The New Gold Standard in Tasteful Watches

Piaget's Polo 79 once again marks the end of the steel sports watch's reign-and the start of something much more fun.

- CAM WOLF

THE DOMINANCE of all-steel sports watches-particularly those designed by Gérald Genta, like the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak-is fading among watch collectors. Men are experimenting with gaudy timepieces that wouldn't look out of place in a jewelry box. Also, the nation is heading toward a knockdown, drag-out election between a populist Republican and an incumbent Democrat. The year is 1979-but that all describes 2024 too. And into both moments Piaget is releasing its defining timepiece. Meet the proudly gold Piaget Polo. Again.

To celebrate the brand's 150th anniversary, Piaget has brought out the Polo 79, a faithful take on a watch once worn by everyone from Miles Davis to Andy Warhol to Björn Borg. "It's a timeless icon," says Alain Borgeaud, Piaget's director of patrimony. But the Polo, reborn at 45 years old, is exactly the right watch for right now too.