Piaget: “The sky’s the limit” or the story of five new Polo Emperador Exceptional watches

September 14, 2020

By Katerina Perez

4 min read

Throughout the summer, brands have spoiled us with delightful new timepieces that combine the best traditions of watchmaking with those of jewellery art and, with the onset of autumn, the release of new models continues. Here, we take a closer look at the Swiss brand Piaget’s five new Piaget Polo Emperador Exceptional watches, which take the arts of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie to a whole new level of complexity and artistry.

For more than 60 years, Piaget has been known for its prowess in watchmaking as well as jewellery making, with two workshops dedicated to the craft. One, in La Côte-au-Feu, specialises in the design and assembly of watches, while at Piaget’s Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire in Geneva, designers are focussed on creating only the most unexpected and extraordinary timepieces.

Piaget's new Polo Tourbillon Relatif watch is a unique piece

Piaget's new Polo Tourbillon Relatif watch is a unique piece

 Piaget’s proprietary 608P hand-wound Tourbillon Relatif movement is positioned on the same axis as the minute hand

Piaget’s proprietary 608P hand-wound Tourbillon Relatif movement is positioned on the same axis as the minute hand

 The case, dial and bracelet are entirely set with baguette-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds

The case, dial and bracelet are entirely set with baguette-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds

Let’s begin with the Piaget Polo Tourbillon Relatif model. Its most distinctive feature is the positioning of the watch’s “heart” – the Maison’s 608P hand-wounder Tourbillon Relatif movement, placed on the same axis as the minute hand, which rotates directly above an aventurine dial illuminated with diamonds and white gold stars. Designed to track the passing of the hours and recreate the magic of a starry night sky, to complete the watch’s luxurious appearance, the Piaget Polo Tourbillon Relatif bracelet is entirely set with diamonds and the crown adorned with a sapphire set culet up.

The micro-rotor on the two Polo Emperador Sapphire Skeleton Tourbillon models is adorned with a fan of baguette-cut blue sapphires

The micro-rotor on the two Polo Emperador Sapphire Skeleton Tourbillon models is adorned with a fan of baguette-cut blue sapphires

The other four models, the Piaget Polo Emperador High Jewellery watch with alligator strap, Piaget Polo Emperador High Jewellery with fully pavéd bracelet and Piaget Polo Emperador Skeleton Tourbillon, which is presented in two colour variations, are designed to reveal their incredibly complex inner workings: Piaget’s proprietary skeletonised 1270S and 1270D movements, which are among the thinnest self-winding tourbillon skeleton movements developed by Piaget. Finished by hand, decorating the movement on the rose gold Piaget Polo Emperador model, which involved hand-bevelling and mirror-polishing as well as intricate guilloché work, took 120 hours alone. The execution of the 1270D movements for the Piaget Polo Emperador High Jewellery models, meanwhile, took ten times longer than a traditional watch made by the brand, thanks to the exquisite gemstone-setting and hand-finished detailing.  An offset micro-router, adorned with a fan of blue sapphire baguettes (for the first two models) or sunburst and Piaget crest (for the latter two), is positioned opposite the P-shaped tourbillon frame, thus creating a figure of eight. This symbol, of course, represents the notion of infinity, as well as of luck and financial prosperity.

Piaget's Polo Emperador Skeleton Tourbillon is fully pavéd with 29.49 carats of diamonds and 20.84 carats of baguette-cut sapphires

Piaget's Polo Emperador Skeleton Tourbillon is fully pavéd with 29.49 carats of diamonds and 20.84 carats of baguette-cut sapphires

 The reverse of this numbered edition timepiece reveals the beautifully bejewelled, skeletonised movement

The reverse of this numbered edition timepiece reveals the beautifully bejewelled, skeletonised movement

 Crafting the movement took 10 times longer than a traditional Piaget watch thanks to the exquisite gem-setting and hand-finished detailing

Crafting the movement took 10 times longer than a traditional Piaget watch thanks to the exquisite gem-setting and hand-finished detailing

The pavéd bracelet on the one-of-a-kind Piaget Polo Emperador High Jewellery timepiece is encrusted with 29.49 carats of diamonds and almost 21 carats of blue sapphires. Piaget selects only colourless stones of the D, E and F grades, with a clarity of VVS or higher. Diamonds of this quality are testament to Piaget’s commitment to creating timepieces with no limit with regard to quality or beauty.

The new Piaget Polo Emperador Exceptional watches take the arts of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie to a whole new level of complexity and artistry

The new Piaget Polo Emperador Exceptional watches take the arts of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie to a whole new level of complexity and artistry

The remaining three models feature alligator straps in various colours and are limited edition pieces as well as works of art imbued with captivating secrets and symbols.

The Polo Emperador Sapphire Skeleton Tourbillon timepiece showcases Piaget's expertise in both watch and jewellery making

The Polo Emperador Sapphire Skeleton Tourbillon timepiece showcases Piaget's expertise in both watch and jewellery making

For the assembly of Piaget’s Polo Emperador Exceptional watches, only the most experienced Piaget watchmakers were involved – masters who have undergone four years of training in their specialty before embarking on further training at Piaget, which itself takes more than a year. Only the very best students are invited to join the Maison’s fine watchmaking workshops, where they continue to learn from the House watchmaking experts. Only then are they ready to independently create the most complex, razor-thin Piaget movements.

Piaget Polo Emperador Skeleton Tourbillon model in white gold, with a diamond-set bezel

Piaget Polo Emperador Skeleton Tourbillon model in white gold, with a diamond-set bezel

 Piaget Polo Emperador Skeleton Tourbillon model in rose gold

Piaget Polo Emperador Skeleton Tourbillon model in rose gold

The five Piaget Polo Emperador Exceptional watches celebrate the art of movement, light and colour. The expression “the sky’s the limit” is perfectly encapsulated by these watches, which showcase Piaget’s love of pushing the boundaries of creativity and craft, design and technology, goldsmithing and gem-setting.

Asian Artistry: China’s Jewellery Making Legacy

continue reading

A Century of Sparkle: Celebrating 100 Years of Art Deco at GemGenève

From May 8-11, 2025, visitors to GemGenève can immerse themselves in a showcase of antique and modern jewellery while also experiencing the innovative spirit of the 1920s and 1930s through a photographic lens. Here, I'd like to tell you more about this creative collaboration and introduce you to the brands taking part…

by Katerina Perez

Tailored Perfection: The Best Jewellery Looks of the Met Gala 2025

Not since 2003 has a Met Gala theme focused exclusively on menswear, so we had high hopes for this year’s attendees demonstrating the best of tailored suiting adorned with high jewels. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ensembles of the evening…

by Sarah Jordan

Legacy of Love: The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani

Jewellery is a transmitter of memories and emotions through time, which is something that Dubai-based designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani knows all too well. During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…

by Katerina Perez

Celebrating Colour: 20 Uplifting Jewellery Creations by Lisa Nik

Whether you're craving a juicy mandarin garnet or an eye-catching bi-colour tourmaline, here are 20 joyful pieces that exemplify the Lisa Nik approach, as well as the inspiration behind them…

by Sarah Jordan

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Coolest Watch Novelties

With pastel pops, Pop Art influences, and playful twists on time itself, Watches and Wonders 2025 delivered a vibrant feast of creativity. Discover the fun new watches setting trends in Geneva this spring

by Rachael Taylor

White Hot: Achromatic Jewellery is Having a Moment

Let’s explore the revival of all white jewellery and discover why this look is universally complementary – and a great investment.  

by Rachael Taylor

Reinventing Royalty: The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology 

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Watches and Wonders 2025: Eight of the Most Artful Dials 

From lovers kissing on a bridge to precious animals painted in enamel or gems, this year’s watch launches included timepieces with extraordinary dials that blur the line between watchmaking and wearable art.

by Rachael Taylor

Birthday Wishes: Embracing the Power of Being Different 

Today, I want to share my thoughts on embracing your inner self and channelling all that power into your biggest passions…

by Katerina Perez

Flip the Script: Meet the Jewellers Creating Luxury Customised Watches

Jewellery designers are increasingly turning their artistic talents to the world of horology, customising luxury watches with unique embellishments that carry their personal style signatures. From reimagined Rolexes to gemstone-studded bezels, discover how jewellers are making their mark on the world of timepieces

by Rachael Taylor

Iconic Revival: Boucheron Reinvents the Serpent Bohème Jewellery

That nostalgic feeling of seeing past creations—sometimes forgotten, sometimes iconic—sparking a rush of inspiration to reimagine and breathe new life into what once was. That's exactly what Boucheron has achieved with its latest revival: the Serpent Bohème Vintage collection

by Hirshi Sujanti

Art Deco Innovation: Exploring the Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Setting

The Mystery Setting by Van Cleef & Arpels stands out as a masterpiece of Art Deco ingenuity. As the world celebrates the centenary of Art Deco in 2025, we are taking the opportunity to spotlight one of the most technically ambitious innovations to emerge from this golden era of jewellery design

by Claire Roberts

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Reinventing Royalty:The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.