If the art of Extraleganza – the subtle encounter between elegance and extravagance that so perfectly defines Piaget’s bold style – lies in the finest of details, then gadroons are its perfect epitome. Far more than just simple striations, this decorative feature brings a touch of signature sophistication to Piaget watches. Showcasing sensational materials and a subtle play on depth, it enhances the shape and reveals the true beauty of every Piaget Polo timepiece. From 1979 to 2026, gadroons have reigned supreme on the Piaget Polo 79. Now, they are also making an appearance on the iconic Piaget Polo Date, specially redesigned for the occasion.
Heart of Stone
While the 1970s saw the advent of a wave of sport-chic watches chiselled in steel, Piaget made history with a watch launched in 1979, which stood out for its unique style and its model name (a first for the Maison): the Piaget Polo. Fully forged in gold, this timepiece quickly made a name for itself as an avant-garde icon, defying the prevailing style codes of its time. A keen horse rider, Yves G. Piaget fused his love of polo and of high society into a watch that came to define 80s glamour, which could be worn just as easily in Palm Beach clubs as at Chez Régine in New York. “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…”, as Yves G. Piaget liked to say. With its hundreds of grams of gold, its distinctive design and its elegance, it won over the general public and the jet set of the era, from Ursula Andress to Andy Warhol.
Highly versatile, the Piaget Polo 79 has taken on multiple variations over the years, right up until this season, when it returns in a two-tone version, still in 38 mm, powered by the ultra-thin self-winding movement 1200P1. Following on from the success of the Piaget Polo 79 in yellow gold, white gold and now in two golds, the Piaget Polo 79 is now being adorned with another of the Maison’s signatures: ornamental stone. Previously, the model showcased onyx and lapis lazuli; today, for the very first time, ornamental stone features in the contemporary range on a precious sodalite version. The contrasting mineral dial highlights the uniqueness of the gadroons so beloved by Maison Piaget.
An Elevated Duo
In 2024, Maison Piaget celebrated its 150th anniversary, a historic milestone that was the perfect opportunity to revive a tradition cherished by Mr Yves Piaget himself: the couple’s watch, the same creation designed for him and for her in an endlessly versatile form. Two years later, this iconic approach continues with a new highly desirable edition replicating the signature gadroons of the Piaget Polo 79, which elevate the timepieces in this Piaget Polo collection adapted for everyday wear. Combining the brilliant gadroons that brought fame to the historic Piaget Polo with the sport-chic allure of the iconic Piaget Polo Date, this duo is enhanced by a silver-coloured dial – a nod to the Maison’s timeless elegance. The interchangeable rubber strap (available in beige for the 36 mm version adorned with 96 brilliant-cut diamonds, or in khaki green for the 42 mm variation) and the subtle nod to the codes of the 1979 Piaget Polo firmly root this offering in the here and now, while thoroughly complying with the style codes that have forged Piaget’s identity for decades.
A New Face
To mark the 2026 edition of Watches and Wonders, the Maison has therefore applied the charm of its signature gadroons to a new white gold Piaget Polo 79 with a sodalite dial and to a stylish couple’s watch. It is also offering a new take on the spirit of its beloved Piaget Polo Signature Date. The interplay of hypnotic graphic lines created by the Piaget Polo 79’s signature gadroons now features on the entire range of blue Piaget Polo dials, joined by two new gold creations in the 42 mm case size (steel or rose gold case, interchangeable rubber strap or steel bracelet, gem-set or non-set dial), as well as by three 36 mm versions: steel case and gem-set indexes, gem-set bezel and indexes, as well as a precious version in rose gold with a bezel and indexes set with diamonds. This new face showcases Piaget’s iconic blue, elevating the Piaget Polo Signature collection’s harmonious blend of shapes – a round case with a cushion cut.
Forever defined by its finesse, another of the Maison’s historic signatures, the 2026 Piaget Polo collection demonstrates, now more than ever, its unique ability to transcend time. A cultural style icon created in the late 1970s for a new aristocracy that was revolutionising the codes of elegance and distinction, it still continues to embody quintessential casual chic. Now more than ever, it is staying true to its roots.
