When it comes to design, it is often said that a sure-fire formula for success is to make something for yourself. Too many products today are conceived by talent and birthed by committees. Good designs and ideas get molded and degraded by the need to satisfy the many. If a good designer puts their heart and soul into an unadulterated product to satisfy their own picky needs, it usually has the potential of being fantastic.
When it comes to design, it is often said that a sure-fire formula for success is to make something for yourself. Too many products today are conceived by talent and birthed by committees.
Ralph Lauren proved his ability to design fashion that has appeal to many, while keeping true to his own sense of aesthetic. The man has been able to maintain his place on top of the brand, by essentially being the brand. This also applies to Ralph Lauren timepieces, which are known to be made with extensive instruction from Mr. Lauren himself. Made in a partnership with the Richemont Group, the timepieces are still very much items that Ralph wants to wear himself. They are inspired by his good taste, as well as the things around him that he loves.
Know as an avid car collector, a prize among an already prized collection for Ralph Lauren is his extremely rare 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe. The immaculately beautiful Italian car is the inspiration behind a new for 2011 version of the Ralph Lauren Sporting timepiece. Imagined as an extension of the Bugatti’s interior and instrument gauges, the 2011 Sporting watch features a dial framed by elm burl wood. The watch dial itself has a subsidiary seconds, while the two are done in distinct aesthetic styles. The subsidiary seconds dial is done tastefully with a more classic instrument style gauge appearance, while the main dial is cleaner with a more straight forward sense of displaying information. Both of course are retro in personality, hearkening to the heyday of 1938 Bugatti. The combination of the two dial styles isn’t often attempted, but seems to work in this instance.
Small details on the watch easily position it as a well-designed timepiece. Luminant on Arabic hour numerals and the sword style hands are yellowed a bit (to mimic oxidation) as a nod to the past, while screws in the elm burl wood and on the bezel suggest practical utility. The dial is very aesthetically balanced and easy to read while the decorative wood and functional elements blend together smoothly.
Sized at 44.8 mm in width, the watch uses the existing Ralph Lauren Sporting style case in steel with contrasting brushed and polished finishes. Inside the watch is an IWC Caliber RL98295 manually wound movement that is made for Ralph Lauren. It features extensive decoration on the bridges and a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is matched to a black calfskin leather strap. A tasteful timepiece like this is likely to be worn by Ralph Lauren himself, who often picks regular favorites among his own collection. Price is $13,400. www.ralphlaurenwatches.com.
1. 44.8-mm wide steel case
2. Elm burl wood on dial
3. Dial inspired by 1938 Bugatti dashboard
4. Contains IWC made manually wound movement
5. Black calfskin strap
Ariel Adams is the Haute Living Watch Editor and also publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
