First launched in 2009, Ralph Lauren watches testify to the creative talent behind them, to his passion for design and to his respect for traditional craftsmanship. They reflect his personal tastes and echo the themes that have inspired him ever since he first created his own label.

 

In 1984, Ralph Lauren made an indelible imprint on the fashion world with his first safari collection, a cinematic interpretation of a romantic adventure. Today, he continues to expand his signature aesthetic with two new models from the Ralph Lauren RL67 Safari timepiece collection.

 

The first new timepiece is equipped with a tourbillon, a rare and exclusive complication that has long fascinated watch enthusiasts. Playing with contrasts, the RL67 Tourbillon juxtaposes the ruggedness of a sport watch silhouette and gunmetal finish with the luxury of a tourbillon complication and refined alligator strap.

 

Each watch is a one-of-a-kind piece thanks to the unique handcrafted finish on the steel case. A special chemical and thermal treatment, traditionally used for gunmetal, transforms the steel’s silver sheen to a rugged, blackened surface that speaks to the brand’s heritage and evokes a wilderness-ready sense of adventure. More than just an aesthetic enhancement, the treatment that the stainless steel undergoes actually increases its durability, making it harder than the conventional steel used in ordinary watchcases.

 

The tourbillion, invented in 1801, remains the most fascinating of traditional watch mechanisms. With its carriage rotating around the escapement and the sprung balance so as to compensate for variations in rate in a vertical position, it stages a show that one never tires of admiring. The chosen model by Ralph Lauren incorporates a caliber automatically wound by a microrotor and driving displays of the hours, minutes and small seconds. The latter hand rotates above a personalized tourbillon bridge matching the bezel of the RL67 Safari case.

 

Possessing a uniquely vintage look, the RL67 Chronometer is distinguished by a dial with cream-colored Arabic numerals, boldly sized at 6 and 12 o’clock, and an orange seconds hand. With a 45mm diameter case, this new timepiece equipped with the RL300-1 automatic movement, features an ‘aged’ steel case made possible by a technical treatment that transforms the blackened steel into a sublime patina. This timepiece is beautifully finished with the collection’s signature faded olive canvas strap.

 

 

Stirrup Link Steel

Case: polished steel Dimensions: 27.70 x 29.30 Movement: quartz (Caliber RL688), vertical Côtes de Genève Functions: hours, minutes Bracelet: polished steel Water resistance: 30 m

 

Stirrup Diamond Link

Case: diamond-set white gold Dimensions: 32.40 x 34.30 mm Movement: mechanical hand-wound (Caliber RL701), 28,800 vph, 70-hour power reserve, circular graining, vertical Côtes de Genève Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds Bracelet: diamond-set white gold Water resistance: 30 m

 

RL867 Diamond

Case: diamond-set white gold Dimensions: 27.5 x 27.5 mm Movement: mechanical hand-wound (Caliber RL430), 21,600 vph, 40-hour power reserve, circular graining, vertical Côtes de Genève Functions: hours, minutes Dial: opaline silver-toned Strap: black suede leather encrusted with diamonds, diamond-set white gold folding clasp Water resistance: 30 m

 

The particularly identifiable Stirrup watches pay tribute to the equestrian world from the Polo Ralph Lauren label originated. They feature a design clearly evoking the shape of stirrups – an originality that earned them iconic status not long after their launch.  Premiered in 2009, the Ralph Lauren Stirrup collection features today some 20 models. Designed for both men and women, the collection is offered in three sizes – small, medium and large – and different materials – white or rose gold, platinum and stainless steel – and many are brilliantly embellished with diamonds.

 

The alligator or calf straps come in classic black or brown colors and in vivid shades of red, fuchsia, yellow, orange, turquoise or green.

 

Faithful to the aesthetic that made the Diamond and Gold Link models so successful, Ralph Lauren introduces a new model in stainless steel : the Ralph Lauren Stirrup Steel Link. This timepiece balances the sleek lines of its small stirrup case with the graceful fluidity of the chain-link bracelet. Each link has been exactingly created to interlock with each other so that the bracelet lies comfortably flat on the wrist, following its curves exactly. Discreet and cleverly hidden lugs enable the wearer to remove up to four links to ensure a perfect fit.

 

As a glittering testimony to Ralph Lauren’s commitment to fine jewelry craftsmanship, the Ralph Lauren Stirrup Diamond Link is available in a beautiful medium size, combining the stirrup-shaped case with a supple, full-pavé diamond chain link bracelet.

 

The magnificent jewelry model is set with 1,900 diamonds in 20 different sizes and totalling over 35 carats. It takes the gem-setter over three months to create a smooth and sparkling surface on each watch.

 

The jewelry art is also vividly expressed on the Art Deco style models of the Ralph Lauren 867 collection, thus named in tribute to the historical Flagship store at 867 Madison Avenue, New York. After creations associating diamonds with onyx, ceramics, coral or agate, a brand-new feminine creation equipped with the hand-wound RL430 movement is making its appearance. Launched in a white gold version, it is clothed exclusively in diamonds. Its square case extends into arabesque motifs scrolling over a black suede strap fitted with a matching folding clasp. The 867 Diamond watch as a whole is lit up by 314 stones, mostly brilliant-cut with a sprinkling of baguette-cut gems serving to discreetly highlight the central lugs. The opaline dial features alternating Roman and Arabic numerals appearing against a checkered background – an original design that greatly contributes to the overall refinement of this model.