A Round of Polo: Testing Piaget’s Iconic Sports Watch


In recent years, Piaget has gotten more recognition for ladies’ watches than men’s. But that is changing now that it has added a considerable number of new calibers and refocused on the men’s category. Nevertheless, the price of $12,900 for the three-hand version of the Polo FortyFive may give pause to some potential buyers. Piaget has plenty of competition in the field of luxurious three-hand sports watches with an in-house movement. The Royal Oak and the Nautilus, the Fifty Fathoms from Blancpain and the Sport Evolution by Glashütte Original are obvious examples. The Polo FortyFive’s price falls in the mid-range among this group. Viewed objectively, this is a successfully designed watch with superb, high-quality finishing and an impressive movement. Someone who prefers an alternative to well-worn paths will feel fortunate to find this watch.

Piaget Polo FortyFive sideview
The titanium case is inlaid with stainless steel crossbars.

Pros
+ In-house movement
+ Very good legibility
+ Excellent case finishing

Cons
– High price
– Clasp opens unintentionally
– Average rate results

SPECS
Manufacturer: Piaget, Chemin du Champs-de-Filles 37, CH-1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
Reference number: GOA 34010
Functions: Hour, minute, seconds, date, hack mechanism
Movement: Piaget 800P, automatic; 21,600 vph; 25 jewels; Kif shock absorption; flat hairspring with fine regulator; screw balance; two spring barrels; 72-hour power reserve; circular côtes de Genève decoration; perlage on main plate; beveled bridges; blued screws; diameter = 26.8 mm; height = 4 mm
Case: Titanium (grade 5) with stainless-steel inserts, sapphire crystal, six screws on caseback and sapphire crystal window, screwed titanium and rubber crown, water-resistant to 10 ATM
Strap and clasp: Rubber with stainless steel elements, stainless-steel three-part folding clasp with extension piece
Rate results (deviation in seconds per day):
Dial up +6
Dial down +5
Crown up +10
Crown down -2
Crown left +4
Crown right +8
Greatest rate deviation: 12
Average deviation: +5.2
Average amplitude:
Horizontal positions 273°
Vertical positions 261°
Dimensions: Diameter = 45 mm, height = 10.8 mm, weight = 110 grams
Price: $12,900

SCORES
Strap and clasp (max. 10 points): The rubber strap is nicely integrated in the high-quality feel of the watch, as is the extension piece. The stainless-steel clasp is sturdy and robust, but opens occasionally without warning.  6
Operation (5): A rubber inset is a visual treat on the easy-to-operate crown. Precisely executed threads and locking positions make operation very simple.  5
Case (10): The elaborate case design with its slight curvature is exquisitely finished in every detail. 10
Design (15): The large case is an overall advantage though it does make the watch appear rather flat. The striking visual appeal of this collection has been retained and now looks even sportier. 13
Legibility (5): In contrast to the original Polo, the hour hand now has a more appropriate length. The large dial opening and generous application of luminous material make the watch easy to read in any situation. 5
Wearing comfort (10): The titanium case keeps the weight of the watch in check and always remains very comfortably in place on the wrist. The extension piece allows it to be easily adjusted. 9
Movement (20): The manufacture caliber is an impressive, modern design and is the base for other movements. Visually, it is one of the more attractive calibers of its type. 16
Rate results (10): An acceptable average rate and good amplitudes are offset by the wide range of positional errors. 7
Overall value (15): The Polo falls in the upper-mid price range of luxury sports watches. It wins points for technology and design, but its $11,500 price makes it less attractive. 11
TOTAL: 82 POINTS

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