This Polo Field is a watch that Piaget should have made years ago
Zach BlassBefore I joined the Time+Tide team, I worked as a Watch Specialist in-store for Piaget in NYC. It was an incredible entry experience into the watch industry. Each day I would get to handle all of their latest creations, winding and setting each watch before placing it in the case. And I remember each time I would set up the case of Polo watches thinking, were I CEO, I would make one change to this watch. At the time in 2020, the Polo was available on either a bracelet or leather strap only. It looked nice on a leather strap, but I felt rubber was sorely missing from the offering – it is a 100-metre water-resistant watch after all. I would even offer this suggestion to the Piaget team when the Specialists were surveyed for their thoughts. Lo and behold, towards the end of my tenure, the Polo Skeleton would be introduced with an interchangeable rubber strap. Then, a Piaget Polo Chronograph limited edition debuted on a rubber strap. And, at Watches & Wonders 2022, a black Piaget Polo Date on a rubber strap – finally. A year later, the Piaget Polo Field with a green dial and matching rubber strap arrived. I would say you could thank me for this evolution, but it might be a bit of a stretch.
Looking at the Polo Field, I can understand why someone would question what is actually different from the Polo Date. They are nearly identical in design. The Polo Field has the same 42mm diameter, slender 9.4mm thickness, and friendly 46.5mm lug-to-lug span across the wrist as the Polo S, or Polo Date as it now seems to be called. The case geometry and finish remain the same as well, with the concept of its shape being a cushion within a circle, and a bezel horizontally brushed with the remainder of the front of the case polished. The shape of the sapphire crystal tricks the eye into thinking this is a facet-framed dial, when in reality the shape of the case itself is a rather conventional circle. It even continues to use the same automatic manufacture 1110P movement.
So, where is this watch actually different from the previous Polos? You might think it’s the green dial, but the colour itself is not new. Two limited edition Polo S watches were introduced with this rather iridescent green dial, one with white metal hands and indices and another with rose gold coloured hands and indices. I remember thinking when the first limited edition with a green dial debuted that it should have been a regular production model, and when the sequel limited edition came I questioned whether or not it stepped on the toes of the original limited edition. But, again, why limited edition? It has bestseller potential. This Polo Field, however, rectifies the problem as it is not a limited edition model and it has a subtle switch up to the dial texture that offers more distinguishment from the previous green limited editions.
Ultimately, this is the only difference – a break in the pattern of horizontal teak striations that switches to a thicker width and creates a sense of a central medallion on the dial. In a way, it further brings the design concept of the case and crystal to the dial in reverse – with a cushion shape framing a circular shape. The handset, and shape of the applied indices, remain the same – with all except the central seconds hands given a luminous filling. The date complication even remains at the symmetrical 6 o’clock position.
The horizontal teak pattern of the dial extends to the dial-matching rubber strap through a channeled centre. It is a very supple, soft, and comfortable strap, but it also clearly has an element of toughness and sturdiness that will not degrade over time. It is outfitted with a steel folding clasp that can be set in a good number of holes – allowing a welcomingly wide range of sizing options. It also is an interchangeable strap, so it can be easily removed and swapped with other straps you can purchase from Piaget separately. But, I think we all know this watch is living its best life on the green strap it comes on.
Exhibited inside of the Polo Field, the automatic manufacture 1110P is a hackable 4Hz movement adorned with circular striping and graining, bevelling, and blued screws, and its is armed with a standard 50 hours of power reserve. I would not describe the level of decoration as haute horology standard, but within the context of more industrially finished movements, it is at the higher end.
When the Polo S first debuted there was this notion it was the more price-approachable alternative to watches like the Nautilus – but I always felt it was closer in feel to the Aquanaut. It was just missing the rubber strap I felt it sorely needed. With the introduction of this green Polo Field, purchasers of the previous green Polo S limited editions may feel a tad slighted, but Piaget’s retcon of the Poloverse with this green Polo Field was the right move. It needed to be a regular production offering. Hopefully, we see a rapid expansion of the Field line with even more colours, and, in the spirit of me offering advice and manifesting new Polo releases, I would love to see Piaget, who have a rich history and mastery of stone dials, introduce onyx, malachite, or turquoise versions.
Piaget Polo Field pricing and availability
The Piaget Polo Field is available now for purchase as a limited series with 400 watches to be produced each year. Price: A$20,700, US$13,300.
Brand | Piaget |
Model | Polo Field |
Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) X 9.4mm (T) X 46.5mm (LTL) |
Case Material | Stainless steel |
Water Resistance | 100m |
Dial | Green |
Crystal | Sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback |
Strap | Interchangeable green rubber strap, folding buckle |
Movement | 1110P, in-house, automatic |
Power Reserve | 50 hours |
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
Availability | Now, limited to 400 watches annually |
Price | A$20,700 US$13,300 |