Zach Blass
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, born in 1972, is credited with introducing the phenomenon of luxurious metal sports activities watches. Then, the additionally Genta-designed Patek Philippe Nautilus would debut in 1976 – additional establishing this new class. At occasions disregarded of the dialog, nevertheless, is the Piaget Polo, launched in 1979. Its revival, the Polo 79, is deservedly bringing the – dare we are saying – icon again into the limelight. And it comes at an ideal time, when by way of the efforts of assorted influencers and personalities inside the watch neighborhood, classic Piaget is changing into increasingly on watch collectors’ radars. Fortuitously, Andrew was capable of meet with Mr Piaget himself, Yves Piaget, who was on the helm of Piaget when the Polo was first launched. The fourth era of the Piaget household to supervise the model, Yves, in his dialog with Andrew, showcases the genesis of the Polo as a watch and idea, and his perspective introduces a brand new and fascinating lens.
I point out the Royal Oak and Nautilus above for 2 causes. Firstly, these are each watches that share a standard designer and theme. Secondly, they have been each have been as mechanical watches. The Piaget Polo, alternatively, was not, the unique being quartz. What it did have although, was one of the crucial distinct aesthetics within the integrated-bracelet luxurious sports activities watch phase. There isn’t a different design, with the Polo’s gadroon-centred look, that appears something prefer it. Yves Piaget describes the creation of the Polo as, to an extent, the creation of an anti-Rolex of types. With the Piaget model’s core sense of trendy and smooth design, they actually might have utilised their ultra-thin 9P calibre for the unique Polo. As a substitute, Yves seemed to the longer term, and, maybe, the place different Swiss producers have been scared, he leaned into quartz. In reality, a quartz calibre of their very own design: the 7P.
As shock resistant as a producer could make a mechanical motion, the 7P contained in the watch would in the end maintain extra correct time – each in additional static situations and below the stress of sport. But, the Polo, in its stylish look, actually had no hallmarks of a conventional instrument or sports activities watch. You can say, just like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the Polo ambitiously sought to create a watch envisioned not only for the game of polo itself, but additionally for the life-style of those that engaged with it each on and off the sector. Sturdy sufficient to serve its function, good-looking sufficient to be the speak of Studio 54 as properly.
That is the core of what Andrew, Yves Piaget, and present Piaget CEO Benjamin Comar dig into: the philosophy behind the Polo’s design, the breakdown of mechanical and quartz watchmaking logistics within the period, the illustrious and well-known clientele who adopted the Polo on their wrists, and the method of reviving and reinterpreting the unique Polo into what’s now the Polo 79. You’ll have to observe the video on the prime of the web page for the complete and vibrant dialogue.
Piaget Polo 79 pricing and availability
The brand new Piaget Polo 79 is obtainable now from Piaget retailers. It’s not a restricted version, however it’s “restricted manufacturing”. Value: A$120,000.
Model
Piaget
Mannequin
Polo 79
Case Dimensions
38mm (D) x 7.45mm (T)
Case Materials
18k yellow gold
Water Resistance
50 metres
Crystal(s)
Sapphire
Dial
Ridged gold
Bracelet
Built-in 18k yellow gold bracelet, folding clasp
Motion
1200P1, in-house, computerized, micro-rotor
Energy Reserve
44 hours
Capabilities
Hours, minutes
Availability
Obtainable now
Value
A$120,000