Piaget made waves when it unveiled the openworked version of its Polo. The Polo Skeleton initially was released with either a grey or blue skeletonised dial, but is now available in gold, diamonds and the like. The Polo Skeleton heralded in a new and exciting era for Piaget's sporty collection, where the combination of an ultra-luxe look along with an openworked dial and beautiful finishings aligned it to be a prime contender against some very tough competition.
First impressions count, and I have to say that I was immensely pleased at what I unboxed. The 42mm wide and wafer-thin 6.5mm thick steel cushion-shaped case was finished wonderfully well and had a characteristically luxurious look and feel to it. It sat nice and comfortably on my wrist with a lovely low profile but ample depth thanks to the openworked dial.
The model I had the pleasure of reviewing was the G0A45001 reference, which had a monochromatic grey applied to the exposed movement. The skeletonised movement featured beautiful finishings throughout, light brushings, detailed patterns, circular and sunburst satin-brushed wheels, polished screws and lovely bevelling. There was enough drama amongst the openworked architecture of the Piaget manufacture 1200S1 movement to appreciate even after long periods of wear. The cherry on top here is that platinum rotor -- super subtle but still greatly appreciated.
Legibility was somewhat of an issue, especially in low-light environments. And my reservations extended to that undersized balance wheel, which seemed a touch too small borderlining lacklustre, especially considering the expansive openworked architecture and vast, flowing look of the movement. A smidge larger in diameter and the calibre 1200S1 would have been viscerally perfect.
The Piaget Polo Skeleton came on a steel bracelet and a grey alligator leather strap. Both were well suited to the G0A45001 and both gave the piece a completely different look. Steel for casual outings, while leather for more dressy occasions. All bases covered. This is what you want in a watch that costs as much as the Piaget Polo Skeleton.
Which brings me to my next point: price. The Piaget Polo Skeleton squares up to some very tough competition from the likes of Patek Philippe's Nautilus, Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak and Vacheron Constantin's Overseas. It's an enigmatic, subtle yet theatrical timepiece that I feel is absolutely superb on the wrist. So its $45,400AUD price tag seems completely justifiable. A stainless-steel time-only openworked watch with a manufacture movement that walks the walk and talks the talk -- this is not a watch you come across everyday. So yes, it is expensive but it is most definitely worth it. For more, click here.