Cover Apo Nattawin wearing a modern Piaget Polo 79
Apo Nattawin wearing a modern Piaget Polo 79
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Piaget brings the gadroons of its 1979 original into sharp contemporary focus across its latest generation of Polo timepieces
There is something particularly appealing about objects from the past today. Perhaps, in an era of information overload and instant gratification, we crave something simpler: a time when beauty was crafted slowly and thoughtfully, and meant to endure.
One watch that falls squarely into this category is the Piaget Polo 79. Its gadroons have defined its character since its debut in 1979, the gently curved, raised bands running from dial to bracelet to create a distinctive visual rhythm.
Horologically, the late 1970s and 1980s were shaped by the rise of luxury sports watches in utilitarian steel. Piaget embraced the sport-chic trend but boldly went against the grain by crafting the Polo entirely in gold. The brainchild of Yves G. Piaget—a fourth-generation member of the Piaget family and a polo enthusiast—it would go on to embody the exuberant glamour of the 1980s, attracting famous admirers including Andy Warhol and Ursula Andress.
“The entire philosophy behind the Piaget Polo can be summed up in a single sentence: it is a bracelet featuring a watch, not a watch featuring a bracelet,” Piaget said.
Read more: Piaget’s Sixtie is the perfect example of how vintage spirit meets modern design
Above A couple of vintage Piaget Polo with gadroons
A couple of vintage Piaget Polo with gadroons
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The concept proved remarkably enduring. For its 150th anniversary in 2024, Piaget revisited the historic motif with a revival of the Polo 79, updated with an in-house self-winding calibre. The maison also introduced a duo of special-edition Polo Date models.
That idea has since evolved further. For 2026, the Polo 79 ventures in a different direction with a sodalite dial, its richly variegated royal-blue surface interrupted by white-gold gadroons. The same precious metal forms the 38mm case and integrated bracelet. Inside is Piaget’s ultra-thin 1200P1 self-winding calibre, measuring just 2.35mm thick and descended from the record-setting 1200P introduced in 2010.
Above Piaget Polo 79 with sodalite dial
Piaget Polo 79 with sodalite dial
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Meanwhile, the gadroon treatment extends across the Piaget Polo Signature Date collection, including new rose-gold executions in 42mm and 36mm. Gem-set versions add diamond bezels, while the 36mm interpretation also carries diamond-set hour markers. Both sizes are powered by manufacture self-winding movements.
Above Piaget Polo Signature Date for him and her
Piaget Polo Signature Date for him and her
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Nearly half a century after the first Polo appeared, its signature lines remain remarkably effective: recognisable enough to evoke the original, yet adaptable enough to give the contemporary watches their own identity. True style, after all, rarely needs reinventing. It simply needs to remain relevant.
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
