Piaget Polo 79: A New Chapter in White Gold and Sodalite

Experience Timeless Elegance: The Piaget Polo 79 in White Gold and Sodalite.

The Genesis of a Legend: How Yves Piaget Transformed a Brand and Launched the Iconic Polo.

In the 1960s, Yves Piaget, a scion of the founding family, embarked on a mission to elevate the Piaget brand into a global luxury powerhouse. His vision saw the integration of the brand's celebrated ultra-thin mechanical calibres, the 9P and 12P, along with the slim 7P quartz movement, into the realm of high jewellery. This innovative approach gave birth to a generation of fashionable timepieces, distinguished by their brightly coloured hardstone dials, which quickly captivated the elite society of the era. The brand's 150th-anniversary celebrations in 2024 heralded the revival of the iconic Polo 79, first with a yellow gold re-edition, and now, for Watches & Wonders 2026, a stunning white gold version featuring an eye-catching blue sodalite dial.

The Pioneering Spirit: Redefining Luxury with the Original Polo's Integrated Design.

In 1979, the original Polo watch broke conventions by incorporating a quartz movement, a technological marvel at the time, into a luxury sports timepiece. What truly set it apart was its construction entirely from solid gold, a departure from the typical sports watches of its day. Its design boasted a seamlessly integrated bracelet, with the signature gadroons flowing fluidly across the case, dial, and bracelet, blurring the lines between watch and jewellery. Positioned more as a decorative accessory than a mere time-telling device, it was Piaget's first named collection. Though it rose to prominence as a symbol of jet-set status, changing tastes led to its discontinuation by the late 1980s.

A Modern Revival: The Polo 79's Enduring Appeal and Contemporary Interpretations.

The spirit of the Polo 79 was rekindled in 2024 with a stunning yellow gold re-edition, swiftly followed by a white gold version and, subsequently, striking two-tone variations. These modern interpretations, housed in elegant 38mm x 7.45mm cases, are powered by Piaget's ultra-thin calibre 1200P1. This movement, a descendant of the revered 12P, measures a mere 2.35mm in height, embodying the brand's mastery of slender mechanics. The watch's refined, flowing lines, characterized by horizontally brushed links and brilliantly polished gadroons, have been meticulously preserved, now presented in white gold with a captivating blue sodalite mineral dial.

Sodalite: A Nod to Heritage, A Touch of Modernity.

The introduction of the sodalite dial, a deep blue mineral interwoven with white calcite veins, is a tribute to Yves Piaget's sophisticated jewellery watches of the 1960s and 1970s, which frequently featured hardstone dials. This choice perfectly complements the watch's aesthetic. Honouring the Polo's core design elements, the sodalite dial is artfully placed between the four polished white gold bars that traverse the watch face, rather than replacing the iconic gadroons. Notably, this blue sodalite iteration distinguishes itself from earlier models by omitting the minute track dots, offering a cleaner, more contemporary look.

The Art of Precision: Unveiling the Masterful Calibre 1200P.

Through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, the intricate automatic calibre 1200P is revealed. This ultra-thin movement, wound by an off-centred micro-rotor, operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and boasts a 44-hour power reserve. Its exquisite decoration includes circular Geneva stripes, finely bevelled bridges, blued screws, and perlage, all testaments to Piaget's exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. This visible mechanical artistry underscores the watch's blend of aesthetic beauty and technical prowess.

Technical Brilliance and Exclusivity: The Piaget Polo 79 in White Gold.

The new Piaget Polo 79 White Gold and Sodalite, designated G0A5115, is a permanent addition to the collection. It features an 18k white gold case, 38mm in diameter and 7.45mm thick, with a brushed finish, polished bevels, and signature gadroons. Both front and back are protected by sapphire crystals, and the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters. The blue sodalite mineral dial is adorned with 18k white gold gadroons and dauphine-style hands. Powering this masterpiece is the in-house Piaget calibre 1200P1, an ultra-thin automatic movement with a micro-rotor, 25 jewels, and dimensions of 29.9mm x 2.35mm. It offers hours and minutes and a 44-hour power reserve at 21,600 vph, showcasing a circularly grained plate, bevelled bridges with circular Côtes de Genève, sunburst-brushed wheels, and blued screws. Completing the luxurious ensemble is an integrated 18k white gold bracelet with brushed and polished gadroons, secured by a triple-blade folding clasp. This exceptional timepiece is priced at CHF 84,500.