Originally launched in 1979, the Piaget Polo 45 Flyback Chronograph is part of Piaget iconic and timeless Polo Collection. Piaget is proud to unveil a new sporty yet elegant timepiece to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. Over that time the character of the watch has remained really consistent, though for 2009 the Polo watch gets very sporty looking. Probably the sportiest Piaget watch to date, the Polo 45 Flyback Chronograph uses titanium instead of gold for this luxury sport model.
Taking the classic Polo watch, Piaget uses titanium instead of gold for this luxury sport model (a metal that is notoriously hard to get a polish from). Segments of the 45mm wide case (as well as on the dial) are in steel though. Going along with the sport theme, the watch is water resistant to 100 meters while the strap is rubber for a secure fit. The number 45 on the Piaget Polo Flyback represents both the diameter of the case in mm and the average length of a polo match in minutes.
The chronograph version’s crown and push pieces are also made of titanium and decorated with rubber cabochons. The harmony is equaled only by the striking effect of the contrasts between dark and light, matte and glossy. The subtle marriage of polished and satin-finished surfaces, here newly interpreted in titanium and steel, brings out this powerful timepiece’s character even more strongly. The sapphire case-back shows off the decoration on the movements: the plate is circular-grained, bridges are beveled; the circular Côtes de Genève pattern and blued screws are the brand’s signature aesthetic; the PVD-treated dark-grey winding rotor is engraved with the Piaget emblem.
The dials get away from the matching tones and give the collection’s intrinsic elegance its very modern energy. The chronograph versions focus on legibility: the applied hour markers and the hour and minute hands are brightened with luminescent material, while the chronograph second hand uses a crimson hue. The distinctly-colored semicircular highlights completely spell out the functions of the counters, chronograph flyback and second time zone, while the date disc with its red arrow indicator appears in an aperture at 12 o’clock.
Inside the watch is an automatic in-house built Piaget caliber 880P. The movement features a 30 minute flyback chronograph (you can reset it without having to stop it), along with a second timezone. At the top of the dial Piaget places their quirky reverse revolving date. The dial design is uplifting and clear. The subdials are labeled, which I expect will be appreciated when attempting to read the subdials quickly. The second timezone is displayed in 24 hour (GMT) time. Despite all these complications, the movement has a power reserve of 50 hours due to double mainspring barrels.
Thus enriching the Piaget Polo collection, the Piaget Polo FortyFive titanium models prove that the collection is more up-to-date than ever. Its lasting success is driven by an exceptional sense of Manufacture-made craftsmanship.
