Ralph Lauren’s recent unveiling of their new watch collection at the SIHH 2013 has caused quite a few heads to turn. The Safari, Stirrup, and 876 collections all offer unique and personable timepieces in Ralph Lauren’s famously exquisite style. Another largely talked about piece is the Sporting World Time watch created by Ralph Lauren as the ultimate homage to the spirit of travel.
The Sporting World Time is presented in a brushed stainless steel 45mm case with a disk naming 24 international cities displayed at the watch’s six o’clock position. For the true world traveler, there are also sub-dials included that show the date, a day or night indicator, and a second time zone. Ralph Lauren used a caliber RL939 for the watch’s movement, made by Jaeger-LeCoultre and visible through the clear back case. The navy blue lacquered dial is protected by a sapphire crystal and is attached by a classic alligator leather strap and matching pin buckle. With a 40-hour power reserve and water resistance to 100 meters, this watch is reminiscent of both international racing and nautical adventures.
In tune with the adventuring theme is the Safari collection; the RL67 Safari Tourbillon is meant to represent the fusion of a rugged sports watch with the luxury of a tourbillion complication. Features that would seem to clash, such as a gunmetal finish set against a refined alligator strap actually complement each other well. The Safari Tourbillon is fitted with a RL67 self-winding mechanical 13 ¼’’ tourbillon movement. Completing the rugged outdoors look, the watch and all of its components are sandblasted and the steel case is thermally aged in a treatment that allows for longer durability. This gives the silver a shiny blackened finish, a technique that requires expert craftsmen performing to the highest exactitude.
The Stirrup collection is Ralph Lauren’s timepiece that honors the heritage of horse riding. The elegance and tradition of equestrian sports can truly be seen in this year’s collection, offered for both men and women in varying materials such as white gold, rose gold, platinum, stainless steel, and diamond set. The movement in this collection is a caliber RL750, also made by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The self-winding horseshoe-shaped Stirrups are water resistant to 30 meters and available with black or brown calf strap, with a pin buckle. The dial also comes in black or white and features a power reserve of 48 hours, at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz).
Lastly, there is the 876 collection, a design honed in tradition and class. These squared pieces represent the Ralph Lauren ideal of simple excellence. Offered in 18k rose or white gold as either 32mm or 27.55mm cases, these timepieces hold an RL430 movement made by Piaget especially for Ralph Lauren. Black or brown alligator leather straps complete the aesthetics. The 876’s also include manual winding, water resistance to 30 meters, and a power reserve of 40 hours. This collection is also unique as it is offered in an art deco style as well. With the décor by Vertical Côtes de Genève and Perlage, these models include a crown set with a diamond. In 18k gold or white gold, the modern art deco 876 styles differ from the originals by their black satin straps set with diamonds, black onyx and red coral based stones, and three-part fold-over clasp with twin security push buttons.
Written by Amani Liggett