1200P1, self-winding movement, frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz), 25 jewels, power reserve approx. 44 hours.
- Strap: yellow gold bracelet
- Price: £69,000 (RRP as of 5.2.2024)