Piaget extended their gorgeous Polo Skeleton line with a new diamond encrusted model in a white gold case. We handled the watch in an extended preview pre-Watches & Wonders, and now bring you this Quick Takes article, with live photographs.
Short Takes: new Piaget Polo Skeleton WG Diamonds (live pics)
Price for the Piaget Polo Skeleton WG Diamonds is on application. As a yardstick, the Polo Skeleton, “base” model in rose gold and croc strap is SGD 65,000. In white gold with diamonds on the bezel with a croc strap retails for SGD 88,000. While the non skeleton Polo in rose gold and croc strap is retailing at SGD 40,500.
We can be quick on this new release from Piaget. Mainly because we have covered the Polo Skeleton watch in a comprehensive review here. This new watch is exactly the same watch, same case design, shape, size, same dial hands, and same spectacularly skeletonized movement.
But now the case is encrusted with 268 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 2.43 carats. The crown is also set with a brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 0.05 carats. Even the bracelet, which is also in 18k white gold, is encrusted with 1478 brilliant cut diamonds weighing an approximately 10.04 carats. This is a brilliant, very attention seeking watch.
Needless to say, legibility of such a bling watch, and skeletonized is not excellent. The time of the day can be read, certainly, but especially when the light is not good, it can be a challenge. But this is hardly a criticism of a watch of this nature, as the intent is for it to be a supremely attractive accessory.
The movement of course remains unchanged, and is the manufacture Caliber 1200 S, ultra-thin skeleton automatic mechanical movement (2.4 mm). This is a gorgeous movement which is a derived as an elaboration of skeletonizing over the base 1200P ultra-thin movement. The 1200S is fitted with numerous interesting innovations. The off centered micro-rotor contributes to some of the slim attributes. The use of a micro-rotor does not compromise the power reserve, as the movement runs for a full 60 hours. A balance bridge is used instead of a cock to provide structural integrity as well as a harmonious and symmetrical aesthetic. The bridge of the hour wheel is made to be very slim, and was further reduced in width with a minimum measurement of 0.11 mm in order to reach the extreme thinness of the movement. The entire movement is a mere 2.4mm thick.
And while we are usually averse to this style of watches, which screams “I am rich!!”, somehow the Piaget Skeleton WG Diamonds found a soft spot within, and we kinda…sorta like the watch.
Don’t get us wrong, this is not a watch which we will wear on a daily basis, or even on special private occasions. But fully decked out and completely blinged out, it might be one we might conceivably rock to the red carpet of the Academy Awards, for example. Of course our chances of being on these events is zero.