Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
The Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin perpetuates the brand’s reputation for uniting high complications with slender horological torsos. US-based Meehna Goldsmith, a self-confessed Piaget devotee, discusses dark emerald-green dials, gadroons and ultra-thin calibres.
The Piaget Polo
Although a subject might at first be interesting, it can get a bit jejune when there’s a lack of variety in the topics. Alas, sometimes the conversation about luxury sports watches gets hopelessly focused on a handful of the usual suspects. There are other intriguing candidates to consider, I assure you: one of which is the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin.
The Piaget Polo was first released in 1979
Piaget probably doesn’t come top of mind when the term luxury sports watch is bandied about. Ultra-thin movements and exquisite jewels, yes. But, a luxury sports watch? Also yes. Your brain is now probably tickled to remember that Piaget makes the Polo. Dating back to 1979, the Piaget Polo was designed by Yves Piaget as an entry into the luxury sports watch market. It was unveiled just seven years after Audemars Piguet created the category with the Royal Oak in 1972.
I’m sure some of you are asking, does the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin really meet the criteria for a sports watch? Well, I wouldn’t suggest wearing it to a pool party, or to play beach volleyball, but it’s definitely a more elaborate rendition of the original model.
Piaget – Masters of ultra-thin movements
Piaget is noted for its complicated Manufacture movements, including tourbillons and perpetual calendars. It even boasts an integrated chronograph, a feat very few brands can claim. Developing and producing them proves a difficult and costly endeavour. And yet, the Polo had never tried on the perpetual calendar outfit for size.
Someone at Piaget finally entertained the idea. He said, “The Polo is quite handsome on its own, and certainly distinguished with other complications like the tourbillon and chronograph models.” He continued, “I think the Polo would be sensational as a perpetual calendar, presented in our trademark svelte profile, of course.” The development team took a moment to digest. They then started to nod in agreement, their eyes opened wide at the sheer genius of it.
Okay, the above is a fictionalised scenario of how the Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin came into being, but it could’ve happened that way – and it makes for a good story.
Piaget 9P caliber
To debut a perpetual calendar in the Polo, Piaget chose to complement it with a sleek profile. After all, record-breaking thin watches are the brand’s trademark. Back in 1957, Piaget introduced the 9P, a movement just 2mm thick. It expanded the concept of 2mm thick in 2020 to include not just the movement but the whole watch! Called the Altiplano Ultimate Concept, it scooped the top prize, the Aiguille D’Or, at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève for that year.
Piaget 1255P caliber
The new 4mm 1255P caliber driving the Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin stays within the same tradition. To create this movement, Piaget started with the svelte 1200P caliber and added the Perpetual Calendar with moonphase module. The movement employs a blue micro-rotor to automatically tension the mainspring and the whole watch clocks in at just 8.65mm in height.
Perpetual calendar
The dial offers a cheerful burst of dark emerald-green with the characteristic gadroon pattern, part of the Polo’s style since 1979. Located on the three subdials, the date, weekday and month, which includes the leap year indication, residing at 3, 9 and 12 o’clock, respectively. To complete the composition, the moonphase waxes and wanes at 6 o’clock. The date is so precise that it’s accurate for the next 77 years until the year 2100. Thereafter, it will only need adjusting again in 2200.
Super-LumiNova®
With the different finishes against the gadroon background, the dial gains depth, flashing with different views depending upon the angle of the light. Super-LumiNova® fills the indexes, brightening the dial in dim light. Notice the subtle gadroon finish on the case, echoing the dial and adding to the luxurious feel. The theme is drawn together with the gadroon pattern also appearing on the bracelet.
Interchangeable SingleTouch system
For the Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin, Piaget developed a new interchangeable SingleTouch system for the bracelet to make exchanging the strap and bracelet a breeze. Speaking of which, the watch comes with a rubber strap as well, which also features a gadroon pattern. Piaget always gets the details just right.
Piaget – when you yearn for a new conversation
In a 42mm stainless steel case, the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin showcases Piaget’s technical prowess in a timeless, historical design. This Piaget can definitely compete with its other more hyped contemporaries. In fact, it’s even more interesting if you’re sick of the same old conversation.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
- Reference: GOA48005
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 42 mm, height 8.65 mm, water resistance 3ATM (30m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: perpetual calendar, moon phase, hours and minutes.
- Movement: Caliber 1255P, self-winding movement, frequency 21,600 vph (3Hz), power reserve 42 hours.
- Strap: steel bracelet with an additional green interchangeable rubber strap and folding buckle.
- Price: £53,000 (RRP as of 6.2.2023)