Piaget Polo 861 C701 “Ladies” 18k Yellow Gold Quartz (c. 1980's)

CURATOR’S NOTE

Introduced in 1979, the Piaget Polo offered a distinctly elegant interpretation of the emerging integrated-bracelet luxury watch. Rather than emphasizing sharp geometry, its horizontal fluting flows continuously across the case bracelet, and the dial itself, allowing the entire watch to read as a single sculptural object.

By the 1980s, the Polo had become a powerful symbol of success, glamour and unapologetic, unfiltered luxury. Crafted entirely in gold at a time when Piaget was synonymous with international high society, it was worn as much as a statement of prestige and taste as it was a respectable timepiece. Few watches captured the excess and confidence of the decade quite so effectively.

This reference 861 C701 distills that design into a remarkably slim 23.3mm yellow gold format. The oval case almost disappears into the articulated bracelet, while the matching gold dial, applied dot hour and minute markers and slender dauphine hands preserve the watch’s uninterrupted monochromatic appearance.

At only 4.8mm thick, it wears more like a piece of fine jewellery than a conventional wristwatch. It is an exceptional example of Piaget’s design language during the 1980s and a wonderfully preserved expression of the original Polo.

Happy hunting,
- Brent

CONDITION REPORT

The watch presents in exceptional, collector-grade condition.

Fully serviced by our watchmaker in July 2026, the watch is running great and functioning as intended. The watch has been professionally polished, retaining a crisp, factory-grade finish throughout.

Wear to the case and bracelet is extremely minimal. Only a few very fine micro-hairlines can be seen on the case under close inspection, and a nearly intangible fleabite on the side of the case. The caseback is well-preserved, showing some mild surface wear. Its caseback's hallmarks, serial number, and reference engravings remain deep and clearly defined.

The gold dial presents beautifully, with a few light spots around the text, visible only upon only close examination. A small part of the letter “t” in the Piaget signature has faded. The hour hand shows a couple tiny marks along its edges, which are nearly imperceptible during normal wear.

The bracelet is firm, and includes 20 links, three of which were removed, as the watch was sized for its original owner. With all links installed, the complete watch and bracelet measure approximately 7 1/8 inches (181mm) and should accommodate a wrist of approximately 6.75 to 7 inches, depending on the preferred fit.

The watch does not come with original box or papers. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Reference: 861C701
Collection: Polo
Era: 1980s
Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Case Shape: Oval
Case Diameter: 23.3mm
Lug-to-Lug: 31mm
Case Thickness: 4.8mm
Dial: Gold with dot hour/minute markers
Hands: Gold dauphine hands
Movement: Piaget 8P1 caliber (quartz) containing 10 jewels
Bracelet: Integrated yellow gold bracelet (20 links)
Maximum Length: Approximately 7 1/8 inches / 181mm
Approximate Wrist Fit: 6.75–7 inches
Service: Fully serviced in July 2026