Piaget, a renowned name in watchmaking, has once again showcased its prowess by introducing the new Polo Minute Repeater. This release underscores the brand's enduring commitment to merging exceptionally slender movements with sophisticated decorative artistry, a hallmark of its identity since its inception in 1874. Originating from La Côte-aux-Fées, the Maison has consistently refined its craft, evolving from high-precision movements to specialize in ultra-thin mechanical calibres, even integrating complex mechanisms like tourbillons and perpetual calendars into its repertoire. This latest creation revives the chiming function, previously seen in the Emperador Coussin Automatic Minute Repeater, now elegantly integrated into the contemporary sport-chic Polo collection.
The new Piaget Polo Minute Repeater is encased in a distinguished 48mm white gold frame, finished with rhodium and possessing a svelte profile of 9.3mm in height. Its dimensions and form bear a striking resemblance to the celebrated Emperador Coussin model. Activating the repeater function is achieved via a slider located at 9 o’clock, and the watch maintains a water resistance rating of up to 30 meters, blending intricate mechanics with practical resilience.
The dial of this exquisite timepiece is a testament to the seamless integration of mechanical ingenuity and aesthetic refinement. Crafted from white gold, it features an intricate openwork design and meticulous hand-guilloché patterns, accentuated by striking blue PVD elements. A distinctive blue sapphire ring encircles a shaped aperture, through which glimpses of the underlying movement are revealed. This sapphire ring, adorned with the inscription “La Côte-aux-Fées,” elegantly frames the visible inertia wheel, which serves as the precise regulator for the minute repeater mechanism.
Driving this horological marvel is the acclaimed Manufacture calibre 1290P, an ultra-thin self-winding minute repeater movement. This movement, entirely conceptualized, developed, finished, and assembled within Piaget’s La Côte-aux-Fées facility, is composed of 430 individual components. It features a platinum micro-rotor and is adorned with hand-bevelled bridges, a guilloché mainplate, and meticulously mirror-polished repeater hammers. Extensive acoustic research has been invested in this calibre, resulting in a reported sound intensity of 64 decibels, with hours chiming at G-sharp and minutes at A-sharp.
In addition to the standard version, Piaget also offers a High Jewellery iteration of the Polo Minute Repeater. This luxurious variant boasts a bezel adorned with baguette-cut blue sapphires and a case that harmoniously combines both baguette-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds. Its fully openworked dial further enhances the visual spectacle, providing an unobstructed view of the movement and its exquisite hand-finishing, truly placing the intricate craftsmanship on full display.
The Piaget Polo Minute Repeater is elegantly paired with an embossed blue calfskin strap, and an additional alligator strap is provided for versatility. This release is a numbered edition, with only five pieces slated for production this year, emphasizing its exclusivity. Pricing information is available upon inquiry, and further details can be found on Piaget's official website. This collection highlights Piaget's enduring legacy of combining mechanical mastery with opulent design, affirming its position at the pinnacle of high watchmaking.