Piaget Polo 30th Anniversary Edition

1979 was a momentous year in the history of Piaget. Inspired by the elegance that reigned in polo clubs, the company chose this year to create a new style of timepiece sculpted in gold. Adopted by stars, it was soon to become a legendary object. Playing on the complete integration between the bracelet and case and on alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces, the original design elevated this model to the pinnacle of prestigious watchmaking.

With Piaget Polo, the brand created not only a watch that was a symbol of the times, but also a new way of wearing all-gold timepieces which was at once refined and casual. The Piaget Polo loved to surprise and appeal. In the 1980s, under the leadership of Yves G. Piaget, the brand associated its name to the world of polo.

Keen to promote this extreme sport that reflected the brand’s values – boldness, rigour and precision – it played a central role in the endorsement of polo at Palm Beach by sponsoring the World Cup to which it lent its name. Piaget also brought its glamour and sense of generosity to a team of cinema and television stars, the “Chukkers for Charity”, who battled under the Piaget banner to raise funds.

In 2001, the silhouette of the Piaget Polo watch was updated and its dial embellished with larger numerals and a date indicator at 6 o’ clock, confirming its avant-garde character. Five years later, the collection was equipped with the new-generation, self-winding 800P calibre and the exceptional Piaget Polo Tourbillon Relatif, fitted with the 608P movement.

The first mechanical chronograph movement to be designed, developed and produced by the Piaget Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie, the 880P calibre joined the collection in 2007 incorporated into a white- and pink-gold model. For 2009, the brand has chosen titanium to interpret its iconic model in a sporty version: the Piaget Polo FortyFive.

To celebrate 30 years of this emblematic collection, Piaget is launching five new anniversary versions in 2009. Remaining faithful to the design of the 1979 Piaget Polo, the two white-gold, diamond-studded Piaget Polo models recapture the design of the historical dials and reveal their precious character without ostentation. The large model is driven by a hand-wound Manufacture Piaget 534P mechanical movement while the ladies’ version beats to the rhythm of a Piaget 690P quartz movement.

The two versions are available in a limited series of 150 numbered timepieces. The other three anniversary editions recall the alternation of gold colours on the case and bracelet. On these new Piaget Polos, the 18 carat white-gold/pink-gold case and satin-brushed bezel are highlighted by polished gadroons, which are characteristic of this range.

The large models are driven by a hand-wound Manufacture Piaget 800P mechanical movement, while the ladies’ version features a gem-set bezel and a 690P quartz movement. These versions come in a limited series of 300 numbered timepieces.

Piaget Polo-Ref. 761C701: Small model; 18-carat yellow gold round case and dial with alternating polished and satin-brushed gold surfaces; Functions: hour, minute; Manufacture Piaget 7P quartz movement; 18-carat yellow gold bracelet with integrated clasp and alternating polished and satin-brushed gold surfaces

Piaget Polo-Ref. 7131C701: Large model; 18-carat yellow gold square case and dial with alternating polished and satin-brushed gold surfaces; Functions: hour, minute; Manufacture Piaget 7P quartz movement; 18-carat yellow gold bracelet with integrated clasp and alternating polished and satin-brushed gold surfaces

Piaget Polo-Ref. G0A34041: Large model; 18-carat pink gold case; 18-carat white gold bezel; Silver-coloured dial, applied Arabic numerals and hour-markers in 18- carat pink gold; Functions: Hour, minute, seconds, date at 6 o’clock; Manufacture Piaget 800P mechanical self-winding movement; Movement thickness: 4 mm; Casing diameter: 12 ”’ (ø 26.80 mm); Number of jewels: 25; Cadence: 21,600 vph (balance with screws); Approximately 72-hour power reserve (double barrel); Sapphire crystal case-back; Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained mainplate,bridges bevelled and drawn out with a file; 18-carat pink gold folding clasp; Brown alligator leather strap; Limited and numbered edition of 300

Piaget Polo-Ref. G0A34042: Small model;18-carat pink gold case; 18-carat white gold bezel set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds(approx 0.6 ct); Silver-coloured dial, applied Arabic numerals and hour-markers in 18-carat pink gold; Functions: hour, minute; Piaget 690P quartz movement; 18-carat white gold and pink gold folding clasp; Brown alligator leather strap; Limited and numbered edition of 300

Piaget Polo-Ref. G0A34044: Small model; 18-carat white case and 18-carat white gold bezel set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 0.1 ct); 18-carat white gold dial set with 82 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 0.3ct); Functions: hour, minute; Piaget 690P quartz movement;18-carat white gold folding clasp; 18-carat white gold bracelet set with 130 brilliant-cut diamonds(approx 1.4 ct); Limited and numbered edition of 150

Piaget Polo-Ref. G0A34043: Large model; 18-carat white gold case and18-carat white gold bezel set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 0.1 ct); 18-carat white gold dial set with 126 brilliant-cut diamonds(approx 0.4ct); Functions: Hour, minute; Manufacture Piaget 534P mechanical self-winding movement; Movement thickness: 3.55 mm; Casing diameter: 10.5 ”’ (ø 24.6 mm); Number of jewels: 26; Cadence: 21,600 vph; Approximately 40-hour power reserve; Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained mainplate, bridges bevelled and drawn out with a file;18-carat white gold folding clasp; 18-carat white gold bracelet set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds(approx 2.2 cts); Limited and numbered edition of 150