2021 has seen Piaget’s Polo creep more and more towards the luxe side of the sports-luxe aesthetic, especially with the Skeleton and Skeleton Gold models from the beginning of the year. And that trend looks set to continue now that the Polo Date has been reduced to a daintier 36mm diameter.
The downsized Polo Date has the familiar cushion shaped dial nestled within a round case, which is the signature of the model and also maintains the same horizontal line pattern. In fact, it bears striking similarity to another watch that comes to mind. The Polo has always been one of the few watches that felt like it could actually challenge the Patek Philippe Nautilus for its throne at the top of cool and sporty watches, albeit a David and Goliath situation where David forgot to pack his sling.
There are three basic versions to choose from in the new sizing. The first is the most classic and hands down the best. The stainless steel option with a blue dial and diamond hour markers is, believe it or not, the most understated of the three despite those stones.
Secondly there’s another steel version, this time featuring a white dial with rose gold accents, diamond hour markers and a full diamond embedded bezel. Finally, there’s another diamond embedded version, reimagined in a full rose gold case on bracelet or leather strap.
If diamonds are right up your street then there’s also two high jewellery versions which positively encrust the dial and bracelet with gemstones. The more extreme of the two has over 1800 stones on it.
Other than the fact that they all house the 500P1 automatic movement, which is what allows for the new 36mm sizing because of its ultra-thin dimensions, there’s not too much more to say. Going from most basic to most extreme, the new models will set you back £11,700, £18,100 and £45,200 on bracelet and £33,000 on strap. The full diamond high jewellery on leather strap costs £56,500 but if you want the price for the one icier than the Titanic’s nemesis, you’ll have to inquire yourself.
They’re nice if you want a smaller version of the Polo but it’s a shame that watchmakers haven’t worked out that just because it’s smaller doesn’t mean you have to make it feminine as well. A more masculine or gender-neutral Polo Date at this size would go down an absolute treat. Here’s hoping.
Price & Specs:
Model: Piaget Polo Date 36mm
Reference: G0A46018 (steel case & bracelet, blue dial)
G0A46019 (steel case & bracelet, diamond bezel set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds, white dial)
G0A46023 (18K rose gold case, leather strap, diamond bezel set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds, white dial)
G0A46020 (18K rose gold case, gold bracelet, diamond bezel, set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds white dial)
G0A46024 (18K white gold case, leather strap, diamond bezel set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds, dial set with 352 brilliant-cut diamonds and crown with 9 brilliant-cut diamonds)
G0A46022 (18K white gold case, bracelet set with 1315 brilliant-cut diamonds, diamond bezel set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds, dial set with set with 352 brilliant-cut diamonds)
Case/Dial: 36mm diameter x 8.8mm height, stainless steel, 18K rose gold or 18K white gold case
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: In-house Piaget calibre 501P1, automatic, 23 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 40h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Strap: Stainless steel, gold or 18K white gold bracelet or leather
Price/availability: £11,700 (G0A46018), £18,100 (G0A46019), £33,000 (G0A46023), £45,200 (G0A46020), £56,500 (G0A46024) and price on request (G0A46022)
More details at Piaget.
