Magazine
The Art of Extraleganza: The Evolution of the Piaget Polo Between Gadroon and Sodalite
In the world of international Haute Horlogerie, few Maisons are able to balance boldness and refinement quite like Piaget. At the heart of this aesthetic lies the concept of “Extraleganza”: a delicate, almost magical fusion of classic elegance and creative extravagance. This philosophy reveals itself through details and the gadroon offers its purest and most perfect expression. Far more than a simple ornamental groove, this motif gives the Maison’s creations a distinctive identity, transforming every luxury timepiece into a work of art.
While the 1970s witnessed the rise of sporty-chic steel watches, Yves G. Piaget chose to challenge convention. In 1979, the Piaget Polo was born, a watch crafted entirely from solid gold, conceived not merely as an accessory, but as a “watch bracelet.” This distinction reflected a precise philosophy: the aesthetic continuity between case and bracelet, seamlessly fused into a single body.
A lover of horseback riding and high society life, Yves G. Piaget infused the model with the glamour of the 1980s. The Piaget Polo 79 quickly became a symbol of status and sophistication, worn by icons such as Andy Warhol and Ursula Andress. Today, this legend is reborn while preserving its original charm, yet projecting itself into the future with the ultra-thin automatic 1200P1 movement.
For the 2026 season, the collection pushes boundaries even further, exploring the Maison’s “heart of stone.” Following the success of the white gold and yellow gold versions, the Piaget Polo 79 embraces, for the very first time, the mineral beauty of sodalite. This vibrant blue dial, enhanced by natural veining, creates a hypnotic contrast with the gadroons, emphasizing the three-dimensional nature of the design.
The use of ornamental stones pays tribute to the craftsmanship of Piaget’s “Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire,” where master artisans transform rare materials into unique dials. Sodalite is not merely decorative; it symbolizes individuality. No two dials are identical, making every watch a unique collector’s piece.
The Maison’s 150th anniversary has reignited the spotlight on the tradition of the “his-and-hers timepiece.” The Piaget Polo Date 2026 collection reinterprets the design codes of 1979 through a contemporary lens. The interplay of the gadroon’s graphic lines now extends across silvered and blue dials, creating a visual harmony between past and present.
The new variations offer unprecedented versatility:
- 42 mm models: Available in steel or rose gold, featuring interchangeable rubber straps ideal for a casual-chic look.
- 36 mm models: Designed for a feminine audience, these creations showcase brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel and indexes, paired with rubber straps that enhance the luminosity of gold and steel.
The cushion-shaped silhouette inscribed within the round case remains the hallmark of the Piaget Polo Signature,a geometric challenge that continues to captivate through its harmonious proportions.
Founded in 1874 in La Côte-aux-Fées by Georges-Edouard Piaget, the Maison built its reputation on precision and ultra-thin movements. From the Piaget Altiplano collection to the Piaget Possession line, every creation is the result of craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Today, the Piaget Polo 2026 Edition once again demonstrates the brand’s ability to redefine the codes of elegance. Whether through a sodalite dial or the brilliance of diamonds, Piaget continues to embody an aristocracy of style that is bold, refined, and inseparably connected to its roots.
Piaget Polo 79, 38 MM
Piaget Polo 79
This watch, made entirely of 18-carat gold, enchanted the international jet set 45 years ago and continues to be loved today by those who understand true luxury. Today, the Piaget Polo is reborn as the Piaget Polo 79, a model that retains the contemporary spirit and philosophy of the Piaget Society while evolving with modern technical features. The 38 mm case houses the ultra-thin self-winding 1200P1 calibre, visible through the crystal case back, a technical evolution of the original quartz movement.
Piaget Polo 79, 38 MM
Piaget Polo 79
Newly revealed at Watches and Wonders 2025 Geneva, this 38 mm Piaget Polo 79 model has a case, dial and bracelet in 18-carat white gold with a rhodium-plated finish. Refined alternation of polished and brushed links, with distinctive Piaget gadroons. Bracelet perfectly integrated in the case. Sapphire crystal case back. In-house 1200P1 automatic movement with a 22-carat gold micro-rotor coated in grey.









