Luxury watch makers unveiled their latest creations last week in Geneva at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), and the biggest news to emerge from the show was the arrival of a new brand name in the category: Ralph Lauren.
Ralph Lauren Watches, a collaboration between Polo Ralph Lauren and luxury watch powerhouse Richemont, unveiled three distinct designs for its debut collection: Ralph Lauren Stirrup Collection, Ralph Lauren Slim Classique Collection, and Ralph Lauren Sporting Collection.
The watches are designed in white gold, rose gold, platinum or stainless steel, and versions are embellished with diamonds. Ralph Lauren himself, who has collected luxury timepieces for years, oversaw minute details of the designs of his namesake watches. They will be available in April in Polo Ralph Lauren flagship boutiques, and eventually in select watch retail locations.
The design that is most likely to achieve instant iconic status is the Stirrup. Inspired by heritage equestrian style, the case shape is an instant classic. Each model contains a Jaeger-LeCoultre manually wound or self-winding movement. Available in three sizes, the Stirrup is offered with a calf or alligator strap in black, brown, turquoise, red, fuchsia or orange. There is also a limited edition platinum chronograph model, consisting of 67 pieces, for $70,000.
The Slim Classique will be a winner in the board room and at the most sophisticated black tie events. This extremely thin (5.35 mm) round watch bears a guilloche dial and discreet black alligator strap. The 42-mm timepiece contains a Piaget movement.
The design motifs of the Sporting Collection evoke both the worlds of aviation and yachting, familiar pastimes for the Ralph Lauren lifestyle. Available with a black or white dial, the 44.8 mm round timepiece comes as a classic model or with one of two complications: chronograph or world time. Its manually-wound movement, by IWC, can be viewed through a sapphire case back. It is available on a steel bracelet or calf strap, with prices starting at $9,000.
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