MASTER MECHANICS

W
When Ralph Lauren Watches first debuted, the
brand introduced three collections: Sporting,
Slim Classique and Stirrup.Where other brands
might expand on this at every exhibition, Ralph
Lauren Watches has eschewed this approach.
Instead, the company is intent on broadening
the offers within those collections, focusing on
quality and products that make sense for the
Ralph Lauren customer.
“We are going to further expand the three
existing lines, emphasizing the craftsmanship, so
you will see product enhancing the workmanship,
including the guilloché,” says Châtillon.
“We will continue to focus on timeless watches.
We are also going to investigate new materials
in the near future.
“When you are a newcomer, you need to build
credibility,” adds Châtillon. “In the past, every
brand created a bubble with new product. Now,
you will see less newness and more consistency,
building up more long term products. Our
objective was to come strong with three collections.This
doesn’t mean that we aren’t going to
be working on new products, but for the time
being it’s line extensions, not new collections.
This year, we are entering Asia Pacific, so we
need smaller sizes, diamonds, and this was very
well received by the industry. We are trying to
be consistent, We say what we do and we do
what we say. We are using the best manufacture
movements and prestigious materials.”
The watches
A new version of the Sporting: For 2011, Ralph
Lauren presents the first timepiece inspired by
his personal car collection, with the introduction
of a Ralph Lauren Sporting watch featuring an
elm burl wood dial inspired by the interior of his
model 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe.
europa star SIHH 51
Ralph Lauren gallops ahead
Ralph Lauren is an icon in the fashion world, an abiding force that creates trends but doesn’t chase them. Ralph Lauren
Watches and Jewellery, headed up by Guy Châtillon, President, is using the same approach in the watch industry.
RKeith W. Strandberg
i RALPH LAUREN SPORTING WATCH
A black galvanic centre and black calf leather
strap contrasts with the warmth of the wood,
echoing the wooden dashboard and black
leather seating in this prized vintage automobile.
For enhanced readability and to recall
the dials on the dash of the car, this watch uses
Arabic numerals.The bezel and dial are accented
by functional screws, while the crown is emblazoned
with the iconic RL initials logo.
Powering this watch is a manual winding
mechanical movement, calibre RL98295, made
by IWC for Ralph Lauren, featuring a power
reserve of 45 hours. As with all Sporting
Collection models, this timepiece features a
sapphire crystal case back, revealing the movement’s
Côtes de Genève and Perlage finish
work on the plate.