Piaget expands its successful model family in the sport-chic segment with a new version. The new model draws attention with its black dial and black rubber strap, a first in the collection
Watches and Wonders fair, which ended recently, hosted many important novelties introduced by participating brands. If we look at the organization specifically for Piaget, we can say that the most important innovation is the Altiplano Ultimate Concept. In addition, we can add the Limelight Gala models, which are among the most refined examples of jewelry/watch combinations, to the list of 2022 Piaget novelties that attract attention. However, besides the models I mentioned, there was another model that was launched quietly, which I think was an important novelty not only for Piaget but for the exhibition in general. Yes, I am talking about the new version of Polo Date, the brand's successful model family in the sport-chic concept.
So, why do I see this model as an important novelty? Before we start to explain, let's take a brief look at the history of the Piaget Polo concept. Polo, which Piaget introduced in 1979, was an interesting model that combined the brand's experience in both watches and jewelry with the sport-chic trend of the period. Designed by Yves G. Piaget, one of the fourth-generation members of the Piaget family, the model was dazzling with its bracelet integrated not only in form but also visually, and with its ultra-thin Caliber 7P quartz movement, which was considered advanced technology at that time. The model, which became one of the iconic designs of the 80s, became a best-seller by covering almost 1/3 of the brand's entire sales.
Having displayed a fluctuating graphic with different versions until today, Polo embarked on a journey from Piaget's dusty archives to the design studio, with the help of the rapidly shining star of the sport-chic concept. When the calendars showed 2016, we had a modern, dynamic, and masculine Piaget Polo. The new generation Polo S concept, which started with three-handed models, continued to expand with chronograph versions over time. Not indifferent to the ever-growing rise of the luxury sports watch concept, the well-established brand soon hosted versions with 36mm diameters aimed at female users, as well as different dial colors.
Being a participant at the Watches and Wonders 2022 fair, which was held again in physical format after a long break, Piaget also included a new Polo model among this year's novelties. The new model was renamed Polo Date instead of the Polo S, although it hasn't changed much in terms of design or technique after the past six years. Let's take a closer look at the stylish model.
The new model comes with a 42mm diameter and 9.4mm thick case. For the design of the case, it is inevitable to say that it bears traces of the classic models of the sport-chic concept. However, this situation should not be seen as copying, because this concept has some very clear rules, even if they are not written in black and white. Although 42mm seems like a very bold size, especially nowadays when case diameters are getting smaller, the feel of the watch on the wrist is not that big. The sporty case looks like it has a diameter of 40mm on the wrist, with the effect of the thick bezel and the expertly crafted polished chamfers. The case, hosting sapphire crystals on both sides, is waterproof up to 100 meters suitable for the model's sporty character.
The dial, which is one of the distinguishing features of the stylish model, offers a sporty look with its matte black background with horizontal lines. In fact, the black dial is not exactly new for Piaget Polo, as this color was also used in models with black ADLC coating in 2017. However, it is definitely a novelty as black is used together with a steel case for the first time in this new model. Indices and hands unique to the modern Piaget Polo model family provide optimum legibility in almost any environment, thanks to the Super-LumiNOVA phosphor application. The minute scale placed on the outside of the dial allows the time to be read precisely. A trapezoidal window is designed for the date display located at 6 o'clock. The disc visible from the window is prepared in black font on white background. Under normal circumstances, I would prefer not to have this date window, or, I would like the disc to be designed with a white font on a black background. However, I really like the date display in this model. I think it adds movement to the dial with its unusual form. I also really like the color palette. The white-focused design makes the date window look like a slightly thicker index without disturbing the visual integrity of the dial. Nicely done Piaget!
Let's get to the movement part. The in-house Caliber 1110P beats at the heart of the new model. The movement, visible through the sapphire crystal display case back, offers stylish and elegant details, as expected from a brand whose special talents include designing ultra-thin movements. Measuring 25.58mm x 4mm, the automatic movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers a power reserve of up to 50 hours when fully wound.
The strap, which is another novelty for the new model, is made of black rubber. The comfortable strap, sporting horizontal lines following the dial, is fastened to the wrist by a Piaget signed folding clasp. The case, compatible with the brand's quick strap change system, also allows the use of extra straps designed with different color and material alternatives.
Overall, I quite like the new Piaget Polo Date Black Ref. G0A47014 model. I think it is a stylish and unique model among many models that follow the sport-chic hype that has left its mark in recent years. Of course, I also thought of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut resemblance that many of you thought of. However, I see this similarity as a refinement of the concept of “sports luxury watch with rubber strap” in favor of Piaget (against Patek). First of all, the date window alone can be a reason for preference itself. In addition, the fact that the case design lacks the hard corners of the Aquanaut also makes the Polo Date one step ahead. I am sure there will be ones saying "But hey, it’s a Patek!". Considering that it is almost impossible to buy the Aquanaut from the dealer and the gray market prices have remained irrational, especially with the senseless price increase in recent years, I am quite happy that this model is not a Patek.
The sticker price of the model, in different currencies, is as follows;
EUR 11,400
USD 11,600
CHF 11,100
Have a nice weekend…
