Following the revival of the Polo 79 in yellow gold final yr, Piaget is again with a contemporary white-gold iteration of its built-in bracelet icon. Unveiled quietly alongside the same old Watches & Wonders noise, the brand new Piaget Polo 79 watch in 18k white gold is basically the identical watch because the 2024 yellow gold model — identical 38mm case form, identical polished gadroons, and identical slim micro-rotor motion — however in a cooler, extra muted package deal. We went hands-on with the newest Polo 79, and whereas it could be the understated sibling of the 2, there’s loads of white steel flash on provide right here.
As anticipated, the brand new white gold Polo 79 feels extra subdued than its yellow-gold counterpart. However spend just a few moments with it, and that tone-on-tone texture play turns into the star of the present. The alternating sample of flat brushed surfaces and rounded mirror-polished gadroons continues to be simply as daring — possibly much more so now that your eyes aren’t competing with a gold-on-gold coloration palette. Tying every thing collectively is the skinny, polished chamfer working alongside the perimeters of the brushed slats. The distinction in end comes into focus, particularly in altering mild — the watch was all the time about rhythm and movement, and that’s particularly clear right here.
Just like the yellow-gold version, the white gold Polo 79 weighs in at round 200 grams. It’s hefty however actually splendidly wearable due to its drapey silhouette and versatile proportions. The watch measures 38mm in diameter and is available in at simply 7.45mm thick. That is really the place Piaget can exhibit two of its strengths: gold-smithing and ultra-thin watch actions. The bracelet tapers superbly towards a triple folding clasp, seamlessly hidden to protect the visible continuity of the gadroons. The comparatively quick hyperlinks and curvature of the bracelet give it an nearly fluid articulation, permitting it to evolve to the wrist in a manner that feels pure regardless of the load. As you’ll be able to see on Ed’s 6.6-inch wrist, it’s smooth, sculptural, and trendy. Yves Piaget as soon as famously mentioned of the unique, “It’s a watch bracelet quite than a mere wristwatch,” and the trendy Polo 79 continues to embody that concept, not solely in silhouette, however in the best way it feels and strikes on the wrist.
And in case somebody will get pushy at a pool social gathering, the Polo 79’s 50 meters of water resistance means it’ll survive a splash or two — although let’s be sincere, this isn’t the watch you’re cannonballing in.
The dial is constructed from the identical white gold because the case and bracelet, full with the gadroon motif and minimal ornamentation. There aren’t any hour markers, only a delicate round minute observe, a pair of polished palms, and the PIAGET inscription. The look is pure Polo: a unified floor from finish to finish. Inside is the finely adorned Piaget Caliber 1200P1 — an ultra-thin automated motion with a 44-hour energy reserve, 2.75mm thickness, and a gray-coated 22k gold micro-rotor — after all, seen by the sapphire caseback. Whereas it’s not the latest or thinnest motion in Piaget’s arsenal, it’s a becoming alternative for a watch that’s extra about design legacy than horological pedigree. Keep in mind, the unique ones had been quartz-powered, so that is actually a step up if mechanical actions are your factor.
Talking of legacy, sure, the yellow gold mannequin nonetheless feels just like the definitive Piaget Polo to me. It’s the steel most individuals affiliate with the unique 1979 watch (and the slew of fashions that got here the next decade), and albeit, yellow gold is sort of all the time my go-to alternative. That mentioned, this white gold model is undeniably good-looking. It’s cooler in tone, a bit stealthier, and a contact sportier — at the very least as a lot as a 200-gram white gold bracelet watch could be. The place the yellow gold model is the lifetime of the social gathering, this one’s the one slipping in by the facet door with quiet confidence. What isn’t quiet, nonetheless, is the value tag. In reality, it’s dearer than the $75,000 yellow gold model, priced at $82,000 USD. That’s a critical value hike for a steel most individuals affiliate with being “much less flashy.” For extra details about the white gold Polo 79, please go to Piaget’s website.
Trending Merchandise
