Piaget Revives a 1979 Icon

Piaget Revives a 1979 Icon

Haute Time
By Haute Time February 6, 2026

Piaget continues its legacy of transforming precious metals into modern icons with the introduction of the Piaget Polo 79 Two-Tone, a refined expression of sports elegance that bridges heritage design with contemporary luxury. Unveiled in 2026, this latest evolution pays homage to the original 1979 Piaget Polo while reinterpreting its spirit through a sophisticated fusion of yellow and white gold. More than a visual contrast, the two-tone composition reflects Piaget’s enduring philosophy that time should only be measured in gold.

Photo Credit: Piaget

From its earliest days, gold has been central to the Maison’s creative identity. Melted and shaped in Piaget’s own Geneva foundry, precious metal has long served as both canvas and signature. That commitment defined the Piaget Polo from its very inception, when the watch stood apart in a decade dominated by steel sports models. Fully crafted in gold, the original Polo embodied a new idea of luxury—effortless, glamorous, and worn as naturally at elite polo clubs as it was in the nightlife of New York. Yves Piaget famously described it as “a bracelet watch and a watch bracelet,” a phrase that still defines the collection today.

In 2024, the Piaget Polo 79 marked the triumphant return of this design language for the Maison’s 150th anniversary. Awarded the prestigious “Iconic Watch” title at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the revival began with yellow gold before expanding into white gold in 2025. The 2026 Piaget Polo 79 Two-Tone now completes this trilogy, reintroducing one of the rarest original configurations from 1979 for modern collectors who seek both distinction and versatility.

Photo Credit: Piaget

The interplay of brushed white gold and polished yellow gold gives the watch its unmistakable character. The gadroons in radiant yellow gold punctuate the brushed white gold case and integrated bracelet, creating depth, contrast, and rhythm across the entire surface. This harmonious alternation of metals flows seamlessly from case to bracelet, preserving the iconic silhouette that has defined the Polo for over four decades. The solid gold dial mirrors this same philosophy, while brushed yellow gold hands provide a final note of refinement and visual balance.

Despite its strong aesthetic identity, the Piaget Polo 79 Two-Tone remains exceptionally wearable. Measuring 38 millimeters, the case maintains the fluid proportions that allow the watch to adapt naturally to a wide range of wrist sizes. Its integrated bracelet construction reinforces the feeling of continuity, elegance, and comfort that has always distinguished the Piaget Polo from traditional sports watches.

Photo Credit: Piaget

Inside beats the ultra-thin caliber 1200P1, a self-winding mechanical movement equipped with a micro-rotor and measuring just 2.35 millimeters in thickness. This technical achievement allows the watch to retain its sleek profile while delivering the performance expected from a modern luxury timepiece. The movement represents the latest evolution in Piaget’s celebrated expertise in ultra-thin watchmaking, an area in which the Maison has led the industry since the late 1950s. Through sapphire caseback visibility, the finishing and architecture reveal a mechanical elegance that complements the external refinement of the design.

The Piaget Polo 79 Two-Tone is more than a nostalgic revival. It speaks to a renewed appreciation for watches that balance sport and sophistication, strength and elegance. While the brushed metals may momentarily evoke steel to the casual observer, this is unmistakably a creation from the House of Gold—where precious materials are never substituted, only reimagined.

Photo Credit: Piaget

With this release, Piaget reinforces its philosophy of Extraleganza, where technical mastery meets artistic daring. The Two-Tone edition captures the essence of the original Piaget Polo while aligning it with modern lifestyles that demand adaptability without compromise. It is a watch designed not for display alone, but for daily expression—where luxury, sport, and heritage exist in perfect harmony.

Nearly half a century after its debut, the Piaget Polo continues to evolve without losing its soul. The Polo 79 Two-Tone stands as a confident reminder that true icons are not reinvented by abandoning their past, but by refining it with clarity, craftsmanship, and timeless vision.