English Version | Timed memories

Memory is a curious commodity. Although entirely personal and immaterial, it often resides in physical objects. A piece of jewelry or a watch deposits memories and emotions that are invisible to the naked eye. Of course, like everything else, some materials accumulate memories more efficiently. As a general rule, the more luxurious the material, the greater its capacity to store memories. According to this unwritten law, 18-carat gold from one of the world's most respected watchmaking houses is the ideal material to contain them. Piaget's Polo watch, made entirely from the precious metal, is proof of this rule. The emblematic model is not only the depository of the important memories of those who wear it but also of the Maison that created it. Forty-five years after its debut, the model is perfected with the Piaget Polo 79, launched as a celebration of the brand's 150th anniversary.

The piece is more than a remarkable example of watchmaking, it is the materialization of a crucial period in the history of the Maison. Known for its sophisticated watches, at some point Piaget began to notice a change in the lives of its customers. Its market leadership was unchallenged, but its watches were confined to special occasions - Piaget's target audience wanted to be able to rely on the precision and quality of its timepieces in their everyday lives. Inspired by the dedication of his audience, Yves Piaget, then president, created a model that consolidated the needs of his customers with the rigorous luxury of the brand. In 1979, the Polo Piaget was born, one of the design pieces that had the greatest impact on the new decade to come. Inspired by everyday luxury, particularly his love of equestrian sports, Yves Piaget created an icon.

The Polo model is not only a symbol of the 1980s, but it is also an important piece in the history of the Maison. Encased in gold, the watch marks a crucial moment for the brand. When faced with the possibility of growth, Piaget proved capable of adapting to a world in constant metamorphosis without sacrificing its DNA. The watch, however functional, is a perfect manifestation of savoir-faire. The Piaget Polo 79 is shock-resistant and waterproof, but its efficiency is not made at the sacrifice of luxury. The model is meticulously crafted as if carved from solid gold. It is its continuity that defines it, extending the links from the bracelet to the dial. The subtle elegance of the design made the piece instantly recognizable, eventually becoming one of the emblems of Piaget's watchmaking. Its undeniable success has meant that the original model has been extended into different versions since 1979, available in different shapes and materials. The latest version takes its original form, with minor improvements, as a celebration of Maison's anniversary. A guardian of the Piaget legacy, the Polo 79 is a guarantee of 150 years of memories yet to be made.

Originally published in The Memories Issue, from April 2024. Full stories and credits are in the print version.