Ralph Lauren is the proud owner of one of the world’s most impressive car collections, with supercars from Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini or Jaguar, taking their rightful place within the acclaimed designer’s estate near New York.
But probably the most extraordinary piece from Ralph Lauren’s enviable collection is a magnificent 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe, which is worth a staggering $40 million and also served as inspiration for Ralph Lauren’s brand new RL Automotive Skeleton watch.
The renowned fashion designer has always been inspired by automotive design, looking at supercars like moving pieces of art, which combine elegant materials and sleek lines with power and functionality.
In many ways, traditional timepieces today and the classic instrument panels have been created following the same design philosophy, something that Ralph Lauren is very well aware of.
The brand has actually expanded its beautiful Automotive collection with five new timepieces, the RL Automotive Skeleton being the highlight of this new line and also Ralph Lauren’s first open-worked timepiece.
This exquisite watch will immediately catch your attention with a stunning ring of Amboyna burl wood which encircles its display, a material that was commonly used during the 1930s in the instrument panel of luxury vehicles.
But the list of details from the automotive world goes on, with elm burl wood dials and black alligator straps, that remind us of the luxurious interior of Mr. Lauren’s Bugatti, while the Arabic numerals seen on these timepieces resemble exactly the numerals found on the car’s iconic gauges.
Inside the case of the new Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton watch is an amazing Swiss mechanical movement that was customized for Ralph Lauren by the famed Val Fleurier. The bridges of the movement have been darkened to further enhance the beauty of the watch and the main plate has been artfully cut away to show off the complex mechanics of the movement.
Just like the Bugatti Type 57SC, the RL Automotive Skeleton watch has been almost entirely handcrafted, another indication that no effort has been spared in order to create a true masterpiece.
Through his Automotive collection, Ralph Lauren has managed to blend the automotive and horological worlds in the most incredible way possible.
I partnered with the brand to write this article but every word is mine
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