The Piaget Polo Date 36mm
Recently, Piaget unveiled the Polo Date 36mm in a variety of ownership options, including some über-glamorous models festooned with brilliant-cut diamonds. Consistent with its status as a Manufacture of the highest order, every reference is equipped with the self-winding movement, the Calibre 500P1. US-based journalist, Meehna Goldsmith, examines the composition of this model and shares her thoughts.
When thinking about luxury sports watches, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin immediately come to mind and receive the majority of chatter. However, there’s another kid on the block that’s an enticing contender you might not have considered: Piaget.
Image: G0A46018
The 1970s gave birth to the luxury sports watch. Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak in 1972, followed by Patek Philippe’s Nautilus in 1976 and then Vacheron Constantin with the 222 in 1979, the precursor of today’s Overseas model. However, Piaget also deserves its rightful place at the table. Designed by Yves G. Piaget, fourth generation of the Piaget dynasty, the Polo was the brand’s iteration of the luxury sports watch. Interesting to note, the Polo was also the first of Piaget’s timepieces to receive a name.
Image: G0A46023
For 2021, Piaget refreshes the Polo collection with the Polo Date, in a nicely proportioned 36mm case. It retains the characteristic shape with a round bezel encircling a cushion-shaped dial. Treated with a horizontal guilloché pattern, the dial provides the backdrop for shapely openworked Dauphine-style hands, accompanied by diamond-set indexes. In a departure from the usual position of 3 o’clock, the date is tucked in at 6 o’clock, which offers the dial an interesting and unexpected detail.
Image: G0A46024
Known for its record-setting thin movements, Piaget powers the Polo Date 36mm with the self-winding Calibre 500P1. Peer through the sapphire case back and you see the slate-grey rotor juicing up the barrel. The thinness of the calibre also allows for the sleek 8.8mm profile on the wrist.
Most of the Piaget Polo Date 36mm models are equipped with the brand’s interchangeable strap system, but can be specified with a steel or gold bracelet, featuring the characteristic alternating polished and satin-finished H-design links that are integrated into the case.
Image: G0A46020
Piaget’s jewellery frequently attends big Hollywood soirees and awards ceremonies, decorating the bodies of actresses with its dazzling and bold creations. These can overshadow the fact that the founder of the brand, Georges Piaget, opened up shop as a movement maker in 1874. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Piaget entered the jewellery space. So, Piaget has solid and impressive creds as a watchmaker with a history of technical achievements.
Image: G0A46024
The Piaget Polo Date 36mm is clearly marketed at women, evidenced by its modest case dimensions and the use of diamonds throughout the collection. I think Piaget has missed an opportunity here in not creating a model sans the diamond sparks. Indeed, some women, myself included, prefer a less splashy timepiece. In addition, the 36mm size is a good fit for smaller men’s wrists, and men usually prefer a watch without jewels. The Polo Date model with the blue dial and stainless steel bracelet is the perfect candidate. It would look just as smashing without the diamond indices. Perhaps Piaget would consider this an option for the future.
Image: G0A46022
Over the years the Piaget Polo has graced the wrists of Sammy Davis Junior; Roger Moore, who played the delightfully wry James Bond; pop artist Andy Warhol, during his Studio 54 days, and tennis legend Bjorn Borg and his then wife Mariana.
For elegance, style and heritage, the Piaget Polo Date 36mm ticks all the boxes for a luxury sports watch, transitioning from a casual wrist companion during the day to a sophisticated and practical piece of jewellery under the stars.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Piaget Polo Date 36mm
- Reference: G0A46018 (blue dial/steel bracelet/steel case)
- Reference: G0A46019 (white opalin dial/steel bracelet/steel case)
- Reference: G0A46023 (white opalin dial/alligator strap/18ct rose gold case)
- Reference: G0A46020 (white opalin dial/18ct rose gold bracelet/18ct rose gold case)
- Reference: G0A46024 (diamond pave dial/alligator strap/18ct white gold case)
- Reference: G0A46022 (diamond pave dial/diamond pave bracelet/18ct white gold case)
- Case: diameter 36 mm; height 8.8mm; water resistance 5ATM (50m); sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: Hours, minutes; central sweep seconds; date
- Movement: Caliber 500P1; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 24 jewels; power reserve = approximately 40 hours
- Prices start from £11,700 (RRP as at 17.10.2021)