As part of the new releases celebrating the 150th anniversary of Piaget, yesterday Monday February 5, 2024, Piaget dropped the hottest watch of 2024 thus far. Referred to by many as the next big thing in gold watches, the new Piaget Polo 79 is a watch that needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate it. The Piaget Polo 79 is a revamped version of the classic polo watch that became an icon in the 1980s. This time —still in yellow gold—, the Polo 79 is equipped with a larger case at 38 mm in diameter —4 mm larger than its predecessor— and powered by an automatic movement.
Considering the importance of this watch, I traveled to New York City this morning to peruse the watch in the metal and photograph it. Therefore, my hands-on review comes after spending more than an hour and a half perusing the new Piaget Polo 79 while shooting it for this editorial.
First, I have to say that the Polo 79 remains faithful to the a design and construction that included alternating polished gadroons and block links that continue seamlessly from the bracelet to the case and the dial. In the metal, the watch is very sexy and for someone like me who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, this is a watch that screams ‘baller status’ and that takes me back to those days when I used to visit Miami with my parents during a time where gold watches were only reserved for those that really could afford them.
My First Impressions on the Piaget Polo 79
The Piaget Polo 79 is cased in 18K yellow gold and has a total weight of 200.5 grams. While to many this might seem like a really heavy gold watch, it is not. When I compare the weight of this watch to other gold watches I’ve owned in the past —Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and even Panerai— this is about average and the watch is not top heavy. When compared to the weight of a Royal Oak Offshore ‘Brick’ —at almost 370 grams— or the ‘Pounder’, the weight on the new Piaget Polo 79 is extremely wearable and the watch feels just right on the wrist. The weight is very similar to that of a Vacheron Constantin 222 —the later being a few grams heavier than the Piaget— and the case and bracelet construction wrap around the wrist nicely.
The case, bracelet and dial are exquisitely finished with a gorgeous satin-brushed finish and the play of light is exquisite. One thing I do have to say is that the bracelet could’ve been larger for those with wrists larger than 7.5 inches in circumference. Without any bracelet adjustments —exactly how the watch comes from the manufacture— the watch was loose on my wrist but not too loose if I take into consideration that I typically have to remove many links of off bracelets.
One thing I do have to say is that this is a very photogenic watch. The watch is more like a bracelet that provides the time and not just a mere full gold timepiece. If you’ve perused one of the vintage Piaget Polos from the late 1970s and the 1980s you know what I am talking about.
Now, as far as thickness, the watch is not thin by any means but the seamless construction between the case and the bracelet allows for the watch to feel within an average thickness. While the bracelet is slightly thinner than the case, the difference in thickness between the two is not as evident as it is with other watches —in example like a Rolex.
Something I would’ve liked to have on this watch would’ve been a screw-down crown as this is an all-around type of watch and I like to have peace of mind when showering with the watch on my wrist or while taking it with me on a swim. Additionally, I would’ve liked to have the bracelet signed ‘Piaget’ around the closure area, rather than just on the inside of the double folding deployant clasp.
The Movement
Turning the watch over reveals the Piaget automatic calibre 1200P1 with micro-rotor. This 180-part movement with 25 jewels, beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph to provide a power reserve of approximately 44 hours. The movement is nicely finished with blued screws, circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained main plate, slightly beveled bridges, wheels with a sunburst motif, and a gold micro-rotor oscillating weight engraved with the Piaget coat of arms. While I wasn’t expecting for the movement to be finished like on some of the independent watchmaking brands like Greubel Forsey, I feel that the ‘anglage’ is not as prominent but of course that is because of the slender nature of the calibre.
On the Wrist & Price
While paying homage to the iconic Piaget Polo from the late 1970s and 1980s, I like that the slightly larger case makes a difference in how the watch wears without compromising the overall aesthetics from its predecessor. Due to its integrated bracelet construction, the watch wears slightly larger than its actual diameter and more like a 39 mm watch. On the wrist, the watch is not too heavy when compared to other full gold watches and that is nice, especially for those concerned about the weight of a solid gold timepiece.
In terms of pricing, I would’ve liked for this watch to be in the mid to upper USD 50Ks range and I would’ve loved to have a discreet date aperture somewhere around the dial, perhaps at 6 o’clock like on the Polo S. Other than that, this is a very sexy watch that has been done quite right by Piaget.
Sticker Price USD 73,000. For more info on Piaget click here.
