By Osheen Arakelian
Ralph Lauren knows a thing or two about fashion, hell they even know a thing or two about watches, but what people might not know is that he definitely knows a lot about cars. The year is 2014 and we’ve been hit with some very welcome and exciting news from Ralph Lauren.
Ralph Lauren will be releasing another beautiful new timepiece, but not just any timepiece, a timepiece modelled after instrument panel of his gorgeous 1938 Bugatti Type 574C Atlantic Coupe. Although Ralph Lauren has already released a number of automotive inspired wristwatches, most notably the 45mm Steel Calfskin Automotive style number 49844416, the new automatic chronograph will expand the range of his Bugatti inspired timepieces.
The curved case horns and the chronograph pushers are directly inspired by the body of the Bugatti Atlantic Coupe, while the wood grain dial is crafted from specially made d’orme, or elm burl wood (a direct relation to the interior trim used on the Bugatti). In order to give the dial the same visual impact as the automobile’s instrument panel, only veneers with the right concentration of knots and grains were chosen.
What’s interesting however is what lays beneath the dial, a cheeky collaboration between Ralph Lauren and Jaeger LeCoultre. The movement is a self-winding calibre RL715A/1 with 39 jewels, beating at 28,000 vibrations per hour and has over 65-hour power reserve. The Côtes de Genève and perlage movement is finished with an exclusive Ralph Lauren decoration.
A beautiful new addition to Ralph Lauren’s existing range of Automotive inspired timepieces and one that’s been refined with that extra level of detail making it a truly inspired piece. For more info, please visit ralphlauren.com
Specs
- Case Diameter: 44.8mm
- Case Thickness: 12.2mm
- Case Materials: Stainless steel
- Dial: Matte black galvanic center, elm burl wood outer ring
- Strap: Black alligator with water-resistant calf leather lining
- Complications: Chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, date window
- Reference Number: RLR0230713
- Caliber: RL751A/1 (made by Jaeger-LeCoultre for Ralph Lauren)
- Parts: 267
- Power Reserve: 65 hours
- Winding: Automatic
- Finishing: Vertical Côtes de Genève and perlage on plates and bridges
- Availability: Will arrive at retailers spring/summer 2015
Osheen Arakelian – Contributing Editor
Drawing on a lifelong love of horology and a more recent introduction to appreciation of fine whisky, Osheen brought the two together with watch & whisky. He is proprietor of the site, which covers everything related to watches and whisky. In between completing a degree in commercial law and supporting a rich social life, he is out and about attending all the latest watch and whisky events Sydney has to offer. His passion has also taken him around Australia attending a number of events and he hopes to continue his career in the watch industry on a more serious level after he graduates. Read his articles here.
