Piaget is dialling up the complexity of its popular sorts watch with the Polo Flying Tourbillon Moonphase. Housed in a 44 mm, cushion-shaped titanium case, the new Polo features a partially open-worked dial that reveals the flying tourbillon — with cage topped by a stylised “P” — alongside a moon-phase indicator at six o’clock. Interestingly, the ultra-thin cal. 642P inside is a form movement in a tonneau shape.

Initial thoughts

The Polo Flying Tourbillon Moonphase adds an interesting pair of complications to the Polo, but without impacting the simplicity or symmetry of the dial. It’s a high-end alternative to the more affordable Polo models, like the Skeleton Ceramic, but it is also the largest Polo at 44 mm in diameter. This will affect wearability, making it versatile than the smaller-format Polo models. That said, because the movement is ultra-thin, the large case has an elegant, thin profile.

As an aside, an open back would have been a welcome addition, since it would provide a view of the tonneau-shaped movement.

Tourbillon

This 44 mm cushion-shaped titanium case is finished with alternating mirror polishing and satin-brushing, complemented by blue-coated inserts on the case flanks. Water-resistant to 100 m, it frames a partially open-worked dial that’s finished with horizontal fluting as is standard for the Polo.

Visible from both the front and back, the flying tourbillon is framed by a blue seconds ring on the dial, allowing the cage to double up as the seconds indicator. The moon-phase display features four granular moon indicators. Adjusted using the corrector at nine o’clock, the moon-phase requires a one-day adjustment every 122 years, which is the industry norm.

Beneath the solid case back is Piaget’s in-house cal. 642P. Just 4 mm high, it’s an ultra-thin, manual-winding calibre with a tonneau shape, having been originally developed some two decades ago as the cal. 600P for a tonneau-shaped model. The cal. 642P beats at 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz) and offers 40 hours of power reserve.

Key facts and price

Piaget Polo Flying Tourbillon Moonphase
Ref. G0A49080

Diameter: 44 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. 642P
Functions: Hours, minutes, flying tourbillon and moonphase
Winding: Manual-wind
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 40 hours

Strap: Blue rubber strap with quick release and folding clasp

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Piaget boutiques and retailers
Price: US$99,000

For more, visit Piaget.com.