Icons on the Wrist: Piaget Polo Chronograph, the Sport-Luxury Classic with a Refined Pulse

In this episode of Robb Report India’s Icons series, we turn our attention to the Piaget Polo Chronograph, an elegant expression of sport-luxury watchmaking that marries Piaget’s ultra-thin heritage with the confident presence of a modern steel chronograph.

Piaget’s story begins high in the Swiss Jura mountains, in the quiet village of La Côte-aux-Fées. It was here, in 1874, that Georges-Édouard Piaget first began crafting precise movements, long before the brand placed its own name on a dial. By the mid-20th century, Piaget had become the master of the ultra-thin, creating movements like the 9P and 12P that redefined what refinement could look like. But it was also a maison unafraid of daring ideas. Valentin Piaget famously urged his designers to “do what has never been done before,” a philosophy that inspired stone dials in the 1960s, the vibrant “21st Century Collection,” and collaborations with icons from Jackie Kennedy to Salvador Dalí. This confidence in both artistry and engineering led, in 1979, to the creation of the Piaget Polo, a watch that captured the relaxed glamour of its time and became the emblem of Piaget’s golden era.

How the Piaget Polo Chronograph Shaped Its Own Design Language

The modern Piaget Polo Chronograph continues that lineage, but with a distinctly contemporary edge. Its 42 mm steel case feels assertive on the wrist, yet the soft, textured rubber bracelet gives the watch an ease that fits both sport and sophistication. The round case with its cushion-shaped dial opening is unmistakably Polo, fluid, architectural, and refined. In this edition, we explore a deep blue dial which is punctuated by silvered chronograph counters, luminescent hands and baton indexes, all geared towards clarity at a glance. A sapphire crystal case back reveals the 1160P movement inside, where circular Côtes de Genève, bevelled bridges, blue screws, and an engraved oscillating weight underline Piaget’s commitment to beauty on both sides of the watch. It is a design that balances strength and lightness, performance and poise.

The Piaget Polo Chronograph and Its Enduring Appeal

Inside, the self-winding movement keeps time with modern precision, beating at 4 Hz, offering a 50-hour power reserve and delivering chronograph, hours, and minutes with effortless reliability. Its 262 components, 35 jewels, and slim 5.72 mm profile speak to the maison’s ongoing pursuit of finesse, even within a sporty complication. The watch offers 10-bar water resistance, an interchangeable steel buckle, and a robustness suited to daily wear without losing the easy sophistication that defines the Polo aesthetic. Whether viewed through its polished steel case, its confident 42 mm presence or the movement visible beneath the sapphire back, the Piaget Polo Chronograph remains instantly recognisable, a contemporary icon rooted in Piaget’s century-old blend of innovation, elegance and daring craftsmanship.

Icons on the Wrist is Robb Report India’s video-led series dedicated to the world’s most legendary timepieces: watches that have shaped horological history, defined eras, and continue to inspire collectors today. Each episode spotlights an icon, revealing the story behind its creation, the innovation it represents and why it remains a benchmark in fine watchmaking.