“Piaget Polo is back : its history since 1979”

The Piaget Polo on show in the Geneva boutique

An exhibition retraces the history of the famous Polo watch by PIAGET, from its birth in 1979 to its rebirth in 2002. On display until 7th September at the Piaget boutique on the Rue du Rhône.

Launched at the end of the 1970s, the Piaget Polo enjoyed immediate success which propelled it to icon status in the world of luxury watchmaking. A firm favourite among the jet-set - the greatest stars on the international scene adopted it - this watch embodied the opulence and elegance of the 1980s. Its unique design, reflecting the cultural tastes of the era, contributing to shaping the brand legend. A legend on the move...

Relaunched in the United States and Asia in the autumn of 2001 and in Europe at the SIHH 2002, the new Piaget Polo testifies to the penchant for emblematic creations shown by contemporary society. By giving a second lease on life to this mythical model, Piaget is catering to aficionados of aesthetically perfect and totally modern watches. In twenty years, Piaget Polo has not dated at all; on the contrary. By looking back of its career, this exhibition recalls the strong points of the original models in such a way as to emphasise the new attributes conferred on it by the “jeweller of watchmaking”. This best-seller right from its launch gave rise to all manner of interpretations. Whether with hard-stone dials, vertical instead of horizontal gadroons, diamond-set or studded jewellery-watch versions, the Polo already embodied Piaget's inherent gift for self-renewal.

Three theme displays

The round Polo watches : Emblematic by their very nature, the round models crafted in yellow gold highlight the line's chief characteristics: the famous case integrated within the bracelet, rounded baguette-cut diamonds and alternating polished and satin-brushed effects. The star item in this display is a man's watch created in 1984 and entirely set with round and baguette-cut diamonds.

The square Polo-cut watches - Essentially in white gold, the square Polo watches created between 1980 and 1985 particularly set off the integration of the dial within the bracelet. Available in three sizes, their styling is immediately recognisable. Sporting tiger or zebra-like stripes, a model in onyx and baguette-cut diamonds strikes a particularly spectacular note.

The variations - Two-tone models, others set with precious or ultra-thin stones... the Polo has inspired all manner of variations on a theme. Two creations particularly stand out: a 1985 white gold model with diamond-crossed onyx dial measuring just 2 mm thick, and a fascinating mechanical “skeletonised” or openworked model from 1982. Representing an impressive technical feat, its visible movement set with diamond is a mere 1.2 mm thick.
New Piaget Polo
Men's watch in 18-carat white gold
Slate-grey dial
Self-winding movement Manufacture Piaget 504P
11 lines, 26 jewels
40 jour power-reserve
21600 vibrations / hour
Date display at 6 o'clock
New Piaget Polo
Ladies watch in 18-carat yellow gold
Silvered dial, hour-markers set with diamonds
Bezel partially set with diamonds
Total carats: approx. 0.7 cts
Quartz movement Manufacture Piaget 690P

A new setting, new models
The history and variations of this legendary watch are on show in a setting which is well worth discovering in its own right: that of the new Piaget boutique on Geneva's Rue du Rhône. Recently inaugurated, it features all one might expect from such special places: clarity, light and warmth. Valuable assets in welcoming visitors who will discover the “Piaget Polo is back” exhibition as well as the other new models in the brand range.

The Piaget Polo 2002 is entirely in harmony with its predecessors. Alternating surfaces and integration described it as well today as they did at first. Meanwhile, by renewing its styling, it carries the inimitable stamp of the brand: its creative daring. All fashioned exclusively in gold, the fourteen references for 2002 feature a bolder dial and a resolutely contemporary design, which leads Yves G. Piaget to say of this interpretation for the third millennium: “through its distinctive contemporary appearance and technological innovations, Piaget Polo is our tribute to the 21st century.”
Models from 1979
Piaget Polo in 18-carat yellow gold
Integration of the bracelet and the case
Square watch for men
Round watch for ladies
Movement Manufacture Piaget 7P

Source: Piaget ©
August 2002