Keen to capitalise on the public interest that its high jewellery and increasingly well-documented vintage offering has garnered over the past year, Piaget is kicking off Watches & Wonders 2024 with a fresh duet of Polo Date models — each to be offered in a 300-piece edition.
Much like the Polo ’79, these date-window-bearing pieces have been released to coincide with Piaget’s 150th anniversary. And from the 70s-inspired dials to the comingling of steel and rubber, it’s clear that the Maison is trying to join the dots between contemporary tastes and its own rich heritage.
Though the brand’s marketing materials never refer to these two limited editions as ‘his’ and ‘her’ Polo Dates, it’s notable that the smaller of the two (36mm) is decorated with a diamond-set bezel; while the larger (42mm) sports a clean, gem-free design.
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A Foot In Both Worlds
Leaving aside a (frankly pointless) discussion about whether the codes used to design these two pieces are explicitly gendered, these Polo Dates are being positioned as a “bridge” between the original 1979 Polo and rubber-strapped steel models that made their debut back in 2022.
A watch that, invariably, will invite comparisons with the Patek Philippe Aquanaut and Vacheron Constantin Overseas, these releases solidify their connection to the universe of vintage Piaget primarily through their dials. Upon closer inspection, each watch’s horizontally engraved face evokes the metal work we’ve seen in both the OG Polo bracelet watch and its modern remake, coloured in a brushed beige shade.
As expected, there is the obligatory special anniversary and ‘limited edition’ branding etched onto the caseback; but in the wild, the only conspicuous reference to the rarity of this rarity can be found on the seconds hand. The counterweight is inscribed with a ‘150’ design.
Of the two movements powering these watches, the calibre 1110P is probably the more interesting to talk about: by dint of its performance and decoration. Equipped to the larger 42mm Polo Date, wearers will get a true 2-day power reserve and a slate-coloured rotor emblazoned with the Piaget family’s own coat of arms.
In the grand scheme of things, it remains to be seen whether this performance will engender heightened awareness of the 42mm model — even more so, when you consider that against the realisation that this is the first year Piaget has released a 36mm Polo in stainless steel on rubber.
More than likely, that’s the talking point watch enthusiasts shall be taking away from this release.
