In 2024, Piaget celebrated the forty fifth anniversary of Yves Piaget’s Polo watch by introducing a re-edition, the Polo 79, in full yellow gold. It got here out in February of final yr, and RJ dared to say that most likely nothing at Watches and Wonders 2024 would trump it. Everyone knows RJ could be very a lot into yellow gold watches currently, however he was proper. The Piaget Polo 79 in yellow gold was an enormous hit with its magnificent development of brushed blocks and polished gadroons. No marvel Piaget determined to make a model in white gold as effectively for this yr’s version of Watches and Wonders Geneva.
I’m certain RJ is not going to agree with me right here, however I like this white gold model of the Piaget Polo 79 higher than final yr’s yellow gold one. The yellow gold model tries to catch your consideration with its standout colorway. Alternatively, the white gold model makes you focus extra on the mixture of brushed blocks and polished gadroons. It’s extra modest, extra understated, and nonetheless very spectacular.
The Piaget Polo 79 in white gold
Relating to the specs, the Piaget Polo 79 is similar as final yr’s yellow gold one. The watch measures 38mm in diameter, and due to the ultra-thin motion inside, it’s solely 7.45mm thick. In yellow gold, the Polo 79 weighed 200 grams. I’m certain the white gold model received’t be far off. After all, that’s as a consequence of its all-gold development that wraps itself across the wrist. Some say it virtually looks like carrying a bracelet as a substitute of a watch. That type of makes me take into consideration how my beloved Cartier Santos Galbée XL wears.
Nevertheless, Piaget’s Polo 79 takes it to an entire different stage. The case consists of seven interconnected white gold blocks. Within the center, there’s an enormous gap for the dial and the motion. Then, the polished gadroons sit between the brushed blocks, and the dial mimics the identical development. Finally, the entire thing seems like it will possibly bend at any given gadroon. After all, it will possibly’t as a result of, in any other case, the motion wouldn’t perform correctly, however the optical phantasm is magnificent.
Piaget’s 1200P1 micro-rotor motion
The Piaget Polo from 1979 housed a quartz motion. This re-edition homes an ultra-thin automated motion inside. It’s solely 2.35mm thick and will get its power from an off-center micro-rotor. It runs at a frequency of 21,600vph, options 25 jewels, and holds an influence reserve of 44 hours. The attractive ending consists of round Côtes de Genève, perlage, beveled bridges, and blued screws. You possibly can check out virtually your entire again of the motion via the pretty massive sapphire crystal within the case again. It’s additionally reassuring that the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t take this watch swimming if I have been you.
Are you in camp yellow or white gold?
Basically, I’m extra into white gold than yellow gold, so I’m glad Piaget gave me an opportunity to check out this new model. Will it ever make its approach into my assortment, although? I doubt it. The yellow gold model is already relatively dear at €83,500, and the white gold model is much more costly. The brand new Piaget Polo 79 in white gold prices €92,000. Normally, watches in white gold are somewhat costlier than their yellow gold counterparts. Generally, that’s as a result of the manufacturing course of is a bit more labor intensive, however I’m unsure if that’s the case right here.
Anyway, regardless of its out-of-reach pricing, I nonetheless suppose this new Piaget Polo 79 in white gold seems downright unimaginable. What about you? Are you extra into yellow gold or white gold? Let me know within the feedback beneath why you want one or the opposite higher.
